Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

If you love pecan pie but want something even more bite-sized and fun, then Pecan Pie Balls are about to be your new favorite treat! These little bites of heaven pack all the warm, caramelized flavors of a classic pecan pie into a perfect, pop-in-your-mouth form. They’re sweet, nutty, and irresistibly delicious. Plus, they come together in a flash and are perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or just as an everyday indulgence. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Balls

Easy to Make

These little treats are a breeze to make, no baking required! You’ll mix, roll, and chill, and in just a short time, you’ll have delicious pecan pie bites ready to devour. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and delicious.

A Sweet, Nutty Delight

The combination of sweet brown sugar, buttery goodness, and crunchy pecans is a winning flavor trio. It’s like eating a mini pecan pie, but with an even more indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

No-Bake Goodness

No oven required! These Pecan Pie Balls are the ultimate easy dessert. They’re perfect for warm weather when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen, or when you’re just craving something quick and easy.

Perfect for Sharing

These bite-sized balls are great for parties, gatherings, or even just snacking. You can easily pop them into your mouth, and they’re just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your sugar craving.

Ingredients

Pecan Nuts

Chopped pecans are the heart of this recipe. They provide that signature nutty crunch and rich flavor that’s essential to a pecan pie-inspired treat.

Brown Sugar

Packed brown sugar gives the balls their deep caramel flavor and sweetness. It’s what makes these little bites so irresistible!

Butter

Melted butter adds richness and binds everything together. It brings that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes these treats so delicious.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup adds that extra layer of sweetness and depth, perfectly complementing the pecans. It’s the secret ingredient that takes these balls from good to amazing.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla extract adds a little warm, fragrant flavor that brings the whole mixture together.

Graham Cracker Crumbs

These crumbs act as a binding agent and give the pecan balls a slight, subtle texture. They help hold everything together while still keeping them light and tasty.

Powdered Sugar

For rolling, powdered sugar is the perfect way to give your pecan balls that signature sweet coating. It’s the finishing touch that makes them irresistible.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~200 kcal
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the pecans into small pieces. You want them small enough to form a bite-sized ball but still big enough to give you that nutty crunch.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but firm enough to roll into balls.

Step 3: Roll into Balls

Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Repeat until all the mixture is used up. If the mixture gets too sticky, you can refrigerate it for a few minutes to make it easier to roll.

Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Once all the balls are rolled, place powdered sugar on a plate and roll each ball in the sugar until fully coated. This adds a sweet, delicate finish to each bite.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Place the pecan pie balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and gives them the perfect texture. Once chilled, they’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls

As a Dessert Table Treat

These Pecan Pie Balls are perfect for a dessert spread at holiday parties, potlucks, or any gathering. They’re easy to pick up, and everyone will love the bite-sized pecan pie flavor!

With Coffee or Tea

Pair these sweet treats with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy, indulgent snack. The rich, nutty flavor complements your beverage beautifully.

As a Snack

Craving something sweet in the middle of the day? Grab a couple of these pecan pie balls for a sweet, satisfying treat. They’re small enough to enjoy without overindulging, but flavorful enough to curb any sugar craving.

Gift Them

These pecan pie balls make a lovely homemade gift! Pack them in a cute box or jar, and they’ll be the perfect holiday gift or a thoughtful treat for a friend or loved one.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Mixture: If you find the mixture a bit too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 10 minutes to firm it up before rolling.
• Storage: Store leftover Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Customization: Feel free to add chocolate chips or a pinch of cinnamon for a little twist on the traditional pecan pie flavor.
• No Maple Syrup?: You can substitute honey or agave syrup for maple syrup if needed, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
   Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts can be great substitutes.
2. How long do these pecan pie balls last?
   They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make these pecan pie balls gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers or another cookie substitute.
4. Can I dip these in chocolate?
   Yes, you can dip them in melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness.
5. How do I prevent the balls from getting too sticky?
   Grease your hands lightly with butter or chill the mixture before rolling to prevent stickiness.
6. Can I roll the pecan pie balls in something other than powdered sugar?
   Yes! Try rolling them in chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or even crushed chocolate cookies.
7. Can I use a food processor to chop the pecans?
   Yes! Just be sure to pulse them until they’re finely chopped, not powdered.
8. Can I make pecan pie balls ahead of time?
   Yes! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge.
9. Can I use maple syrup substitute?
   Yes! You can use honey, agave nectar, or even brown sugar syrup for a different flavor profile.
10. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion

These Pecan Pie Balls are truly the perfect combination of sweet and nutty, with a simple, no-bake approach that makes them easy to prepare any time. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying them as an afternoon treat, these bite-sized delights are sure to be a crowd favorite. The best part? You can make them ahead of time, so when the cravings hit, your delicious pecan pie balls are ready to go!

Enjoy every bite of these tasty little treats—and feel free to get creative with different coatings or fillings. No matter how you make them, these pecan pie balls are sure to leave everyone asking for more!

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