If you’ve ever wished you could have the magic of pecan pie in bite-sized form without firing up your oven, these Pecan Pie Balls are about to become your new happy place. Imagine velvety cream cheese and sweet vanilla hugging crunchy pecans and buttery graham crackers, all wrapped in a smooth chocolate shell. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing treats to a gathering, or just want a sweet little something for yourself, these Pecan Pie Balls are the no-bake treat that keeps on giving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pecan Pie Balls lies in their unfussy, staple ingredients—each one brings something essential to the table, from creamy richness to an irresistible crunch. Make sure to use good quality pecans and chocolate for that extra touch!

Pecans: Finely chopped for an even, nutty crunch throughout every bite.
Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, this gives delicious tang and creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly and perfectly sweetens the filling.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash turns up those classic pie flavors.
Graham crackers: Crushed to bind the mixture and add a hint of buttery flavor.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted for coating, offering the ideal sweet but balanced finish.
Coconut oil or vegetable oil: Helps to make the chocolate perfectly glossy for dipping.

How to Make Pecan Pie Balls

Step 1: Mix the Filling

First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, finely chopped pecans, and crushed graham crackers. Stir everything together until there are no streaks and the mixture is thick, sticky, and uniform. You want every bite bursting with all those pecan pie flavors!

Step 2: Shape Into Balls

Scoop out heaping spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them between your palms (or use a small cookie scoop) to form 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They may feel soft now, but the next step will help them firm up beautifully.

Step 3: Freeze to Set

Pop your tray of pecan balls into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This quick chill is key to helping them hold their shape and makes them sturdy enough for dipping in warm chocolate later on.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until you have silky-smooth, glossy chocolate. The added oil helps the chocolate coat each ball perfectly and gives it a tempting shine.

Step 5: Dip and Chill

Take the frozen pecan balls and dip each one in the melted chocolate, using a fork to ensure every inch is covered. Let any excess drip off, then gently transfer the coated balls back to the parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate them for 15–20 minutes, until the chocolate shell is set and ready for snacking!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls

Garnishes

For a little extra flair and crunch, sprinkle freshly chopped pecans over the just-dipped chocolate before it sets. If you want to get festive, a dusting of edible gold glitter or sparkling sugar can give your Pecan Pie Balls a special-occasion shimmer.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these as part of a dessert party or holiday spread, they pair beautifully with a platter of fresh fruit or a few scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy, nutty notes in the Pecan Pie Balls are especially nice alongside tart berries or a crisp apple salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Pecan Pie Balls high on a cake stand for a tempting, centerpiece-worthy look, or nestle them in mini-cupcake liners for a polished presentation. For gift-giving, tuck them into a pretty box, layered with wax paper, and tie with a ribbon—homemade candy at its best!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pecan Pie Balls store wonderfully! Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead for a party or satisfying a sweet craving throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these little treats freeze like a dream! Once the chocolate shell has set, arrange the balls in a single layer in a freezer-safe container (with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking). Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

No reheating needed! These are best enjoyed straight from the fridge or after 10 minutes at room temperature for the perfect creamy, chewy bite. If you like the chocolate a bit softer, let them sit out just a couple of minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use maple syrup or honey instead of powdered sugar?

For this recipe, powdered sugar is key to the right texture. Liquid sweeteners could make the mixture too soft and sticky to roll into balls, so I recommend sticking with powdered sugar for best results.

How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth and shiny?

Stirring a little bit of coconut oil or vegetable oil into your melted chocolate is the secret! It helps the chocolate become silkier and gives your Pecan Pie Balls a tempting glossy finish (plus, it prevents the chocolate from being too thick to dip smoothly).

Can I make Pecan Pie Balls without cream cheese?

Cream cheese is what gives these their soft, creamy, pie-inspired texture, so it’s tough to substitute. However, if you’re dairy-free, you can try a good-quality vegan cream cheese with similar results.

Are they gluten-free?

Traditionally, this recipe uses graham crackers, which often contain wheat. If you’d like a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free graham crackers—everything else is already gluten-free.

Can I make these with white chocolate or dark chocolate?

Absolutely! If you love a sweeter or richer chocolate, swap out the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate. Both variations taste wonderful and give your Pecan Pie Balls their own personality.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Pecan Pie Balls! They’re a little bit of nostalgia wrapped in chocolatey goodness, and perfect for sharing or gifting. Whip up a batch for your next celebration, or just as a sweet treat at home—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 pecan pie balls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful no-bake treat that combines the flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of bite-sized portions. Creamy, nutty, and coated in rich chocolate, these little balls are perfect for holiday gatherings or snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pecan Mixture:

1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup crushed graham crackers

Chocolate Coating:

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil

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Instructions

Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and crushed graham crackers. Mix until smooth.
Shape Balls: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Coat Balls: Dip frozen pecan balls into the melted chocolate, coating fully. Use a fork to assist. Return coated balls to the sheet.
Set Chocolate: Refrigerate the balls until the chocolate sets, about 15-20 minutes.

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top of the chocolate before it sets.
Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American