Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
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.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 pecan pie balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture for easier handling.
- 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.
- Refrigerate Balls: Chill the rolled balls in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to firm them up before coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- Set the Coating: Refrigerate the coated balls for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens and sets fully.
- 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