October 12, 2023
Review RecipePecan Pie Balls
Pecan pie balls are a sweet treat that will be a huge hit all year round and are stuffed with all the gooey goodness of pecan pie wrapped in a rich chocolate shell.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
Pecan pie balls are cute little bite-sized delicacies that are bursting with all the goodness of a pie but are much easier to make when you have a quick craving. Packed with ooey-gooey sweet filling, these treats are wrapped in a rich chocolate shell and decorated with festive sprinkles.
Pecan Pie Balls Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1½ cups of pecans, finely chopped
- ¾ cup of graham cracker crumbs
- ⅔ cup of brown sugar
- ¼ cup of maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of light Karo syrup
- 2 tablespoons of salted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon of almond extract
- ¾ teaspoon of rum extract
- 12 ounces of chocolate melting discs
- Holiday-themed sprinkles, optional garnish
PRO TIP:
If you can’t find the chocolate melting discs, you can use chocolate almond bark instead. It is very easy to use when following package directions.
Different brands may call it melting chocolate blocks. This is very different from baking chocolate squares as this is made to melt smooth, then re-harden and stick to whatever it is you are coating/dipping into chocolate. Baking chocolate squares will not do this.
The chocolate melting discs and the almond bark already have added sugar and fats to them, therefore, making these two options ideal for use in this recipe. They can also be found in vanilla/white chocolate flavors as well.
Substitutions And Additions
CHOCOLATE: You could also change these maple pecan balls up and use white chocolate melting discs for dipping instead of milk chocolate.
Chocolate melting discs will also come in different colors, so you can get creative and customize your treats.
RUM EXTRACT: If you do not want to use rum extract, then you can use almond extract and vanilla extract instead. The flavor will still be delicious.
CHOCOLATE CHIPS: If you can not find melting discs or bark, you can use a 12-ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips mixed with two tablespoons of unflavored Crisco shortening (or coconut oil) melted in a microwave-safe bowl, on medium heat, for one to two minutes.
You will want to make sure to stir your chocolate at the 1-minute mark, then continue to heat in 30-second intervals.
Be careful not to overheat your chips because they could seize up and not work for dipping.
KARO SYRUP: If you do not wish to use Karo syrup in your recipe, you can just increase the amount of maple syrup used.
I also highly recommend using good-quality maple syrup and not pancake syrup. The flavor really shines through with these no-bake treats.
How To Make This Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
STEP ONE: In a large bowl, using a wooden spoon, combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, Karo syrup, melted butter, almond, and rum extracts.
Mix until evenly combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for two hours or up to overnight.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Make your own graham cracker crumbs by blending graham crackers in the food processor until they are finely ground.
STEP TWO: Once chilled, scoop out the pecan filling using a 2-inch cookie scoop and form it into tight balls.
Set the pecan balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat until all the balls are formed.
PRO TIP:
We suggest wetting your hands with warm water, placing the scooped filling into the palm of your hand, and gently squeezing and compacting the pecan filling into a tight ball.
STEP THREE: In a medium bowl that is not too deep, melt the chocolate melting discs according to package directions. Stir until smooth.
STEP FOUR: Using a fork, gently place one pecan ball at a time into the melted chocolate candy coating.
Roll it around in the melted chocolate, being very careful not to break apart the pecan ball.
Lift out the chocolate-coated pecan pie balls with the same fork and place the balls back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Repeat this process until all the pecan pie balls are coated in chocolate.
STEP FIVE: At this time, you can sprinkle some holiday-themed candy sprinkles, if desired, onto the tops of each pecan pie ball.
Place the cookie sheet into the refrigerator for two hours, uncovered, while the chocolate sets.
STEP SIX: These pecan pie truffles can be served at room temperature once the chocolate coating has hardened.
How To Serve This Recipe For Pecan Pie Balls
These delightful little bites of sweetness are the perfect addition to a holiday dessert tray or box of treats for gifting.
Add them to a festive container along with our buckeyes and gingerbread truffles for friends and family.
If you love these, you are sure to love our pecan pie bars and pecan pie bites.
MORE PECAN PIE RECIPES
Storing These Pecan Balls
IN THE FRIDGE: If you want to make them ahead, you can store them, in an uncovered container, in the refrigerator for up to five days.
IN THE FREEZER: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months.
This holiday season, whip up a batch of these delightful pecan pie balls. They boast all the rich flavors of pecan pie packed into adorable bite-sized packages. With a sweet and gooey filling and nutty crunch of pecans wrapped in chocolate, these treats are sure to be a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these treats?
This simple recipe can be frozen in an airtight container for up to two months.
What is Karo syrup?
Karo syrup is a brand of corn syrup that does not contain any high-fructose corn syrup.
Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate for this recipe?
