Pecan Pie Balls – A Bite-Sized Twist on a Classic Dessert
If you love pecan pie but don’t have time to bake, you’re in for a treat! These Pecan Pie Balls deliver all the rich, caramelized flavors of the classic Southern dessert—without even turning on the oven. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with toasted pecans, sweet dates, warm cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup. Even better, they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to a dessert tray.
What makes this recipe stand out? First of all, it’s completely no-bake, which means you can whip up a batch in just 20 minutes. Instead of rolling out pie dough, you’ll blend pecans and dates into a sticky, naturally sweet mixture. Then, with just a quick roll into bite-sized balls and a drizzle of smooth milk chocolate, they’re ready to enjoy. Best of all, each one is topped with a pecan quarter, giving it that classic pecan pie look.
Not only are these Pecan Pie Balls easy, but they’re also a great make-ahead treat. You can store them in the fridge for a week or freeze them for longer, and they’ll still taste just as delicious. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dessert platter, a party, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’ll be a guaranteed hit.
So, if you’re craving pecan pie but don’t want to bake a whole one, this is the perfect solution. These bite-sized pecan pie treats are full of cozy, nostalgic flavors and just the right amount of indulgence. Give them a try today—you’ll love how simple and delicious they are!
🔹 No baking required 🔹 Full of pecan pie flavor 🔹 Perfect for sharing or gifting
Now, let’s make a batch of these irresistible Pecan Pie Balls! 🎉
Recipe Yield: 7 servings (about 14 balls)
INGREDIENTS
1 ¾ cup pecans (toasted)
1 cup dates (pitted and chopped)
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp almond flour (toasted, optional)
5 oz milk chocolate (melted, for drizzling)
1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother drizzle)
pecan heaves or quarters (for topping)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Toast the pecans: First, place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast them for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t burn. As soon as they become fragrant, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
2. Blend the filling: Next, in a food processor, pulse the toasted pecans until finely ground. Then, add the dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and almond flour. Process everything together until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed. If needed, scrape down the sides to ensure even blending.
3. Shape the balls: Now, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Continue with the remaining mixture, rolling each into a smooth ball. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. Then, gently press a pecan quarter or half on top of each one. For the best results, chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
4. Melt the chocolate: Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate and coconut oil (if using). Heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it.
5. Drizzle the chocolate: Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over each pecan pie ball in a zigzag pattern. This ensures the pecan quarter remains visible on top while adding just the right amount of sweetness.
6. Set and serve: Finally, refrigerate the pecan pie balls for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate firms up. Now, they’re ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Toast the Pecans for Maximum Flavor: Lightly toasting the pecans before blending enhances their natural richness and brings out a warm, nutty aroma. Be sure to stir frequently and remove them from the heat once they become fragrant to prevent burning.
- Use Soft, Moist Dates for Best Texture: If your dates feel dry or firm, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes before blending. This ensures your pecan pie filling stays smooth, sticky, and easy to roll into balls. Drain well before adding to the food processor.
- Drizzle, Don’t Dunk, for a Pecan Pie Look: Instead of fully coating the balls in chocolate, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the melted milk chocolate over each one. This keeps the pecan quarter visible on top, making them look just like classic pecan pie bites! Or, you can mix up the presentation by decorating some with just pecans and others with only a drizzle of chocolate for variety.
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