Introduction to Pecan Pie Balls

There’s something truly magical about pecan pie – its rich, nutty flavor combined with the sweetness of maple syrup and the buttery crunch of graham crackers. Now, imagine all that goodness packed into bite-sized, no-bake treats! Introducing Pecan Pie Balls – a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that doesn’t require turning on your oven. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, these little bites of joy are sure to impress.

Ingredients Needed for Pecan Pie Balls

To create these delectable treats, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 ½ cups pecan halves, finely chopped
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 to 8 tbsp melted butter
½ cup pure maple syrup
24 ounces chocolate almond bark

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pecan Pie Balls

Step One: Preparing the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, and finely chopped pecans. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The key here is to ensure that the mixture is uniform, with the pecan pieces evenly distributed throughout.

Next, add the melted butter gradually. Begin with 6 tablespoons and mix thoroughly. The mixture should start coming together, forming a consistency that allows it to be rolled into balls. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add more melted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step Two: Forming the Balls

Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it into balls. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form 1-inch sized balls. Place each ball onto a tray lined with parchment paper. This step is crucial for ensuring the balls maintain their shape.

After all the dough has been rolled, place the tray in the refrigerator or freezer for at least one hour. This chilling period helps the balls firm up, making them easier to coat in chocolate later on.

Step Three: Melting the Chocolate Almond Bark

While the pecan pie balls are chilling, it’s time to prepare the chocolate coating. Melt the chocolate almond bark according to the package directions. This usually involves breaking the bark into pieces and melting it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and completely melted.

Step Four: Dipping the Pecan Pie Balls

Now comes the fun part – dipping the pecan pie balls in chocolate! Using a fork or a dipping tool, immerse each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Lift the ball out of the chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off, and place it back onto the parchment-lined tray.

Repeat this process for all the pecan pie balls. Once they are all coated, let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens completely. This might take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the ambient temperature.

Tips for Making Perfect Pecan Pie Balls

Use High-Quality Ingredients

The quality of ingredients you use will directly impact the taste and texture of your pecan pie balls. Opt for high-quality pecans, pure maple syrup, and good chocolate almond bark to ensure the best results.

Proper Chopping of Pecans

Ensure that the pecans are finely chopped. Larger pieces can cause the balls to fall apart or not hold their shape properly. A food processor can be a helpful tool for achieving a uniform chop.

Controlled Melting of Chocolate

When melting the chocolate almond bark, be cautious not to overheat it. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy. Stirring frequently and melting in short intervals can help prevent this.

Storage Tips

Pecan pie balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Balls

Pecan pie balls are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to make your presentation stand out:

Holiday Platter

Arrange the pecan pie balls on a festive platter, garnished with whole pecans and a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant holiday dessert.

Gift Box

Place the pecan pie balls in a decorative box lined with parchment paper, making them a delightful homemade gift for friends and family.

Dessert Buffet

Incorporate the pecan pie balls into a dessert buffet, alongside other bite-sized treats like truffles, fudge, and cookies, providing a variety of options for guests to enjoy.

Health Benefits of Pecans

Pecans are not only delicious but also offer several health benefits. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Pecans are also packed with antioxidants, which help protect your body from harmful free radicals.

Including pecans in your diet can support heart health, improve digestion, and provide a good source of energy. So, indulging in pecan pie balls can be a guilt-free treat, knowing that you’re also getting some nutritional benefits.

Conclusion

Pecan pie balls are an irresistible treat that combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of a no-bake dessert. With their rich, nutty taste and smooth chocolate coating, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow the steps and tips provided to create the perfect pecan pie balls, and enjoy the compliments from family and friends.

Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake!

Author: Tina
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of our no-bake Pecan Pie Balls! These bite-sized treats combine the rich taste of pecans, maple syrup, and a smooth chocolate coating, perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, try our recipe today!

Ingredients

Scale

To create these delectable treats, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 ½ cups pecan halves, finely chopped
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 to 8 tbsp melted butter
½ cup pure maple syrup
24 ounces chocolate almond bark

Instructions

FIRST STEP:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham crackers, brown sugar, maple syrup and the chopped pecans.

Add only enough of the melted butter so the mix comes together and can be rolled into a ball without falling apart

SECOND STEP:

Shape the mix into 1 inch sized balls and set on a tray lined with parchment paper

When all dough is rolled, set the tray into the refrigerator or the freezer for one hour

THIRD STEP:

Melt the almond bark according to package directions

FOURTH STEP:

Dip each one of the pecan pie balls into the melted chocolate and place back onto the parchment covered tray

Notes

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 24 balls
Calories: 180 kcal
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 17g

Keywords: Pecan Pie Balls, No Bake Pecan Pie, Easy Dessert Recipe, Holiday Treats, No Bake Dessert, Chocolate Coated Pecan Balls, Maple Syrup Desserts, Bite-Sized Sweets, Quick Dessert Recipe, Pecan Pie Bites