These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect bite-sized treat for when you’re craving the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but don’t want to deal with baking. Packed with pecans, graham crackers, and a sweet, buttery filling, these easy-to-make treats are ideal for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a quick and indulgent snack. The best part? No oven required!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pecans
Finely chop the pecans using a food processor or a knife. You want the pecans to be finely chopped, but not too fine, to give the balls some texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the mixture is well combined and starts to come together like dough.
Step 4: Form the Balls
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls between your hands.
Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Roll each ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated. This adds a touch of sweetness and gives the pecan pie balls a classic finish.
Step 6: Chill
Place the pecan pie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, serve your No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls. These delicious bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.
Cooking Notes
- Graham Cracker Substitutes: If you want a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs.
- Sweeteners: You can swap out the maple syrup for honey or corn syrup if you prefer, giving the balls a slightly different sweetness and texture.
- Optional Coating: For a festive twist, drizzle the pecan pie balls with melted chocolate or dip them entirely in chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations
1. Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Pie Balls
Melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and dip each pecan pie ball halfway into the chocolate. Let the chocolate harden before serving for a decadent chocolate-pecan combination.
2. Bourbon Pecan Pie Balls
Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the pecan mixture for a boozy twist. The bourbon adds a warm, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the pecans.
3. Coconut Pecan Pie Balls
Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut to the pecan mixture for a tropical flair. You can also roll the balls in extra coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
4. Vegan Pecan Pie Balls
Use vegan butter and maple syrup to make these pecan pie balls completely vegan. Ensure that your graham crackers are also vegan to keep the recipe dairy-free.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version of these pecan pie balls, make the following substitutions:
- Use almond flour or crushed pecans instead of graham cracker crumbs.
- Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
- Use sugar-free maple syrup for the filling and roll the balls in sugar-free powdered sweetener.
These swaps will keep the flavors rich and satisfying while lowering the carb count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I store pecan pie balls?
Store the pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Pecan pie balls are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
Q: Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans, but the flavor will be slightly different. Pecans have a naturally sweet, buttery flavor that makes them ideal for this recipe.
Q: Do I have to roll them in powdered sugar?
No, rolling in powdered sugar is optional, but it adds a nice sweetness and finish. You can leave them plain, roll them in crushed nuts, or drizzle with melted chocolate instead.
These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful treat that captures the rich flavors of a traditional pecan pie in a quick, easy-to-make, bite-sized form. With their crunchy pecans, sweet filling, and optional powdered sugar coating, these treats are perfect for any holiday gathering, party, or snack. Best of all, they require no baking, making them a convenient and delicious dessert that anyone can enjoy!
