Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/pecan-pie-balls-recipe/
