A Sweet Southern Favorite Turned Bite-Sized
You know that warm, gooey, nutty goodness of a pecan pie that graces just about every holiday table across the South? Now imagine all that incredible flavor packed into a single, chocolate-covered, pop-in-your-mouth bite. Sounds dreamy, right?
That’s exactly what Pecan Pie Balls are—bite-sized pieces of heaven that combine everything you love about classic pecan pie, minus the baking and with a bonus layer of rich chocolate. These are the perfect no-bake treat for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy night in.
Let’s dig in and learn how to make these irresistible little treats!
What Are Pecan Pie Balls?
Pecan Pie Balls are no-bake dessert bites made with chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of corn syrup and vanilla for sweetness and binding. Then, they’re rolled into little balls and dunked into melted chocolate for that final luscious touch.
The result? A perfect blend of soft, crunchy, rich, and nutty—like pecan pie, but way easier to make and ten times more snackable.
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
Here’s why this dessert might just become your new go-to favorite:
Easy to Make
No complicated steps, no worrying about a soggy crust or overbaked pie. You just mix, roll, chill, and dip. That’s it.
No Oven Required
Keep your kitchen cool—especially during the holiday cooking frenzy when oven space is precious.
Holiday-Ready
Whether it’s a Thanksgiving gathering, a Christmas cookie exchange, or a New Year’s treat, pecan pie balls are always a hit.
Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy here. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, which makes whipping up a batch super simple.
Pecans – 1 cup (finely chopped)
Pecans bring that signature nutty, buttery flavor and a bit of crunch. Make sure they’re chopped nice and fine so they mix in evenly.
Powdered Sugar – 1 cup
This gives the dough sweetness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Butter – ¼ cup, softened
Butter is essential for richness and binding everything together. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Graham Cracker Crumbs – ½ cup
These add body and texture to the dough, mimicking the base of a pie crust.
Light Corn Syrup – 1 tbsp
Adds that sticky sweetness and keeps everything from crumbling apart.
Vanilla Extract – ½ tsp
Just a little goes a long way. Vanilla adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
Salt – ¼ tsp
A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and brings out the nuttiness of the pecans.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – 1 cup (for coating)
The chocolate coating gives these balls a rich, indulgent outer shell. Semi-sweet strikes the perfect balance—not too sweet, not too bitter.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet or tray
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Fork or toothpick (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Mixture
Start by adding your chopped pecans, powdered sugar, softened butter, graham cracker crumbs, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt to a large bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly. It should form a sticky, dough-like texture.
You might be tempted to eat it right out of the bowl—and honestly, we wouldn’t blame you!
Step 2: Shape into Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. They should be firm and not too sticky. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
You’ll get about 12–15 balls, depending on how big you make them.
Step 3: Chill for Firmness
Pop those beauties into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up so they hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
Step 4: Melt and Dip in Chocolate
While the balls are chilling, melt your chocolate chips. Microwave them in a safe bowl for 20–30 second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and glossy.
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or toothpick. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back onto the parchment.
Want to get fancy? Top with a pecan half before the chocolate sets!
Step 5: Chill Again to Set
Once they’re all dipped and dressed, stick them back in the fridge for another 30 minutes. This sets the chocolate coating perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Store
Now they’re ready! Serve them up on a festive platter or tuck them into a cookie tin. Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Balls
- Toast your pecans before chopping them to intensify their flavor.
- Don’t skip the second chill—it helps the chocolate stay shiny and firm.
- Use a small scoop for evenly sized balls and less mess.
Customize Your Pecan Pie Balls
These are super flexible. Try these twists:
Add Bourbon for an Adult Twist
Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon for a grown-up version. It adds warmth and richness without overpowering.
Make Them Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free graham crackers if you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions.
Try White or Dark Chocolate Coating
Switch up the chocolate for a different flavor profile. White chocolate adds sweetness, dark chocolate adds depth.
Troubleshooting Guide
Too Sticky to Roll?
Chill the dough for 15 minutes before rolling, or add a few more crumbs to stiffen it up.
Chocolate Not Setting?
Make sure your kitchen isn’t too warm, and chill the balls long enough. You can also use a bit of coconut oil in the chocolate to help it set better.
Print
Pecan Pie Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts / Holiday Treats / No-Bake Sweets
Description
Sweet, bite-sized pecan delights coated in rich chocolate! Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a quick indulgent treat. 😋✨
Ingredients
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup butter, softened
½ cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for coating)
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture (5 minutes) 🥄
In a large bowl, combine chopped pecans, powdered sugar, softened butter, graham cracker crumbs, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
Mix until fully combined and a dough-like consistency forms.
Form the Balls (5 minutes) ✋
Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.
Chill the Balls (30 minutes) ❄️
Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Coat with Chocolate (10 minutes) 🍫
Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or toothpick. Let excess chocolate drip off and return to the baking sheet.
Chill Again (30 minutes) ⏳
Refrigerate chocolate-coated balls for another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Serve & Enjoy (1 minute) 🍽️
Once the chocolate is firm, serve these sweet, bite-sized treats at your next holiday party or gathering!
Notes
Use finely chopped pecans for an even texture and easier mixing.
To prevent sticking while rolling, lightly grease your hands with butter.
Semi-sweet chocolate can be substituted with milk or dark chocolate depending on preference.
These pecan pie balls are perfect for gifting — wrap them individually in festive paper.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12–15
- Calories: ~150 kcal per ball
How to Store Pecan Pie Balls
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They get even better as they sit, so don’t be afraid to make them ahead.
Can You Freeze Them? (Yes, and Here’s How)
Absolutely! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll last about 2–3 months frozen. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
You may like also :
Pecan Pie Cobbler – The Ultimate Gooey Southern Dessert!
Bakery-Style Pecan Pie Oatmeal Cookies
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Platters
Add these to your cookie tray for a show-stopping sweet treat.
Edible Gifts
Wrap them in cute boxes or jars for homemade gifts your friends will actually love.
Dessert Buffets
Place them in mini cupcake liners for a bite-sized dessert station at your party.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve Them With
- A cup of hot cocoa or coffee
- Vanilla ice cream (yes, really!)
- A drizzle of caramel sauce on the side
Nutritional Info and Serving Size
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbs: ~12g
- Fat: ~10g
- Protein: ~1g
(Note: Varies based on chocolate and size.)
Why These Pecan Pie Balls Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box
They’re sweet, nutty, chocolatey, and so satisfying. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or showing off at your next gathering. Plus, they’re no-bake and totally beginner-friendly.
You’re basically turning one of the most beloved pies into a portable, poppable treat—and what’s not to love about that?
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Balls are the ultimate holiday treat—rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family night or a grand holiday party, they’re guaranteed to impress. No oven, no stress, just delicious little bites of pecan pie perfection.
Try them once, and they’ll be on your dessert table for years to come.
Similar recipes :
Mini Pecan Pies Recipe
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars – The Easiest Southern Treat You’ll Ever Make
Pecan Pie Balls
FAQs About Pecan Pie Balls
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, they taste even better the next day. Just store them in the fridge.
2. Do I have to use corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps with texture and binding. If needed, you can sub with maple syrup or honey, though the texture may vary.
3. Can I make these nut-free?
Pecans are the star, but for allergies, try sunflower seeds or crunchy granola as a sub. Just know the flavor will be different.
4. Why is my dough too crumbly?
Try adding a tiny bit more butter or corn syrup. Start with a teaspoon at a time.
5. What’s the best way to dip them in chocolate?
Use a fork to lift the ball out of the chocolate, tap off the excess, then place on parchment paper to set.
