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Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 116 reviews

Pecan Pie Balls are a delicious no-bake holiday treat that capture the rich, nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized form. Mixing finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and a luscious buttery maple syrup base, these balls are coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate and garnished with extra pecans for an irresistible festive dessert perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating & Garnish

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Extra chopped pecans (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (to thin chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined, ensuring balanced flavor throughout.
  2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk for about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the creamy wet ingredients into the dry mixture and fold together using a spatula until thick and slightly sticky. Add additional maple syrup, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
  4. Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture for easier shaping.
  5. Roll Balls: Remove chilled mixture and scoop about one tablespoon at a time, rolling into balls with your hands or a small cookie scoop. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between. You should get 20-25 balls.
  6. Chill Balls: Refrigerate the rolled balls on the baking sheet for another 30 minutes to firm up before coating.
  7. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth. Add coconut or vegetable oil if chocolate is too thick.
  8. Coat Balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled pecan pie ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place back on the parchment-lined sheet. Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top while chocolate is wet.
  9. Set Chocolate: Once all balls are coated, refrigerate the sheet for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully set and harden.
  10. Serve: After chocolate has hardened, the pecan pie balls are ready to enjoy as a festive, sweet bite-sized treat.

Notes

  • For an even coating, ensure the balls are very cold before dipping in chocolate.
  • If chocolate starts to harden during coating, gently reheat for a few seconds to restore dipping consistency.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during chilling and coating.
  • These no-bake treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Optional: Substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetener.

Keywords: pecan pie balls, no-bake pecan dessert, holiday treats, bite-sized pecan pie, chocolate coated pecan balls

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/pecan-pie-balls-recipe/