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Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

4.8 from 66 reviews

Delicious and bite-sized Pecan Pie Balls combine the rich flavors of pecans, cocoa, and maple syrup, all coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. These no-bake treats are easy to make, perfect for holiday parties or anytime you crave a decadent snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating and Garnish

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for coating)
  • Extra chopped pecans (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed to evenly distribute the flavors.
  2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to cream the softened unsalted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Fold together using a spatula until the mixture is thick, slightly sticky, and uniformly combined. Adjust consistency by adding maple syrup one teaspoon at a time if too dry.
  4. Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture for easier handling.
  5. Roll into Balls: Once chilled, scoop about one tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into balls using hands or a small cookie scoop. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  6. Refrigerate Balls: Chill the rolled balls in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to firm them up before coating.
  7. Melt Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Optionally add a teaspoon of coconut or vegetable oil if chocolate is too thick.
  8. Coat the Balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled pecan pie ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Let excess drip off, then return to parchment-lined sheet. Garnish immediately with extra chopped pecans while chocolate is wet.
  9. Set the Coating: Refrigerate the coated balls for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens and sets fully.
  10. Serve: Once chocolate coating is set, the pecan pie balls are ready to enjoy as a decadent, bite-sized dessert or snack.

Notes

  • If mixture is too crumbly, add maple syrup 1 teaspoon at a time to reach desired stickiness.
  • Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Reheat chocolate gently if it starts to harden during coating.
  • Store completed pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • For a different coating, dark chocolate or white chocolate chips can be used as alternatives.

Keywords: pecan pie balls, no bake dessert, pecan snacks, chocolate coated balls, holiday treats, easy desserts