If you love the rich, sweet flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but are looking for a simpler, handheld version, then these Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect treat! These bite-sized delights capture the essence of a classic pecan pie with the nutty crunch of pecans, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the warmth of cinnamon (if you choose to include it), all wrapped in a delicious coating of melted chocolate. They’re not only easy to make, but they also require no baking, making them an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings, parties, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pecans, finely chopped 🌰
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 🍞
- 1 cup brown sugar 🍬
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- 2 tbsp maple syrup 🍁
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional) 🌿
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted (for dipping) 🍫
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. 🌰🍬
2️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in the melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Stir everything together until the mixture is fully combined and sticky. The texture should hold together when pressed. 🍁🧈
3️⃣ Form the Balls:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly. 🎳
4️⃣ Chill the Balls:
Refrigerate the pecan pie balls for about 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This step is essential to help them hold their shape during the chocolate dipping process. ❄️
5️⃣ Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. 🍫
6️⃣ Dip the Balls:
Using a fork or skewer, dip each chilled pecan ball into the melted chocolate. Make sure the balls are fully coated before placing them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. 🥄
7️⃣ Chill Again:
Refrigerate the chocolate-coated pecan pie balls for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and firm. ❄️
8️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate has hardened, your pecan pie balls are ready to enjoy! Serve these bite-sized treats at parties, holiday events, or simply keep them as a sweet snack for yourself. 🎉🌰🍫
Notes & Tips
- For added texture, you can use coarsely chopped pecans instead of finely chopping them. This gives the balls a more rustic feel.
- If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or corn syrup can be used as substitutes.
- You can add a pinch of salt to the filling to balance the sweetness and enhance the pecan flavor.
- When melting the chocolate, be careful not to overheat it. Stirring between 30-second intervals helps prevent burning.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the tops of the dipped pecan pie balls with crushed pecans or drizzle with white chocolate before chilling.
FAQ:
1. Can I make these Pecan Pie Balls in advance? Yes! These treats can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
2. Can I freeze Pecan Pie Balls? Absolutely. These can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate? Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter coating. Dark chocolate also works well if you prefer a more bitter contrast to the sweetness of the filling.
4. How should I store leftover Pecan Pie Balls? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate coating firm and the filling fresh.
5. Are there any alternatives for graham cracker crumbs? If you can’t find graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can be used as an alternative.
Conclusion:
These Pecan Pie Balls are a fantastic, no-bake treat that captures the essence of pecan pie in a portable, bite-sized form. With a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, they’re sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering. Not only are they easy to make, but they also store well, making them a convenient dessert option for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a festive dessert, these Pecan Pie Balls are guaranteed to satisfy!