Best No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls – Easy, Bite-Sized Perfection!

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Who doesn’t love the sweet, nutty, and buttery flavor of pecan pie? Now imagine all that goodness packed into a bite-sized treat you can make without even turning on the oven. Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake) are the perfect snack for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a simple indulgence at home. They’re quick, easy, and packed with the comforting flavors of traditional pecan pie.

Why Pecan Pie Balls Are the Perfect Dessert

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this no-bake recipe is ideal. You don’t need fancy equipment or special skills—just mix, roll, and chill. Plus, these pecan pie balls are portable, making them great for sharing and gifting.

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • No Baking Required: Save time and skip the oven.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples are all you need.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in festive boxes or jars for an easy homemade gift.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or add a chocolate coating for extra indulgence.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake)

For the Pecan Pie Balls

  • 2 cups finely chopped pecans
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Optional for Coating

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (to thin the chocolate)
  • Crushed pecans or graham cracker crumbs for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans (Optional)

For a deeper, nuttier flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes. Let them cool completely before using.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, crushed graham crackers, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.


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3. Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture comes together and forms a sticky dough. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more maple syrup, one teaspoon at a time.

4. Roll into Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Chill the Balls

Refrigerate the pecan pie balls for at least 1 hour to firm up. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

6. Add the Coating (Optional)

  • Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
  • Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
  • Place the chocolate-coated balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and garnish with crushed pecans or graham cracker crumbs.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the coating has hardened, your pecan pie balls are ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Tips for Making the Best Pecan Pie Balls

  • Chop Pecans Finely: Finely chopped pecans help the mixture stick together better.
  • Use Quality Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup provides a richer flavor compared to imitation varieties.
  • Experiment with Coatings: Try white chocolate, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar for variety.
  • Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling is essential for setting the balls and making them easier to handle.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories120
Protein2g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat8g
Fiber1g
Sugar6g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Pecan pie balls can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

2. What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?

Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor for finer crumbs.

3. Can I freeze pecan pie balls?

Absolutely! Place the balls on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

4. How can I make these vegan?

Use vegan graham crackers and substitute maple syrup for honey if needed. Check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

5. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey works well as a substitute, though it will add a slightly different flavor.

6. Do I need to coat them in chocolate?

No, the coating is optional. The balls are delicious on their own, but chocolate adds an extra layer of decadence.

Conclusion: Try No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls Today!

Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake) are the perfect treat when you want all the flavor of pecan pie without the effort. With their rich, nutty taste and delightful crunch, these bite-sized desserts are sure to impress.

Ready to make them? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy creating these delicious no-bake treats. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging solo, they’re guaranteed to hit the sweet spot!

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Best No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls – Easy, Bite-Sized Perfection!


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  • Author: Merry
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 20–24 balls

Description

Enjoy the delicious flavors of pecan pie in an easy, no-bake treat! Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake) combine crunchy pecans, sweet graham crackers, and a hint of cinnamon, all rolled into bite-sized delights. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these treats are as simple as they are irresistible.


Ingredients

For the pecan pie balls:

  • 2 cups finely chopped pecans
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

For optional coating:

    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
    • Crushed pecans or graham cracker crumbs for garnish

Instructions

  • Toast the Pecans (Optional):
    For a richer flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes. Allow them to cool before using.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, crushed graham crackers, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
  • Add Wet Ingredients:
    Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture comes together to form a sticky dough. If the dough is too dry, add more maple syrup, one teaspoon at a time.
  • Roll into Balls:
    Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Chill the Balls:
    Refrigerate the pecan pie balls for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  • Optional Coating:
    • Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
    • Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
    • Place the balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and garnish with crushed pecans or graham cracker crumbs.
  • Serve and Store:
    Once the coating has hardened, the pecan pie balls are ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, use dairy-free chocolate and ensure the graham crackers are vegan-friendly.
  • If you prefer honey, you can substitute it for the maple syrup.
  • To make the dough easier to work with, slightly chill it before rolling into balls.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

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