After over a decade of developing recipes, I can confidently say these pecan pie balls no bake wonders deliver all the rich, gooey flavor of a classic pecan pie without ever turning on your oven.
These little bites are my go-to treat for holiday parties and last-minute cravings because they’re incredibly simple and always disappear in minutes. You get that signature nutty, caramel flavor from toasted pecans, brown sugar, and maple syrup, all rolled into a perfect, poppable dessert. It’s the easiest way to satisfy that pie craving, I promise!
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Key Takeaways
- Ready in a Flash: You only need about 15 minutes of prep time before these chill, making them the perfect last-minute dessert.
- No Oven Needed: Keep your kitchen cool! This is a completely no-bake recipe from start to finish.
- Classic Holiday Flavor: They taste just like a slice of real pecan pie, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a cute box for an easy, delicious homemade gift that everyone will love. For another easy, no-bake treat, check out my Heaven on Earth No-Bake Cake!
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
You know those recipes that just feel like a warm hug? This is one of them. Here’s why I know you’ll be making these on repeat:
- Irresistibly Chewy & Nutty: The texture is just perfect—a dense, fudgy center packed with finely chopped pecans.
- So, So Easy: You just stir everything together, roll, and chill. Seriously, that’s it! No fancy equipment or techniques are required.
- A Taste of Nostalgia: One bite instantly reminds me of holiday dessert tables and family gatherings. It’s pure comfort.
- Wholesome Goodness: Pecans are a fantastic source of healthy fats and fiber, giving these treats a little boost of goodness to keep you satisfied.
- Endless Variations: You can add a splash of bourbon for an adult twist or dip them in chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.
- The Perfect Make-Ahead Treat: They store beautifully in the fridge, so you can make them days in advance. If you love a good make-ahead dessert, you have to try The Ultimate Chewy Fudgy Brownies from Scratch next!
A Taste of the Holidays, Simplified
I’ll never forget the smell of my grandmother’s kitchen during Thanksgiving. The star of the show was always her Southern Pecan Pie, a masterpiece of buttery crust and a rich, gooey filling that took her half the day to perfect. I adored that pie, but as I got older and my own holidays got busier, I found myself wanting that same incredible flavor without the all-day baking commitment. That’s how these little no-bake pecan pie balls came to be!
I started playing around with the core components—toasted pecans, brown sugar, a hint of maple—and realized I could capture that same soul-warming essence in a simple, bite-sized truffle. They became my secret weapon for holiday potlucks and cookie exchanges. Now, I get to share that little piece of my family’s tradition, made easy for our modern, busy lives. It has all the love of the original, with none of the fuss. And if you ever do have time for the real deal, you can find my family’s traditional Southern Pecan Pie recipe right here.
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Balls
This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Notes / Easy Substitutes |
| 2 cups Pecans | Toast them lightly for the best flavor! Walnuts also work in a pinch. |
| 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs | You can buy crumbs or pulse about 7 full sheets in a food processor. For gluten-free, use GF graham crackers. |
| 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed | Light or dark brown sugar both work beautifully here. |
| ½ cup Maple Syrup | Use pure maple syrup for that authentic, rich flavor. Honey or agave can be substituted. |
| 1 tsp Vanilla Extract | A splash of good quality vanilla makes all the difference. |
| ½ tsp Salt | Don’t skip this! It balances the sweetness perfectly. |
| 1 cup Powdered Sugar | For rolling. You can also use cocoa powder or finely chopped pecans. |
If you love the warm spices in this, you’ll definitely enjoy my Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread!
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor: This is the easiest way to get your pecans finely chopped. If you don’t have one, a good knife and some patience will work just fine!
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: To place the finished balls on for chilling.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls Step-by-Step
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and packed brown sugar. Mix it well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the maple syrup and vanilla extract over the dry mixture. Sprinkle in the salt.
- Mix to Form a Dough: Stir everything together until it’s fully combined. It will form a thick, sticky dough that smells absolutely heavenly.
