Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake)

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Hey there, sweet tooth! Are you ready to try a dessert that’s as simple to make as it is delicious? Pecan Pie Balls are going to be your new favorite treat—and trust me, you’ll want to make these over and over again. No baking required, just a few simple steps, and you’ll have little bites of sweet, nutty perfection that taste just like the classic pecan pie.

Imagine a buttery, sweet filling with the crunch of toasted pecans all rolled into bite-sized balls. It’s like the best part of pecan pie, but in a more fun, snackable form. Plus, it’s totally no-bake, so it’s perfect when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Let’s dive into why you’ll love these:

Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Balls

This recipe is a game-changer for your sweet cravings, and here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout treat at parties. Picture this: a cozy movie night where you pop one of these in your mouth and you’re in pure dessert bliss. Or at a gathering, where everyone’s asking for the recipe before they finish their first bite.

Budget-Friendly: Made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy stuff—just good ol’ pantry staples coming together for a delicious treat.

Quick and Easy: No baking, no mess, no fuss. All you need is a bowl and a bit of time to chill—literally! These come together in a flash and will be ready in no time.

Customizable: Want to add a twist? Add a little sprinkle of sea salt, or dip them in melted chocolate for extra indulgence. You can even try different nuts if you’re feeling adventurous.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults—everyone loves a sweet bite! Whether you’re sharing them at a party or keeping them all to yourself, these little bites are bound to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these sweet, crunchy bites:

Pecans: These are the stars of the show, adding that signature crunch and earthy flavor.

Butter: The richness of butter brings everything together. It gives these little bites the same warm, comforting vibe as pecan pie.

Brown Sugar: This gives the pecan pie balls that deep caramel sweetness that makes them irresistible.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds that homey, comforting aroma that makes these so comforting.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret to the smooth, creamy filling. It’s rich, indulgent, and helps bind everything together.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give the balls a bit of texture and help the dough come together without being too crumbly.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s make these delicious pecan pie balls together! Grab your ingredients, and let’s get rolling:

Toast the Pecans: Start by toasting your pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, and you’ll smell that nutty fragrance filling the air—so good!

Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine your melted butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir in the vanilla extract. You’re going to want to stop and take a little taste here—it’s so smooth and sweet!

Add the Dry Ingredients: Mix in the graham cracker crumbs and toasted pecans. Stir until everything is evenly coated and comes together in a sticky dough.

Shape the Balls: Now for the fun part! Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Set them on a parchment-lined tray.

Chill: Pop the tray into the fridge for about an hour, or until the balls are firm and set. Trust me, this step is totally worth the wait. The chilling time helps the flavors meld and gives the balls the perfect texture.

Serve & Enjoy: Once chilled, your pecan pie balls are ready to be devoured. You can enjoy them right away, or keep them stored in the fridge for later snacking.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls

These pecan pie balls are pretty perfect on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, here are a few serving suggestions:

Perfect with Coffee: Pair these with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy snack break.

On a Dessert Tray: Add them to a dessert spread for parties or potlucks. They’ll be a hit!

Dipped in Chocolate: If you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, dip them in melted chocolate and let it set. Extra decadence!

In a Bowl: Serve them in a cute bowl for an easy, no-fuss treat for any occasion.

Additional Tips

  • Prep Ahead: These pecan pie balls are perfect for prepping ahead of time. Just make them the day before and let them chill overnight in the fridge.
  • Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add-ins like mini chocolate chips for a twist!
  • Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay just as delicious!
  • Freeze for Later: Want to have some on hand for later? Freeze them! They freeze wonderfully for up to a month—just thaw before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different nut?
A1: Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios would make delicious alternatives.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! These are perfect for making ahead. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Q4: Can I freeze these?
A4: Yes! Freeze them for up to a month in an airtight container. Just let them thaw before serving.

Q5: What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
A5: No worries! You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or even oat flour if that’s what you have on hand.

Q6: Can I dip these in chocolate?
A6: Absolutely! A chocolate dip would take these to a whole new level of indulgence.

Q7: What if I want to make a bigger batch?
A7: Feel free to double or triple the recipe. They’ll keep in the fridge or freezer just fine!

Q8: Can I use unsweetened condensed milk?
A8: I recommend sweetened condensed milk for that perfect sweetness. Unsweetened will change the flavor and texture.

Q9: Can I skip toasting the pecans?
A9: You could, but toasting brings out the natural flavor of the nuts and really takes these to the next level. I highly recommend it!

Q10: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A10: Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free option or use crushed gluten-free cookies instead.

Conclusion

There you have it! Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful, no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to impress guests or a comforting snack for yourself, these little bites are guaranteed to hit the spot. They’re simple, quick, and irresistibly tasty—what’s not to love? Get ready for your new favorite treat!

Enjoy!

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Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake)

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These Pecan Pie Balls are a delicious, no-bake dessert that brings all the flavors of classic pecan pie in a bite-sized treat! Sweet, nutty, and packed with pecans, these balls are perfect for any occasion.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (including chill time)
  • Yield: 1215 balls 1x
  • Category: Dessert, No-Bake, Keto-Friendly
  • Method: no bake
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (or graham cracker crumbs for non-keto)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened nut butter (almond, cashew, or peanut butter)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for added sweetness)

Instructions

  • In a food processor, pulse the pecans until finely chopped, but not completely ground.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped pecans, almond flour, maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • If desired, roll the balls in extra chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
  • Place the pecan balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Once chilled, enjoy these no-bake pecan pie balls as a sweet treat!

Notes

  • You can use any nut butter you prefer, though almond butter pairs particularly well with the pecan flavor.
  • For a bit of crunch, you can roll the balls in finely chopped pecans or shredded coconut.
  • These make a great gift during the holidays or a quick snack for when you need a sweet bite.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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