What’s better than pecan pie? A bite-sized, no-bake version that comes together in minutes! These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are rich, nutty, and sweet, with all the flavors of classic pecan pie—without the hassle of baking!
Perfect for holidays, snacking, or when that sweet craving hits, this easy and delicious recipe will quickly become a favorite. Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
These little bites are packed with all the delicious, rich flavors of pecan pie, but require absolutely zero oven time! Whether you’re short on time, want to skip the hassle of baking, or simply crave a quick and easy dessert, these No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect solution. Here’s why they’re an absolute game-changer:
✔ No baking required – Just mix, roll, and chill! No need to worry about turning on the oven or waiting for your pie to bake. These little treats come together in minutes, and the chilling time ensures that they hold together perfectly.
✔ Quick & easy – It takes only about 15 minutes of prep work to have a batch of these tasty pecan pie bites ready to chill. No long wait times, no complicated steps—just simple, easy-to-follow instructions that make these a stress-free dessert option.
✔ Perfectly poppable – These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are small, bite-sized, and perfectly suited for snacking. Whether you’re enjoying them at home, bringing them to a party, or gifting them as a thoughtful homemade treat, these balls are the ideal size for easy eating and sharing.
✔ Tastes just like pecan pie – If you’re a fan of traditional pecan pie, then you’re going to love these! The combination of toasted pecans, sweet maple syrup, and a touch of cinnamon brings that rich, nutty flavor you love in a much quicker and simpler form. It’s a bite-sized version of the classic holiday favorite, but way easier to make and even more fun to eat.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – One of the best parts about these little gems is that they can be made ahead of time. You can store them in the fridge for up to a week, which makes them perfect for last-minute guests, holiday parties, or simply having a delicious snack ready whenever the craving strikes. No stress, just grab and go!
Whether you love pecan pie but don’t have the time to bake, or you’re simply looking for a fun and easy dessert to add to your recipe rotation, these No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are about to become your new go-to treat. They’re perfect for busy days, special occasions, or whenever you want a little sweet something without all the work. Plus, they’re so irresistible, it’s almost impossible to eat just one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe? You only need a handful of ingredients!
For the Pecan Pie Balls:
- Pecans (1 ½ cups, finely chopped) – The star of the show! Toast them for extra flavor.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup) – Adds structure and a subtle crunch.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup) – For that deep caramel-like sweetness.
- Maple syrup (¼ cup) – Brings in a touch of natural sweetness and binds everything together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, optional) – Adds a warm, cozy spice.
- A pinch of salt – Balances out the sweetness perfectly.
For the Coating (Optional but Highly Recommended!):
- Melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) for dipping
- Crushed pecans for rolling
- Cocoa powder or shredded coconut for variety
Pro Tip: Want an extra buttery texture? Add 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the mixture!
How to Make No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
This recipe couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time.
Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional, But Worth It!)
Toasting pecans deepens their flavor, making your pecan pie balls extra delicious. Simply:
- Heat a dry pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pecans and stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let them cool.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine:
✔ Toasted pecans
✔ Graham cracker crumbs
✔ Brown sugar
✔ Cinnamon & salt
✔ Maple syrup & vanilla
Mix everything until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together when pressed.
Too dry? Add a bit more maple syrup until it reaches the right consistency.
Step 3: Roll into Bite-Sized Balls
Using a small scoop or spoon, scoop out portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 4: Coat & Chill
For extra flair, roll each ball in crushed pecans, cocoa powder, or melted chocolate. Then, chill them for at least 30 minutes to set.
And that’s it—your No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
To make sure your No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls turn out absolutely delicious and have the perfect texture, try these pro tips! A little extra attention to detail can take these from good to great:
💡 Toast your pecans for richer, nuttier flavor. – Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor. Just toss the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This extra step adds a depth of flavor that makes these No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls taste even more like the classic pecan pie.
💡 Use pure maple syrup for the best taste—avoid artificial syrups! – When it comes to sweeteners, pure maple syrup is the star of the show. It not only adds a lovely natural sweetness, but it also contributes to the overall flavor profile. Artificial maple syrups, with their added preservatives and fake flavors, just can’t compare. Choose the real deal for an authentic, deep sweetness in your No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls.
💡 Want them extra chewy? Add a tablespoon of almond butter. – If you love a chewier texture, adding a tablespoon of almond butter can work wonders. The almond butter adds richness and makes the No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls extra soft and satisfying. Plus, it brings a nutty undertone that perfectly complements the pecans.
💡 Too sticky? Chill the mixture before rolling. – If the mixture feels too sticky or hard to handle, don’t stress! Simply pop it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to let it firm up a bit. Chilling the dough will make it much easier to roll into neat, round balls without the mixture sticking to your hands. This will help you make perfect No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls without the mess.
💡 For perfect round balls, lightly coat your hands with coconut oil before rolling. – This simple trick helps the pecan mixture glide off your hands, making the rolling process much smoother. A light coating of coconut oil prevents the mixture from sticking, ensuring your No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls turn out perfectly round and easy to handle. Plus, it adds a hint of coconut flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness of the pecans!
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls that are not only delicious but also have the perfect texture and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to have on hand for a sweet treat, these tips will help ensure your No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are nothing short of perfection!
Delicious Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to make these your own!
1. Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Pie Balls
Dip each ball in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate for a decadent twist.
2. Coconut Pecan Pie Balls
Roll the balls in shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
3. Bourbon Pecan Pie Balls (For Adults!)
Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the mixture for a boozy holiday treat!
4. Keto Pecan Pie Balls
Swap graham crackers for almond flour and use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit.
5. Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Pie Balls
Mix in 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat!
How to Store No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
These pecan pie balls store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat!
🧊 In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
❄ In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw before eating!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the graham cracker crumbs for almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
2. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes! Honey works as a substitute, but it will slightly change the flavor.
3. Do I have to toast the pecans?
No, but toasting them makes a huge difference in flavor—highly recommended!
4. Can I make these vegan?
Yes! These are naturally vegan as long as you use dairy-free chocolate.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try No-Bake Dessert!
If you love pecan pie but want something quicker, these No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect solution. They’re easy, delicious, and totally addictive—perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving at holiday parties.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pecans and whip up a batch today! And if you’re looking for more delicious desserts, check out these sweet treats here!
Have you tried these? Let me know in the comments how they turned out! 😍
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Recipe Card: No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are a bite-sized twist on classic pecan pie! Made with toasted pecans, graham crackers, maple syrup, and vanilla, these sweet treats come together in just 15 minutes—no oven required! Perfect for holidays, snacking, or gift-giving
Ingredients
For the Pecan Pie Balls:
- 1 ½ cups pecans, finely chopped (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt
For Coating (Optional but Recommended!):
- ½ cup melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) for dipping
- ¼ cup crushed pecans for rolling
- ¼ cup cocoa powder or shredded coconut for variety
Instructions
1️⃣ Toast the Pecans (Optional): Heat a dry pan over medium heat, add the chopped pecans, and stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
2️⃣ Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is sticky and holds together.
3️⃣ Roll into Balls: Use a small scoop or spoon to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
4️⃣ Coat (Optional): Roll each ball in crushed pecans, cocoa powder, or dip in melted chocolate for extra flavor.
5️⃣ Chill & Enjoy: Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to set. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
💡 Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
💡 Too dry? Add a little extra maple syrup until the mixture holds together.
💡 Want them extra chewy? Stir in a tablespoon of almond butter.
💡 Make them gluten-free! Swap graham cracker crumbs for almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American