- Scoop and Roll: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll it firmly between your palms to form a tight, compact ball. If it feels a little crumbly, just give it a good squeeze to help it stick together.
- Coat the Balls: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl or on a plate. Roll each ball in the sugar until it’s generously coated on all sides. This is the fun, messy part! These remind me of other simple, rolled treats like my 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars.
- Chill to Set: Place the finished pecan pie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up. Trust me, they’re worth the wait!
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Toast Your Pecans! This is my number one tip. Spreading the pecans on a baking sheet and toasting them at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before chopping them makes their flavor so much deeper and nuttier. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn!
- Finely Chop for the Best Texture: The finer you chop the pecans, the better the balls will hold together. A food processor makes this super quick, but a sharp knife works too.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform balls, use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop. It makes the process faster and ensures they all look the same.
- Press Firmly: When rolling, really compact the mixture in your hands. This pressure helps release the natural oils from the pecans and makes the balls hold their shape. It’s a trick I also use for getting the perfect texture in my Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Don’t Be Shy with the Powdered Sugar: A thick coating not only looks beautiful but also keeps the balls from being too sticky to the touch.
What to Serve With Pecan Pie Balls
These little guys are perfect on their own, but they also play well with others!
- A Holiday Cookie Platter: Add them to a tray with other festive treats like shortbread cookies and my Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.
- A Hot Cup of Coffee or Tea: The perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Crumble one or two over a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- A Glass of Bourbon: The caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon are a perfect match for these treats.
Storing and Freezing Tips
- To Store: Keep the pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks.
- To Freeze: These freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge for an hour or so before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
| Serving Size: 1 ball | |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| Calories | 143 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 48mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 1g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated for your convenience and may vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.
FAQs About Pecan Pie Balls
How do you make pecan balls from scratch?
It’s so easy! You simply mix finely chopped pecans with graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Then, you roll the mixture into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and chill them until they’re firm. These pecan pie balls no bake are a breeze.
What are pecan balls made of?
These are made from a simple mix of finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and maple syrup for sweetness and binding, plus a little vanilla and salt for flavor. Finally, they’re rolled in powdered sugar for that classic snowball look.
How long do pecan balls last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these pecan pie balls will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for the holidays.
Can you freeze pecan balls?
Yes, absolutely! They freeze incredibly well. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge for about an hour before you plan to serve them.
What is the difference between pecan balls and snowballs?
While they look similar, traditional “snowball” cookies (or Mexican Wedding Cookies) are baked shortbread-style cookies made with flour and butter. These pecan pie balls no bake versions are not baked and get their rich, chewy texture from maple syrup and brown sugar instead of flour.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you love making—and eating!—these simple little treats. They’re a small bite of comfort that always brings a smile to my face, and I hope they do the same for you and your family. After you’ve had dessert, if you’re looking for a cozy dinner idea, you should try my Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff!
If you make these, I’d be thrilled if you’d leave a comment and a rating below. Can’t wait to see your creations!
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The Best Pecan Pie Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple, no-bake treat that captures the classic flavor of pecan pie in a bite-sized, sugary ball. These pecan pie balls are incredibly simple to make and always disappear in minutes, making them the perfect dessert for holiday parties or last-minute cravings!
Ingredients
2 cups pecans, finely chopped
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and packed brown sugar. Stir until well mixed.
Pour the maple syrup and vanilla extract over the dry ingredients. Add the salt. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and a thick, sticky dough forms.
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Roll it between your palms to form a firm, compact ball. If the mixture is too crumbly, press it together firmly.
Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar until it is completely and generously coated.
Place the finished balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to set and firm up before serving.
Notes
Toast Your Pecans! For the best and deepest flavor, toast your pecans in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before chopping.
Use a Cookie Scoop: A 1-tablespoon cookie scoop will ensure all your balls are uniform in size.
Press Firmly: When rolling, press the mixture together firmly to help it bind and hold its shape.
Storage: Store the finished balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 48 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
Keywords: pecan pie balls, no bake, dessert, easy recipe, holiday treat, pecan truffles
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