Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake) – A Bite-Sized Delight!

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If you love pecan pie but don’t want to fuss with making a whole pie, these Pecan Pie Balls are about to become your new favorite treat! They’re no-bake, incredibly easy, and bursting with rich, nutty flavor—all wrapped in a delicious chocolate coating. Plus, they take just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort to put together.

These little bites of heaven are perfect for holidays, parties, or a quick dessert fix when that sweet craving hits. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love an easy, no-bake dessert that tastes like it took hours to make?

So grab your pecans and let’s get rolling!

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Balls

  • No oven required! Perfect for when you don’t want to turn on the heat.

  • Rich, nutty, and chocolatey—just like pecan pie but in a bite-sized form.

  • Great for gifting! These little truffles are perfect for holiday treat boxes.

  • Simple ingredients. No fancy baking skills or hard-to-find ingredients needed.

  • Make-ahead friendly. Store them in the fridge or freezer for a sweet treat anytime!

What Do Pecan Pie Balls Taste Like?

Imagine the deep, caramelized flavors of pecan pie filling, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the sweet touch of maple syrup—all coated in smooth, melty chocolate. The inside is soft, sticky, and packed with warm brown sugar goodness, while the chocolate adds the perfect balance of richness.

These pecan truffles are decadent, slightly chewy, and incredibly satisfying—basically, everything you love about pecan pie but without the hassle of baking!

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Balls

To make these delicious no-bake truffles, you’ll need:

  • 2½ cups (12½ oz / 355g) toasted pecans, chopped – Adds the signature nutty crunch!

  • 1 cup (3 oz / 85g) graham cracker crumbs – Helps bind everything together.

  • 1 cup (6 oz / 170g) brown sugar – Brings in that deep, molasses-like sweetness.

  • ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.

  • A generous ½ cup (5 oz / 142g) real maple syrup – Adds a natural sweetness and a touch of warmth.

  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors.

  • 2 cups (12 oz / 340g) chocolate, chopped – For dipping! Use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowl

  • Parchment paper

  • Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)

  • Fork or dipping tool for coating truffles

  • Baking sheet

How to Make No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Before you begin, toast the pecans for extra flavor! You can:

  • Stovetop method: Heat a dry pan over medium heat, add pecans, and stir frequently until fragrant and golden (about 3–5 minutes).

  • Oven method: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and toast pecans on a baking sheet for 7–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Let them cool before using.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt. Then, add the toasted pecans, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix well until everything is fully combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Refrigerate the filling for 15 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Step 4: Roll into Balls

Take about 1-inch portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Step 5: Chill Again

Refrigerate the rolled truffles for at least 30 minutes so they firm up.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted (about 1½ minutes total).

Step 7: Dip in Chocolate

Using a fork, dip each pecan pie ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the truffle back onto the parchment paper.

Step 8: Add a Finishing Touch

Immediately sprinkle chopped pecans on top of each truffle before the chocolate sets.

Step 9: Let the Chocolate Set

Allow the chocolate to harden for 15–20 minutes at room temperature or speed things up by chilling them in the fridge.

Now, bite into that rich, chocolate-covered pecan goodness and enjoy!

What to Serve with Pecan Pie Balls

These pecan pie balls are fantastic on their own, but if you want to get creative, try:

  • A cup of coffee or hot chocolate – The perfect cozy combo.

  • Vanilla ice cream – Place a few truffles on top for an easy dessert upgrade.

  • Crushed over yogurt or oatmeal – Adds a sweet and crunchy twist.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Balls

✔️ Use real maple syrup. It gives these truffles a deep, authentic flavor.

✔️ Let the filling chill. This prevents it from being too sticky to roll.

✔️ Melt chocolate carefully. Overheating can cause it to seize—stir between intervals!

✔️ Use a fork or dipping tool for coating. This helps keep the truffles looking smooth.

✔️ Store properly. Keep them fresh by refrigerating or freezing (details below).

How to Store Pecan Pie Balls

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

  • Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, but maple syrup gives a more classic pecan pie flavor.

Can I use store-bought toasted pecans?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re unsalted.

What chocolate is best for coating?

Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate all work—choose your favorite!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They store well, making them perfect for meal prep or holiday gifts.

Final Thoughts: Easy, No-Bake, and Totally Delicious!

These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the ultimate treat when you want something sweet, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday treat, or just a personal indulgence, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

No Bake Pecan Pie Truffles

Pecan Pie Balls No-Bake

Ingredients
  

  • cups 121/2oz/355g toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup 3oz/85g graham crackers crumbs
  • 1 cup 6oz/170g brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • A generous 1/2 cup 5oz/142g real maple syrup
  • teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups 12oz/340g chocolate, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl stir together the graham cracker crumbs, or digestive biscuit crumbs, brown sugar, and salt.
  • Next, add the toasted pecans, maple syrup and vanilla, and mix thoroughly. The pecan pie filling should be very sticky and thick when combined. Refrigerate mixture for 15 minutes.
  • Roll pecan pie filling into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
  • Refrigerate rolled truffles for an additional 30 minutes.
  • While the filing is setting in the refrigerator melt chocolate in the microwave for 11/2 minutes in 30 second increments until melted.
  • Using a fork dip each truffle in the melted chocolate and return to parchment lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the truffle immediately. Allow the chocolate to set for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
  • Note: You toast the pecans on a dry pan. Keep a close eye on them, shake the pan, remove from the pan when they are toasted to cool. You can also toast them in a preheated oven, at 180C/350F for 7 – 10 minutes, until browned and toasted. Cool before adding to the bowl for mixing.

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