White chocolate melting discs or white chocolate almond bark would both be excellent substitutes for the dark chocolate in this pecan balls recipe.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Turtles
- Pecan Pie
- Pumpkin Crunch Cake
- Custard Pie
- Strawberry Pie Bars
- Butter Pecan Crunch
- Salted Caramel No-Bake Pie
- Pancake in a Mug
- Chocolate Orange Truffles
- Pumpkin Truffles
- Mint Oreo Truffles
- Cookie Dough Truffles
- Brownie Bites
- Oreo Truffles
- Disney Churro Bites
- Cheesecake Bites
- Lemon Cheesecake Bites
- Chess Pie
- Pecan Cookies
- Coconut Chocolate Balls
- Pie Crust Recipe
- Brownie Pie
- Energy Bites
Pecan Pie Balls
Pecan pie balls are a sweet treat that will be a huge hit all year round and are stuffed with all the gooey goodness of pecan pie wrapped in a rich chocolate shell.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 16
Ingredients
- 1½ cups pecans, fine chopped
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons light Karo syrup
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ¾ teaspoon rum extract
- 12 ounces chocolate melting discs,
- holiday themed sprinkles, optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, using a wooden spoon, combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, Karo syrup, melted butter, almond and rum extracts. Mix until evenly combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Once chilled, using a 2-inch cookie scoop, scoop out the pecan filling and form it into tight balls. Set the pecan balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat until all the balls are formed.
- In a medium-size bowl, that is not too deep, melt the chocolate melting discs according to package directions. Stir until smooth.
- Using a fork, gently place one pecan ball at a time into the melted chocolate. Roll it around in the melted chocolate, being very careful not to break apart the pecan ball, and lift out the chocolate-coated pecan pie balls with the same fork and place them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the pecan pie balls are coated in chocolate.
- At this time, you can sprinkle on some holiday-themed candy sprinkles if desired onto the tops of each pecan pie ball. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator for 2 hours, uncovered, to allow the chocolate to firm back up.
- These pecan pie balls can be served at room temperature once the chocolate coating has hardened.
Video
Notes
- If you can’t find the chocolate melting discs, you can use Chocolate Almond Bark instead. It is very easy to use when following package directions. Different brands may call it melting chocolate blocks. This is very different from baking chocolate squares as this is made to melt smooth, then re-harden and stick to whatever it is you are coating/dipping into chocolate. Baking chocolate squares will not do this. The chocolate melting discs and the almond bark already have added sugar and fats to them, therefore, making these two options ideal for use in this recipe. They can also be found in vanilla/white chocolate flavors as well.
- Make your own graham cracker crumbs by blending graham crackers in the food processor until they are finely ground.
- We suggest wetting your hands with warm water, place the scooped filling into the palm of your hand and gently squeeze and compact the pecan filling into a tight ball.
Nutrition
Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 49IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
Comments
Sarah says
These are so festive and cute!
Randy says
Where can I find chocolate melting discs?
Layne Kangas says
They’ll be in the baking aisle at the grocery store or baking section of a specialty store. Enjoy!
Carolyn Furniss says
I made these for a RV Christmas rally. Everyone raved about them. Very easy to make and everyone wanted me to make them again for our next rally.
Kimberly says
Can we use real rum like i do with pecan pie or because its not cooked will it not work
Ellen says
These sound delicious and much easier to serve at a gathering than traditional pecan pie! Although I think I’d forego sprinkles and maybe hit it with a swipe or splatter of gold luster dust!
Brenda says
I haven’t made these yet but will try and I think my answer to one question is I would do milk chocolate for sure but might do half in white chocolate with holiday sprinkles
Mary B Goudy says
I would put a sugared pecan on the top
Karen says
I have never made pecan pie balls before, but I love pecan pie and have madeit many times. These look yummy and I will surely try them!
Tammy Guerrero says
These look amazing, I would sprinkle milk chocolate sprinkles on top of these balls , these looks so delicious, I can’t wait to try them this coming up holiday
Tammy Guerrero says
These look so scrumptious, I would sprinkle them with milk chocolate sprinkles, I can’t wait to make these this holiday season coming
Beverly Pogue says
I think I would definitely try with white chocolate even dark chocolate sounds really good. Ty for the recipe
Namcy says
No sprinkles but candied pecans crushed. I’d use recommended flavors. Dark chocolate or semi sweet
Kim Hemund says
These look wonderful. I wonder if you could use vanilla in it???
Paula Hopper says
I would use the rum extract on 1/2 and vanilla on the other 1/2 and use chocolate sprinkles on the vanilla extract ones and multicolor sprinkles or green sugar on the rum ones.
Teresa Gerber says
I’ve never heard of these before….sounds interesting for something different!!
Susan DeBerardinis says
I would not put sprinkles on them and I would use vanilla extract
Kelly Kardos says
These look like a fun gift to give for the holidays. I’d definitely add the rum extract!!
