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Irresistible No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls: Your Ultimate Holiday Dessert

Imagine the rich, buttery, nutty flavor of classic pecan pie, transformed into a convenient, bite-sized confection. These **No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls** are precisely that – a delightful fusion of your favorite holiday dessert and an easy-to-make truffle. Each luscious ball is packed with a gooey pecan pie filling, then enrobed in a crisp layer of melted dark chocolate, creating an irresistible treat that tastes just like a slice of pecan pie, but without the need for an oven! They are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying as a decadent snack.

pecan pie ball with a bite taken out, showing the gooey filling — A perfectly crafted No-Bake Pecan Pie Ball, showcasing its delectable filling and chocolate coating.

Why These Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Pie Balls Are a Holiday Must-Have

When the festive season rolls around, delicious and easy-to-prepare desserts are always in high demand. These chocolate-dipped pecan pie balls truly shine as one of the most beloved sweet treats to serve during the holidays. Their individual portion size makes them ideal for any holiday party spread, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of that classic Christmas magic. Forget the stress of baking an entire pie; these convenient little delights capture all the beloved flavors in a much simpler, no-fuss format.

The magic of this sweet dessert lies in its simplicity and familiar taste. We take a luscious pecan pie-inspired filling, expertly roll it into perfectly portioned balls, and then give each one a decadent dip in rich melted chocolate. This final step adds a satisfying crunch and a layer of intense chocolate flavor that beautifully complements the sweet, nutty core. It’s truly a celebration of textures and tastes, making them a standout addition to any dessert platter.

For those who adore the deep, caramelized notes and nutty crunch of traditional pecan pie, these truffles are an absolute dream come true. They offer all the essence of your favorite pie in a delightful, pop-in-your-mouth format. If you’re a true pecan enthusiast, you might also enjoy some of our other cherished pecan recipes, such as our classic Pecan Pie Bars, the creamy indulgence of Pecan Cream Pie, or the rich combination found in Pecan Pie Brownies. But trust us, once you try these no-bake pecan pie balls, you’ll understand why pecan pie lovers simply go crazy for this delicious dessert!

a platter of delicious chocolate covered pecan pie balls — A beautiful arrangement of finished Pecan Pie Balls, ready to be enjoyed.

Essential Ingredients for Your No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls

Creating these delightful no-bake pecan pie balls requires a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect pecan pie flavor and texture:

Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the foundational binder for our pecan pie filling. They add a subtle sweetness and a touch of a crumbly texture, reminiscent of a pie crust. You can buy them pre-crushed or easily crush whole graham crackers yourself.
Finely Chopped Pecans: The undisputed star of the show! Make sure your pecans are finely chopped to ensure they blend smoothly into the mixture and provide that authentic nutty crunch in every bite.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note that is essential for any good dessert.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt is vital. It doesn’t make the dessert salty, but rather balances the sweetness and brings out the deeper notes of the pecans and chocolate.
Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup: This dynamic duo provides the signature sweet and slightly caramelized flavor of pecan pie. Brown sugar adds a deep molasses note and moisture, while pure maple syrup contributes that distinct, rich maple sweetness and helps create the gooey texture.
Butter (Melted): Unsalted melted butter binds all the ingredients together, adding richness and ensuring the mixture is pliable enough to form into balls. It also contributes to the overall melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers: For the glorious outer coating! Melting wafers are recommended because they melt smoothly and set up beautifully with a nice snap, providing a perfect shell for your pecan pie centers. Dark chocolate complements the sweetness of the filling perfectly, but you can also use semi-sweet or milk chocolate if preferred.

various ingredients needed to make pecan pie balls laid out on a surface — All the delicious ingredients ready to be combined for these no-bake treats.

How to Master Making Delicious Pecan Pie Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these exquisite no-bake pecan pie balls is surprisingly simple and requires no baking skills whatsoever. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect batch every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients first: the graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well distributed. Next, pour in the vanilla extract and pure maple syrup, stirring thoroughly. Finally, add the melted unsalted butter to the mixture. Continue stirring until all the ingredients are fully combined and you have a sticky, cohesive mixture. The consistency should be firm enough to hold its shape when pressed together, but still moist.

adding the pecan pie filling ingredients to a bowl — Combining the dry and wet ingredients in a bowl.

pecan pie ball filling mixture, thoroughly mixed together — Combining the dry and wet ingredients in a bowl.

Step 2: Shape the Balls. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this will prevent the balls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon in size), take portions of the pecan mixture and roll them into smooth, compact balls. Aim for a consistent size so they freeze and dip evenly. Place each shaped ball onto the prepared baking sheet. From this recipe, you should be able to make approximately 30 delicious pecan balls.

Step 3: Chill for Firmness. Once all your pecan balls are shaped and arranged on the baking sheet, place the entire sheet into the freezer. Allow them to freeze for at least one hour. This crucial step helps the balls firm up significantly, making them much easier to handle and dip into the melted chocolate without falling apart or losing their shape.

Step 4: Dip in Decadent Chocolate. While your pecan balls are chilling, it’s time to prepare the chocolate coating. Melt the dark chocolate melting wafers according to package directions. You can use a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or a double boiler for a more controlled melt. Once the chocolate is smooth and fully melted, carefully remove the frozen pecan balls from the freezer. Using a fork or a dipping tool, gently dip each pecan pie ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lift it out, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off, and then place it back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

a pecan truffle being dipped in melted dark chocolate — The satisfying moment of dipping a pecan ball into rich, melted chocolate.

