Looking for a bite-sized dessert that packs all the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie without the fuss of slicing a whole pie? Pecan Pie Balls are your new go-to treat!
These little delights are buttery, crunchy, and drizzled with just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or anytime you need a quick indulgence. Imagine the classic caramelized pecan flavor rolled into perfectly round, bite-sized balls that are as fun to eat as they are to make.
Save this pin for recipe and have a stash ready whenever a sweet craving hits—you’ll thank yourself later!
The best part? These treats are simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and little hands-on time. You can mix, roll, and chill them in under an hour, leaving you more time to enjoy your company—or sneak a few for yourself.
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile: drizzle them with chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt, or even coat them in crushed nuts for extra crunch. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a gathering, or just keeping a secret batch for yourself, Pecan Pie Balls are guaranteed to wow with every bite.
Get ready for a bite-sized indulgence: Pecan Pie Balls. These no-bake confections capture the rich, buttery, and nutty essence of a classic pecan pie, transforming it into a convenient, delightful truffle.
They're crafted by crushing crunchy vanilla wafers (or graham crackers) and folding them into a decadent mixture of finely chopped, toasted pecans, a touch of warming cinnamon, and the gooey sweetness of pecan pie filling (or a blend of butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup). This mixture is then rolled into small, perfect spheres.
The exterior often receives a final flourish, typically a dusting of powdered sugar or a coating of melted white or dark chocolate, which sets into a delightful snap. Unlike traditional pie, these handheld treats require no oven time, offering an immediate and intense burst of that comforting holiday flavor.
Each ball delivers a satisfying contrast between the smooth, rich filling inside and the slight textural crunch from the pecans and coating, making them an ideal, fuss-free dessert for any gathering.
To start, you need the dry ingredients. In a generously sized bowl, bring together 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs (or crushed vanilla wafers), the 2 cups of cooled, finely chopped pecans, and around 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar. Use a wire whip to swiftly ensure all components are thoroughly distributed throughout the bowl. This combination forms the perfect textural base for your truffle.
For the liquid portion, take a smaller dish and stir together 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Drizzle this liquid mixture over your combined dry contents. With a durable wooden spoon or spatula, work the ingredients vigorously until a dense, uniform paste develops. The mixture must achieve a consistency that is damp and pliable enough to easily form a sphere without breaking apart. If the mixture seems overly dry, incorporate a small extra measure of maple syrup.
Gently set the chocolate-covered truffle back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Before the chocolate fully hardens, you have a brief window to customize your treats! Press a small pecan half onto the very top of the sphere, or scatter them with a pinch of finely chopped pecans for a textured finish. Allow the chocolate coating to solidify at room temperature, or return them to the refrigerator for a quick 15-minute chill. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Follow these tips for a truly exceptional result:
These simple truffles can be elevated with thoughtful presentation and smart serving techniques:
The base recipe is forgiving and adapts well to various complementary flavors. Try these simple variations:
One of the best qualities of Pecan Pie Balls is their excellent make-ahead potential and storage capacity.
The Pecan Pie Ball is a triumph of convenience and flavor—a perfect example of how a no-bake recipe can deliver big on classic taste. By adhering to key steps like toasting the nuts and ensuring proper chilling time, you create a confection that is chewy, deeply nutty, and satisfyingly sweet. Whether you serve them simply dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in a glossy chocolate shell, these little bites are an essential addition to any holiday platter or dessert spread, offering all the comfort of pecan pie without the slicing. Enjoy!
