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Pecan Pie Balls: No-Bake Holiday Treats Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 pecan pie balls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful no-bake dessert that encapsulates the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie in a bite-sized treat. Combining finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and a sweet maple syrup and butter mixture, these balls are coated in melted semi-sweet chocolate and garnished with extra pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want an easy, portable sweet treat that captures the essence of Southern pecan pie without the fuss of baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating and Garnish

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for coating)
  • Extra chopped pecans (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your counter to ensure a smooth workflow.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined to distribute flavors thoroughly.
  3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the softened butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the creamed butter mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and fold together with a spatula until the mixture is thick and slightly sticky. If the mixture is too dry, add maple syrup one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to firm it up for rolling.
  6. Roll the Balls: Remove the mixture from the fridge and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands, about 1 inch in diameter.
  7. Melt Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
  8. Coat the Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each pecan pie ball into the melted chocolate to coat completely, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Garnish: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top of each ball for added texture and decoration.
  10. Set and Serve: Let the chocolate-coated pecan pie balls set at room temperature or refrigerate for about 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute maple syrup with honey or light corn syrup if preferred.
  • Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for easier creaming with wet ingredients.
  • For easier handling, chill the mixture well before rolling into balls.
  • Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • These can be made ahead of time for holiday parties and stored frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: pecan pie balls, no bake dessert, holiday treats, pecan dessert, bite sized pecan pie, easy dessert, Southern dessert

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/pecan-pie-balls-no-bake-holiday-treats-recipe/