All the flavor of pecan pie — no oven required!
If you’re craving the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie but don’t want to fuss with rolling dough, baking, or cleaning pie pans, Pecan Pie Balls are your new dessert best friend. These bite-sized treats take all the flavors of a classic pecan pie — brown sugar, pecans, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon — and transform them into easy, no-bake delights you can enjoy year-round.
Perfect for gifting, holiday platters, potlucks, or satisfying your sweet tooth on a weeknight, these little balls are easy to make, store beautifully, and taste like pure comfort.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ No baking required
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Just a handful of pantry staples
✅ Great for holidays, gifting, or snacking
✅ Taste just like traditional pecan pie — in handheld form!
🥣 Ingredients
To make about 15–18 Pecan Pie Balls, you’ll need:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Toast the Pecans (Optional, but Recommended)
To bring out a richer flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined and smooth.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and chopped pecans. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together like a soft dough. If it feels too sticky, you can chill it for 15–20 minutes to make shaping easier.
4. Shape into Balls
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
5. Coat with Powdered Sugar
Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This adds a sweet finish and gives them that classic truffle-like look.
6. Chill (Optional)
For firmer texture and longer storage, chill the pecan pie balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
🎁 Gift-Worthy Idea
Package these in mini cupcake liners and place them in a decorative tin or jar for the perfect homemade holiday gift. Add a ribbon and a handwritten tag for that extra-special touch.
🔄 Variations to Try
- Boozy twist: Add 1–2 teaspoons of bourbon or rum to the mixture for a grown-up version.
- Chocolate lovers: Dip the finished balls in melted dark or milk chocolate before chilling.
- Nut mix: Substitute some of the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Maple pecan balls: Swap corn syrup for maple syrup for a more autumnal taste.
📝 Final Thoughts
These Pecan Pie Balls are the kind of dessert that’s deceptively easy but always impressive. They pack the rich, buttery, nutty essence of pecan pie into a no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serve them at your next gathering, tuck a few into a lunchbox, or keep a stash in your fridge for when you need a sweet fix. Either way, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Pecan Pie Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and chopped pecans. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together like a soft dough.
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Chill the pecan pie balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for firmer texture.
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