Some desserts just feel like a hug in edible form—and these Pecan Pie Balls are one of them. Imagine the nutty, caramel-kissed flavor of a classic Southern pecan pie, but rolled into a perfectly portioned, chocolate-dipped bite. These little gems skip the oven, making them one of the easiest no-bake holiday desserts you can prepare when the kitchen is already packed with casseroles, turkey, and pies.
For me, discovering these treats was a lifesaver one Thanksgiving when the oven was in full swing and dessert options felt limited to traditional pie. I wanted something festive, indulgent, and easy to share. Enter pecan pie balls—a recipe that’s part bite-sized treat, part nostalgic Southern-inspired dessert, and completely irresistible.
Pecan Pie Balls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pecans, finely chopped toast lightly for extra flavor, optional
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs sub with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits
- ⅔ cup brown sugar light or dark
- ½ cup maple syrup honey or agave can substitute
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted use unsalted and add a pinch of salt if preferred
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz chocolate melting discs or chocolate chips with 2 tbsp coconut oil, or almond bark
- holiday sprinkles optional, for decorating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, almond extract, and vanilla. Stir until evenly moistened.
- Cover and chill mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out 2-inch scoops. With damp hands, squeeze and roll into tight balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- In a shallow bowl, melt chocolate discs in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. If using chocolate chips, add coconut oil before melting.
- Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Tap off excess, place back on parchment, and top with sprinkles if desired.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours until chocolate hardens.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Why Pecan Pie Balls Belong on Your Holiday Table
Stress-Free Holiday Magic
Hosting during the holidays can feel like juggling a dozen spinning plates. That’s why no-bake recipes are pure gold. With these pecan pie balls, you get easy party snacks and sweets that come together in minutes and chill while you focus on bigger dishes. They’re also make-ahead desserts, so you can prep them the day before Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Bite-Sized, Shareable, Festive
Each chocolate-dipped ball is portion-controlled, making them great for grazing tables, cookie trays, or passing around at parties. They slide perfectly onto a Christmas cookie tray alongside gingerbread men and sugar cookies—or nestle beautifully in a tin for festive food gifts.
Southern Comfort in Every Bite
Pecan pie has deep Southern roots, and this recipe captures all its buttery, nutty, caramel notes in a creative new format. You’ll taste the richness of toasted pecans, the sweetness of maple, and the indulgence of smooth chocolate coating. Think of them as pecan pie’s playful little cousin.
Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions
To make these delicious pecan pie balls, you’ll need simple pantry staples:
- Pecans (1½ cups, finely chopped): The star of the show. You can toast them lightly for extra depth. Walnuts or hazelnuts work in a pinch, but pecans deliver the truest flavor.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs (¾ cup): These give structure and a subtle sweetness. Sub with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits if needed.
- Brown Sugar (⅔ cup): Adds molasses richness. Light or dark brown sugar both work.
- Maple Syrup (½ cup): Replaces corn syrup for a naturally rich, caramelized sweetness. Honey or agave could substitute.
- Salted Butter (2 tbsp, melted): Adds richness. Use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if preferred.
- Almond Extract (¼ tsp): Brings a nutty perfume. If you don’t love almond, omit it.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Balances everything with warm, sweet notes.
- Chocolate Melting Discs (12 oz): Choose Ghirardelli or Wilton, or use chocolate chips melted with 2 tbsp coconut oil. Almond bark also works for smooth coating.
- Holiday Sprinkles (optional): Perfect for making these chocolate-dipped desserts festive.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine pecans, graham crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, almond extract, and vanilla. Stir until evenly moistened. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) so the mixture firms up.
Step 2: Form the Balls
Using a cookie scoop, portion out 2-inch scoops. With damp hands, squeeze and roll into tight balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a shallow bowl, melt chocolate discs in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. If using chocolate chips, combine with coconut oil before melting.
Step 4: Dip & Decorate
Using a fork, dip each ball into the chocolate. Tap off excess, place back on parchment, and top with sprinkles if desired.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Refrigerate for 2 hours until chocolate hardens.
Step 6: Serve & Store
Serve chilled or at room temp. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. These also freeze beautifully for longer storage.
Variations, Storage & Serving Ideas
- Nutty Twists: Try walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie Balls: Add 1 tbsp bourbon to the filling for an adults-only treat.
- White Chocolate Coating: Dip in white chocolate and drizzle with dark for a contrast look.
- Holiday Platters: Mix with Gingerbread Truffles and Pineapple Christmas Balls for variety.
- Festive Food Gifts: Package in mason jars or holiday tins for homemade gifting.
For longer storage, freeze in layers between parchment. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
FAQs About Pecan Pie Balls
1. Can I make pecan pie balls ahead of time?
Yes! These are one of the best make-ahead desserts. Chill or freeze them in advance and simply bring them out before serving.
2. Do I need to toast the pecans first?
Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, but it’s optional. If you’re short on time, use raw pecans.
3. What chocolate works best for coating?
Melting wafers or almond bark give the smoothest finish. Regular chocolate chips work too—just add coconut oil to prevent clumping.
4. Can I freeze pecan pie balls?
Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers with parchment between layers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Coconut Cream Pancakes – tropical brunch sweetness.
- Crockpot Apple Butter – cozy fall spread.
For even more holiday recipe inspiration, join me on Pinterest and follow along on Facebook where I share seasonal treats and baking tips.