Pecan Pie Balls
Pecan Pie Balls are a festive and easy-to-make treat that captures the rich, buttery flavor of classic pecan pie in convenient, bite-sized balls. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or any sweet craving, these chewy, crunchy delights come together in under 30 minutes and can be customized to suit dietary preferences.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 pecan pie balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop Preparation and No-Bake Setting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pie crust or crackers)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini pie crust pieces or crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Prepare the Pecan Mixture: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup (or honey), and salt, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and shiny. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans until evenly coated.
- Add the Crust Bits: Let the pecan mixture cool slightly before folding in the mini pie crust pieces or crushed graham crackers to add that essential pie crust texture inside the balls.
- Shape the Balls: While the mixture is still warm but manageable, use a spoon or your hands to form small bite-sized balls approximately one inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
- Optional Decoration: Once firm, drizzle melted chocolate over the Pecan Pie Balls or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra touch of indulgence and flavor.
Notes
- Use pecans at room temperature for better coating with the warm syrup.
- Keep heat low to avoid burning sugar or butter and altering flavor.
- If mixture is too sticky to shape, refrigerate briefly before rolling.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Adjust pie crust or graham cracker amount to customize crunchiness or softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pecan pie ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pecan pie balls, holiday treats, bite-sized desserts, pecan pie, easy desserts, gluten-free snacks, festive treats, no-bake dessert
