Pecan Pie Balls: Classic Flavor with Over 7 Creative Twists
These no-bake Pecan Pie Balls are a bite-sized version of the classic pecan pie, featuring toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, sweet dates, and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for a quick treat or as a gift, these balls are easy to make and offer all the flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, indulgent package.
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking Sheet or Tray
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop
- Microwave or Double Boiler
- Skewers or Toothpicks Optional
Ingredients
For the Pecan Pie Balls
- 2 cups pecans toasted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup Medjool dates pitted
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Optional toppings
- Crushed pecans shredded coconut, or flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast the pecans on a baking sheet for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a food processor, combine toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, dates, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until coarse crumbs form.
- Add Sweeteners and Bind: Add maple syrup and vanilla extract, then pulse again until the mixture sticks together.
- Roll into Balls: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill: Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- Coat the Balls: Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, then return it to the parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle with toppings if desired.
- Chill Again: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated balls for another 30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.
Notes
- You can use honey or maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Ensure that the dates are pitted and softened; soak them in warm water if needed.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the pecans and mix everything by hand.
Twists and Variations
- Energy-Packed Balls: Add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture for a post-workout snack.
- Tropical Pecan Balls: Use macadamia nuts or cashews and add dried pineapple or mango pieces for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Pecan Balls: Add nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Peanut Butter Pecan Balls: Replace some of the pecans with roasted peanuts and add natural peanut butter for extra protein.
- Pumpkin Spice Pecan Balls: Mix in canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal treat.
Tips for Perfecting
- Chill the Balls: Don’t skip the chilling steps. This helps the mixture set and prevents the balls from falling apart when coating in chocolate.
- Customize the Coating: Play with different toppings like crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or sea salt for extra texture and flavor.
- Toast Pecans Carefully: Keep an eye on the pecans as they toast – they can burn quickly, and we want them lightly golden to bring out their flavor.
- Add Sweetness Gradually: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your preference for sweetness. Taste the mixture before rolling it into balls to make sure it’s just right.