Morgan says
Yum, I love pecan pie! These would be a great Thanksgiving desert. I’d add some orange, red and white sprinkles! Could even add red and green to add to a Christmas dessert platter! 😀
Fay says
Yummy! Adding rum to my recipe. Sprinkles will be fun!😍
Betty Schmitt says
Sounds delicious and easy to make. I would think about dark chocolate for coating. Maybe sea salt as a Sprinkle.
Thanks for the great recipes
Nancy Hiles says
Looks so good
Valinda says
I would use the rum extract! I will likely try almond and vanilla extracts in future batches! Yummy!!
Dede Diesel says
I would use real rum in the recipe and shaved chocolate instead of sprinkles
Luci W says
I would top them with finely crushed pecan pieces.
Rhiannan bartole says
I make pecan pie balls for my daughter because she loves them. I always add rum and vanilla extract to them. So yummy.
Debbie Barnes says
I would not use the sprinkles as I do not like the mouth feel, would probably use more pecans. Think both dark and white chocolate would make a wonderful varity
Phyllis Jo Brown says
I would use the chocolate sprinkles on the Pecan balls. Dreat recipe that I will try. Thanks for this.
Phyllis Jo Brown says
I would use the chocolate sprinkles on the Pecan balls.
Chocolate Sprinkles
Pam Springs says
Would love to make these!
No other sprinkles.
Milk Chocolate for sure.
Vanilla extract.
Rhonda says
I am definitely a milk chocolate girl, although I would also use semi-sweet chocolate. I would prefer almond flavoring and no sprinkles unless I was making this for a special event. This will be my first time making the pecan pie balls. YUM!
Tracey says
Very tasty. I would try them with white chocolate with mixed color sprinkles and with dark chocolate. For even a little twist half white chocolate and milk chocolate with no sprinkles.
How about adding a bit of an unusual twist buy adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to this recipe.
Stephanie says
I have never made pecan pie balls before & I really look forward to trying this when I visit my Aunt as her favourite is pecan pie 😋😋😋
Bama Gramma says
I wouldn’t cover with anything. I’d put a stick or fork in and dip into whipped cream!
Jennifer says
I would keep the chocolate sprinkles, use dark chocolate, and vanilla extract. Even without those changes I’m sure they would taste amazing!
Jennifer Jahn says
I’m a big fan of dark chocolate so I would add that, keep the milk chocolate sprinkles, and then use vanilla extract. Either way, it all sounds yummy!
Pam says
I have never made pecan balls before
Karen Hull says
I have never made pecan pie balls but am going to make them during the holiday season.
Tabitha says
Mmmmm! I would love to try these with almond extract!
Becca says
So good definitely a milk chocolate perfect
Debby LaBare says
Mouth is already watering. I think I’ll use dark chocolate sprinkles. Just happen to have a bottle of 100% pure maple syrup. 💜💜💜
Judy says
I would place a pecan halve on top of them.
Brenda says
I have never made these before. This is on my list of new recipes to try. I would change the sprinkles to match the season and use rum extract.
Marge says
I would use Milk Chocolate and just for adults a good dose of Rum
love your site Thank you for all the hard work you all contribute
Have a simply delightful day
M
Delphine Renee Russell says
This Pecan Pie Ball recipe has my full attention! I’ve not made this recipe before but am going to-
I think I would use the almond flavoring instead of the rum.
Looks like it will be a hit with my family!
Thank you!
Lynn V. says
I have never made homemade pecan pie balls before. But I am going to make these!!
Lois says
This pecan pie balls recipe sounds delicious. Yes, I would use white sprinkles. I would also use milk chocolate. No, I haven’t made pecan balls before. I would add almond extract as rum maybe a little too strong for my grandchildren. The red velvet balls sound delicious also. I will made these.
Cheryl says
These look really good. I think I would use white chocolate and maybe some colorful sprinkles to them. Just to be a little more festive.
Darrul C says
LOOKS interesting… Since I have made candy for 40+ years I know where to get the “melting chocolate” and not Wilton!
Jennifer says
I would make these at Christmas and use Christmas sprinkles
Sandy says
I would add a little rum. Yummy
Bob Meriam says
I would do them with dar chocolate and chocolate sprinkles. I have made a similar recipe, rum balls, and they are quite delicious. More fitting for a party or get together as the rum really gets things going. If not real, I would use a rum extract in these.
SONJA says
NOT SURE YET 😕 BUT GOING TO TRY IT SOON FAMILY PICNIC COMING UP SOON I’LL LET YOU KNOW 😉
marjorie says
I’m going out and getting a couple of item for this recipe.
It sounds so good !
Fancye Pearson says
OMG! Freaking delicious.
Julie says
Made these for thanksgiving and everyone loved them!
Shirley says
These are delicious!! Everyone loved them!! I will definitely be making these again for Thanksgiving & Christmas ❤️
Shirley says
I started these a couple of days early because I’m always a little nervous with a new recipe. No need to be nervous at all ! These pecan balls are delicious!! Everyone loved them!! I will definitely be making these again for Thanksgiving & Christmas ❤️