These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect bite-sized treats for any occasion! Combining the classic flavors of pecan pie—sweet, nutty, and buttery—with an easy, no-bake preparation, these treats come together in no time. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these pecan pie balls are sure to impress.
Easy No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
These no-bake delights feature finely chopped pecans mixed with graham crackers, brown sugar, and sticky-sweet syrup, rolled into balls, and coated in melted chocolate for a decadent finish. With no need for an oven, they’re the perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Why Our No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls Are the Best
Our No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are everything you love about pecan pie in a convenient, portable form. By skipping the oven, you can enjoy all the buttery, nutty flavors of a pecan pie with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The chocolate coating takes them to the next level for a rich, indulgent finish.
Ingredients Notes for No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
Each ingredient adds to the rich, nutty, and sweet flavors of these treats:
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans – The star ingredient, adding crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs – Provides structure and a slightly sweet, buttery base.
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar – Adds caramel-like sweetness to mimic pecan pie filling.
- ½ cup corn syrup (light or dark) – Binds the ingredients and adds a sticky sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
For the Coating:
- 12 ounces chocolate melting wafers or chocolate chips – Melts smoothly for an even coating.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional) – Helps the chocolate set with a glossy finish.
Ingredient Substitution Tip: Use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a slightly different flavor. Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free version.
Kitchen Tools Needed for No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
To create these delicious treats, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet or tray
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Small cookie scoop or tablespoon (for portioning)
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Fork or dipping tool (for coating)
How to Make No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
This recipe is quick, easy, and doesn’t require an oven—perfect for busy bakers!
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, and ½ cup packed brown sugar.
Stir in ½ cup corn syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Step 2: Roll Into Balls
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 12 ounces chocolate melting wafers (or chocolate chips) with 1 teaspoon coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Balls
Remove the chilled pecan balls from the fridge. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the coated ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Let the Chocolate Set
Refrigerate the coated pecan pie balls for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate is set, the pecan pie balls are ready to enjoy!
How To Store No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks.
- In the freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls Variations
These treats are versatile and easy to customize:
- Salted Pecan Pie Balls: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate coating before it sets for a sweet-and-salty flavor.
- White Chocolate Coating: Use melted white chocolate for a sweeter, festive appearance.
- Nut Mix: Substitute part of the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a nutty twist.
- Bourbon Pecan Balls: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the filling for an adult-friendly version.
- Spiced Pecan Balls: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
What To Serve With No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
Pair these sweet treats with complementary snacks or drinks:
- Coffee or espresso: The rich flavors of coffee balance the sweetness of the pecan balls.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve as a topping for ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Cheese platter: Add these balls to a cheese board for a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
Top Tips for Perfect No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
- Chop Pecans Finely: Ensure the pecans are finely chopped for a smoother texture and easier rolling.
- Chill the Mixture: Chilling the balls before coating makes them easier to handle and dip.
- Thin the Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a smoother coating.
- Work Quickly: When dipping, work quickly to prevent the chocolate from setting before all balls are coated.
- Customize the Size: Use a smaller or larger scoop depending on your preference for portion size.
Helpful Notes
- If the mixture is too sticky to roll, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
- For a decorative touch, drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel over the finished balls.
- Double the recipe for larger batches—it’s a great treat to share during the holidays!
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Use good-quality chocolate for dipping—it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Ree Drummond: “Adding a touch of vanilla enhances the nutty, sweet flavors in desserts like this.”
- Martha Stewart: “Chill the rolled balls thoroughly before coating to make the process smoother and cleaner.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, store-bought crumbs work just as well and save time.
2. Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Absolutely! These pecan pie balls are perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer.
3. What if I don’t have a food processor to chop the pecans?
You can use a knife to finely chop the pecans or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
4. Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Yes, the pecan balls are delicious without the chocolate, but the coating adds a delightful texture and richness.
5. Are these gluten-free?
They can be! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Enjoy these sweet, nutty No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls, and share them with family and friends for any occasion!
No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
Ingredients
- – 1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans plus extra for garnish
- – 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- – 1 cup brown sugar packed
- – ½ cup corn syrup light or dark
- – ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- – 1 cup white or milk chocolate melting wafers for coating
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar until evenly combined.
- Add Syrup and Vanilla: Stir in the corn syrup and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Shape the Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls with your hands. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the pecan balls for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Coat the Balls: Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to fully coat it. Tap off any excess chocolate and place the coated balls back onto the parchment paper.
- Garnish: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top of each ball for garnish.
- Let Set: Allow the chocolate coating to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy your no-bake pecan pie balls as a holiday treat or snack!
Notes
- Store the pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- You can freeze the balls (without the chocolate coating) for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat in chocolate when ready to serve.
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans before mixing.