Step 5: Set and Serve. After all the pecan truffles have been dipped in chocolate, place the baking sheet back into the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has completely set and is firm to the touch. Once set, they are ready to be enjoyed!

pecan pie balls on a baking sheet before dipping — Pecan pie balls shaped and ready for their chocolate bath.

chocolate covered pecan balls on a baking sheet, freshly dipped — Pecan pie balls shaped and ready for their chocolate bath.

Beyond the Recipe: Reasons to Fall in Love with These Pecan Pie Balls

These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are more than just a recipe; they’re a delightful experience that offers numerous benefits, making them a true standout among desserts:

Holiday Favorite & Festive Flair: Everyone adores the comforting taste of pecan pie during the holidays, and these individual bites of deliciousness are an instant hit! They bring all the festive flavor without the fuss of slicing or serving, making them perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday cookie exchanges. Their elegant appearance also adds a touch of sophistication to any festive spread.
Effortless Make-Ahead Dessert: Planning for holiday entertaining can be hectic. These pecan pie balls are your secret weapon! You can easily prepare them days, or even weeks, in advance and store them, freeing up valuable time closer to your event. This makes them ideal for stress-free party hosting or for creating beautiful, homemade edible gifts that friends and family will cherish.
Irresistible Crunchy & Sweet Harmony: This recipe delivers a truly delightful textural and flavor contrast. The rich, gooey, nutty interior of the pecan pie filling perfectly complements the crisp, slightly bitter notes of the dark chocolate shell. It’s a symphony of textures and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy even the most intense dessert cravings.
No-Bake Convenience: One of the biggest advantages is that there’s absolutely no baking required! This keeps your oven free for other holiday dishes and reduces prep time significantly. It’s a fantastic option for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick yet impressive dessert.
Perfectly Portioned Pleasure: As individual treats, these pecan pie balls offer excellent portion control. Guests can easily grab one (or two!) without the commitment of a large slice of pie, making them a fun and approachable dessert.

many pecan pie balls artfully arranged in a decorative bowl — A bowl overflowing with these irresistible no-bake pecan pie treats.

These delightful chocolate-covered pecan truffles are best enjoyed when thawed slightly or served at room temperature. This allows the inner pecan pie filling to soften to that gloriously gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that truly mimics the experience of a fresh pecan pie. Trust us, anyone who has a love affair with pecans is going to go absolutely crazy for these truffles!

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

While these pecan pie balls are perfect on their own, here are a few ideas to elevate your serving or customize them:

Dessert Platter: Arrange them alongside other holiday cookies, truffles, and candies for an impressive dessert display.
Coffee & Tea Companion: Their rich flavor pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, espresso, or a comforting mug of tea.
Gourmet Gift: Package them in a decorative box or tin with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious homemade holiday gift.
Drizzle & Decorate: Before the chocolate fully sets, you can drizzle them with white chocolate, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty twist, or top with a small pecan half for extra elegance.
Spice It Up: For an extra layer of warmth, you can add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan mixture when preparing the filling.
Chocolate Choices: While dark chocolate is a fantastic contrast, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate for dipping, depending on your preference.

Storing Your Delicious Pecan Pie Balls

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and deliciousness of your no-bake pecan pie balls:

In the Refrigerator: For short-term storage, place the pecan pie balls in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delightful in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to keep them chilled to maintain the chocolate coating’s integrity and the filling’s texture.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, these pecan pie balls freeze exceptionally well! Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply allow the pecan balls to thaw for several minutes at room temperature before eating to achieve that perfect gooey texture. This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for future events or unexpected cravings.

a hand holding a pecan ball with a bite taken out, showing the rich interior — A close-up of a Pecan Pie Ball, revealing its enticing, gooey center.

Explore More Irresistible Holiday Desserts

If you’re looking for more delightful treats to make your holiday season extra sweet, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:

Christmas Crack
Mint Oreo Truffles
Chocolate Covered Oreos
Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers
Oreo Balls
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Ritz Cracker Cookies
White Chocolate Covered Oreos
Peanut Clusters
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

a pecan pie ball with a bite taken out, resting on a white surface — The perfect bite-sized pecan pie treat, guaranteed to satisfy.

Don’t miss out on creating these easy, gooey, and utterly delicious pecan pie balls for your next holiday gathering. They are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and will disappear faster than you can say “pecan pie!”

Rated 4.53 from 23 votes

Pecan Pie Balls

By:
Joy Shull

These no-bake pecan pie balls are made with a gooey pecan filling and dipped in melted chocolate for an irresistible holiday treat.

Prep Time:
15 mins

Chill Time:
1 hr

Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins

Yields:
30 Balls

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Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 cups finely chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
15-20 oz dark chocolate melting wafers

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, brown sugar, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt.
Pour in the melted butter and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is sticky and cohesive.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using your hands or a mini cookie scoop, shape the mixture into approximately 30 uniform balls and place them onto the lined baking sheet.
Freeze the pecan pie balls for at least one hour until firm.
Melt the dark chocolate melting wafers according to package instructions. You may need around 15-20 oz (about 1 ½ bags) for full coverage.
Dip each frozen pecan truffle into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate the chocolate-dipped balls until the chocolate has fully set, about 30 minutes.

Notes

Store any leftover pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for 1-2 months. Allow frozen pecan balls to thaw for several minutes at room temperature before eating for the best texture.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 131 kcal

Carbohydrates: 14 g

Protein: 1 g

Fat: 8 g

Saturated Fat: 3 g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g

Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g

Trans Fat: 0.1 g

Cholesterol: 4 mg

Sodium: 65 mg

Potassium: 50 mg

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 12 g

Vitamin A: 51 IU

Vitamin C: 0.1 mg

Calcium: 16 mg

Iron: 0.3 mg