Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Introduction
Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful bite-sized treat that captures the rich flavors of classic pecan pie in a convenient chocolate-coated ball. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty indulgence.
Ingredients
- 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
- 12 ounces chocolate melting discs
- Holiday themed sprinkles (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, Karo syrup, melted butter, almond extract, and rum extract. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Step 2: After chilling, use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion out the pecan mixture and form tight balls with your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Step 3: Melt the chocolate melting discs in a medium bowl according to the package directions. Stir until smooth.
- Step 4: Using a fork, gently dip each pecan ball into the melted chocolate, rolling it around to coat fully. Lift the coated ball with the fork and set it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all balls.
- Step 5: If desired, sprinkle holiday-themed candy sprinkles on top of each coated ball before the chocolate sets. Refrigerate the tray uncovered for 2 hours to allow the chocolate to harden.
- Step 6: Serve the pecan pie balls at room temperature once the chocolate coating has fully firmed.
Tips & Variations
- For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or swapping the rum extract for vanilla extract.
- Use dark or white chocolate discs for a fun twist on the coating.
- To make pecan pie balls nut-free, substitute pecans with toasted sunflower seeds and adjust other ingredients accordingly.
Storage
Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let them sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze them for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make pecan pie balls ahead of time?
Yes, these treats can be prepared and chilled overnight, making them perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
What chocolate works best for coating?
Chocolate melting discs are ideal as they melt smoothly and offer a glossy finish, but you can also use any good-quality baking chocolate chips. Avoid chocolate bars with additives that might not melt evenly.
PrintPecan Pie Balls Recipe
Delicious bite-sized pecan pie balls coated in rich melted chocolate, perfect for holiday treats or anytime indulgence. These no-bake sweets combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-make, festive snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 pecan pie balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pecan Pie Balls
- 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
Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces chocolate melting discs
- Holiday themed sprinkles (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon to mix the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, light Karo syrup, melted salted butter, almond extract, and rum extract until evenly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the mixture to firm up.
- Form Balls: Once chilled, use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion out the pecan filling. Roll each portion tightly into balls by hand and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue until all the mixture is shaped into balls.
- Melt Chocolate: In a medium-sized bowl, melt the chocolate discs according to the package instructions. Stir the melted chocolate until smooth and glossy, ensuring it’s not too thick for coating.
- Coat Pecan Balls: Using a fork, gently dip each pecan ball into the melted chocolate, rolling it around carefully to fully coat the ball without breaking it apart. Lift the coated ball out with the fork and place it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all pecan balls are chocolate-coated.
- Add Sprinkles: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle holiday-themed candy sprinkles on top if desired to add festive decoration.
- Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator uncovered for about 2 hours to allow the chocolate coating to harden completely.
- Serve: Once the chocolate has set, serve the pecan pie balls at room temperature as a delightful, bite-sized treat.
Notes
- Use finely chopped pecans for better binding and texture.
- Chilling the mixture helps make the balls easier to shape and ensures they hold their form when dipped in chocolate.
- Ensure the melted chocolate is smooth and slightly cooled to prevent melting the pecan balls during coating.
- Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with toasted sunflower seeds and adjust flavorings accordingly.
- These make great gifts—wrap them in festive cellophane for an attractive presentation.
Keywords: pecan pie balls, no bake dessert, holiday treats, chocolate coated, bite size sweets, pecan dessert
