If you love pecan pie but don’t want to deal with the hassle of baking, these No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect solution! They pack all the rich, nutty, and caramel-like flavors of traditional pecan pie into bite-sized treats that require zero oven time. Whether you need a quick dessert for the holidays, a party snack, or just a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, these easy, no-bake dessert balls will be your new go-to recipe.
Best of all? They’re made with simple ingredients, come together in minutes, and store beautifully—making them ideal for meal prep, gifting, or anytime snacking.
Ready to whip up a batch of No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make these delicious pecan pie bites, you’ll need:
For the Pecan Pie Balls:
- 1 ½ cups pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey for variation)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Coating:
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for smooth melting)
- Extra crushed pecans (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: If desired, lightly toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Let them cool.
- Blend the Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, pulse the pecans until finely ground. Add the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse again to combine.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted butter to the mixture. Pulse until everything sticks together like dough.
- Form the Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Chill: Place the pecan balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Dip the Balls: Use a fork or toothpick to dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Place back on the tray.
- Garnish & Set: Sprinkle crushed pecans on top and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
- Enjoy! Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these variations:
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Gluten-Free: Swap graham crackers for gluten-free alternatives.
- Extra Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans for a chunkier texture.
- Boozy Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon for an adult-friendly treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These pecan pie balls store well in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for a month.
Do I have to toast the pecans?
No, but toasting enhances the nutty flavor!
What’s the best way to coat them in chocolate?
Use a fork or toothpick to dip each ball, then let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it on parchment paper.
Final Thoughts
These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are a game-changer for anyone who loves pecan pie but wants an easier, bite-sized version. They’re quick, delicious, and perfect for the holidays or everyday snacking.
Give them a try and let me know in the comments how they turned out! And don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest for later.