Thank you so much for stopping by my kitchen today! If you’ve ever craved that rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but didn’t want to fuss with rolling pie dough or heating up the oven, you’re in for a treat. These Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake) deliver all the cozy Southern charm of a classic pecan pie—wrapped up in a bite-sized, melt-in-your-mouth delight.
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Overview of Recipe Content
These no-bake pecan pie balls are a holiday-worthy dessert that also happen to be perfect for quick snacking, potlucks, or gifting during the festive season.
Why you’ll love them:
- No baking required! Perfect for when the oven is busy.
- Packed with pecan pie flavor. Buttery pecans, sweet brown sugar, and a touch of bourbon (or apple juice).
- Customizable. Dip them in chocolate, roll them in powdered sugar, or leave them rustic.
- Make-ahead friendly. They store beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
What they taste like:
Imagine the gooey filling of a pecan pie, but firmer and rolled into bite-sized truffles. Sweet, nutty, with a whisper of maple and vanilla, plus a boozy warmth if you opt for bourbon.
Nutritional perks:
While this is still a decadent treat, pecans bring healthy fats, fiber, and protein. A little indulgence with a touch of nourishment!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecans, toasted and finely chopped
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon or apple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted (for dipping)
Tools you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor (optional, for chopping pecans)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
Substitutions & Additions:
- No bourbon? Use apple juice or even orange juice.
- Want them less sweet? Swap half the brown sugar for coconut sugar.
- Add texture. Stir in mini chocolate chips before rolling.
- Festive coating. Try rolling them in crushed graham crackers, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar instead of dipping in chocolate.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls
- Toast and chop the pecans. Toasting deepens their nutty flavor (about 5 minutes in a 350°F oven). Chop finely.
- Mix the dry base. In a large bowl, combine pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients. Stir in maple syrup, bourbon (or apple juice), and vanilla extract until it forms a sticky mixture.
- Shape into balls. Roll about a tablespoon of mixture into smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dip in chocolate. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (20-second bursts, stirring in between) and dip each ball halfway or fully, depending on your mood!
- Chill. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until set.
✨ The hardest part? Not eating them all before they’re chilled!
What to Serve with Pecan Pie Balls
- Pair with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Serve on a holiday dessert board alongside cookies, fudge, and truffles.
- Dress them up in mini cupcake liners and gift them in a festive tin.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Toast those pecans. It’s a small step, but it makes all the difference.
- Consistency check. If too dry, add a splash more juice or bourbon. Too wet? Sprinkle in extra graham crumbs.
- For smoother rolling. Chill the mixture for 10 minutes before shaping.
- Chocolate dipping tip. Use a fork to lift the balls out after dipping so excess chocolate drips off.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make ahead: Perfect for holiday prep—you can make them days ahead and they’ll still taste amazing.
General Information
These little bites are inspired by the classic Southern pecan pie, a dessert staple on holiday tables across the U.S. Instead of a slice, you get a portable, mess-free treat. They’re also great for bake sales, gifting, or when you want that pecan pie fix without firing up the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these without alcohol?
A: Absolutely—use apple juice, orange juice, or even strong brewed coffee.
Q: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
A: Yes, though the flavor will be slightly different. Pecans are sweeter and more buttery.
Q: Do they need to stay refrigerated?
A: Yes, since they’re no-bake and use syrup, they hold best when chilled.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: 100%! Just make sure to use a large enough mixing bowl.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are proof that you don’t need an oven to enjoy the soul-warming flavors of pecan pie. Sweet, nutty, and just a little indulgent, they’re perfect for holidays—or any day you need a cozy bite of joy.
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Interactive Elements
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- Drop a comment below if you try these pecan pie balls.
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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 ball)
Calories | Carbs | Sugar | Fat | Saturated Fat | Fiber | Protein | Sodium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
180 | 20g | 12g | 9g | 2.5g | 2g | 2g | 65mg |
Irresistible No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls 😍 (Sweet & Easy Recipe)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are bite-sized treats that taste just like pecan pie—sweet, nutty, and coated in chocolate. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or snacking without turning on the oven!
Ingredients
2 cups pecans, toasted and finely chopped
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon or apple juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted (for dipping)
Instructions
1. Toast pecans in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F, then chop finely.
2. Combine pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Stir in maple syrup, bourbon (or juice), and vanilla extract until sticky.
4. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
5. Melt chocolate chips and dip each ball, then chill until set.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Hello!! My name is Poulef
The heart and hands behind this blog. Inspired by my grandma’s kitchen, where fresh ingredients and love created magic, I now share recipes to bring that same warmth to your home. Let’s cook something special together! Let’s be friends!