No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls bring together the classic flavors of pecan pie in a quick and easy bite-sized form. Each piece features toasted pecans, sweet dates, and a caramel-like syrup, giving these treats a chewy texture with a delightful crunch. The coating of finely chopped pecans adds an extra layer of nutty flavor and visual appeal, making them ideal for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dates
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans for coating
Instructions
Toast the Pecans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Allow them to cool completely.
Prepare the Mixture:
- In a food processor, pulse the toasted pecans until finely chopped. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the graham cracker crumbs and finely chopped dates, stirring until well combined.
Make the Syrup Mixture:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the light corn syrup and brown sugar, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the warm syrup mixture over the pecan, graham cracker, and date mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
Shape into Balls:
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Coat with Pecans:
- Roll each ball in finely chopped pecans until fully coated.
Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the pecan pie balls for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Chop Dates Finely: To evenly distribute the sweetness, chop the dates into small pieces or pulse them in the food processor.
- Let the Syrup Cool Slightly: If the syrup mixture is too hot, it may soften the graham crackers too much. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the dry ingredients.
- Use a Small Cookie Scoop: If you prefer consistent sizes, use a cookie scoop to measure out the mixture before rolling.