Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Introduction

Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful bite-sized treat that captures all the flavors of classic pecan pie in a fun, no-bake form. Coated in rich chocolate and optionally decorated with festive sprinkles, these sweet balls make perfect holiday snacks or gifts.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups pecans (fine chopped)
• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons light karo syrup
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• ¾ teaspoon rum extract
• 12 ounces chocolate melting discs (Ghirardelli recommended)
• Optional garnish: Holiday themed sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, karo syrup, melted butter, almond extract, and rum extract. Mix well until fully combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to overnight.
2. Step 2: Once chilled, use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion the pecan filling. Wet your hands with warm water, then shape each scoop into a tight ball by gently squeezing and compacting it in your palm. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Melt the chocolate discs in a medium, shallow bowl according to the package directions. Stir until smooth.
4. Step 4: Using a fork, dip each pecan ball into the melted chocolate, rolling it gently to coat without breaking the ball. Lift out with the fork and return to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all balls.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle holiday-themed candy sprinkles on top of each chocolate-coated pecan ball. Refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours to allow the chocolate to firm.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra festive touch, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling mixture.
• Using warm water to wet your hands helps prevent the filling from sticking while shaping the balls.
• If you prefer, substitute dark chocolate discs for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter contrast.

Storage

Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To serve, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of melting discs?

While regular chocolate chips can work, melting discs are formulated to melt smoothly without seizing, which helps achieve a nicer coating. If using chips, melt gently over low heat and stir frequently.

How can I make the balls less sticky when rolling?

Wetting your hands with warm water before shaping the balls prevents the mixture from sticking and helps form tight, uniform shapes more easily.

Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

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These Pecan Pie Balls are bite-sized treats bursting with the rich flavors of pecans, brown sugar, and maple syrup, all coated in smooth, melted chocolate. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a decadent, no-bake dessert that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (melting chocolate and coating)
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 20 pecan pie balls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Filling

• 1½ cups pecans, finely chopped
• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons light Karo syrup
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• ¾ teaspoon rum extract

Coating

• 12 ounces chocolate melting discs (Ghirardelli brand recommended)
• Optional garnish: holiday themed sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, light Karo syrup, melted salted butter, almond extract, and rum extract. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to let the flavors meld and the mixture firm up.
2. Form the pecan balls: Once chilled, use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion out the pecan mixture. Wet your hands with warm water and gently squeeze each scoop of filling into tight, compact balls to prevent them from falling apart. Place each pecan ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue until all the mixture is shaped into balls.
3. Melt the chocolate: In a medium-sized, shallow bowl, melt the chocolate melting discs following the package instructions, usually using a microwave or double boiler. Stir until the melted chocolate is smooth and free of lumps.
4. Coat the pecan balls: Using a fork, carefully dip each pecan ball into the melted chocolate. Roll the ball gently to coat it evenly, taking care not to break them apart. Lift the chocolate-coated pecan ball out with the fork, letting excess chocolate drip back into the bowl, then place it on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all pecan balls.
5. Add garnish and chill: If desired, immediately sprinkle holiday-themed candy sprinkles over the tops of the chocolate-coated pecan balls. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator uncovered for about 2 hours to allow the chocolate to harden and set firmly before serving.

Notes

• Chilling the filling overnight enhances the flavors and makes the balls easier to form.
• Wetting your hands before shaping the balls prevents sticking and helps compress the mixture tightly.
• Use high-quality chocolate discs for a smooth, glossy finish.
• These treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
• For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, but note flavor and texture changes.

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