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Pecan Pie Chocolate Balls

Category: Quick & Simple Sweet Treats

Bite-sized pecan pie balls offer a delightful twist on a beloved Southern dessert. Toasted pecans blend with graham cracker crumbs, maple syrup, and brown sugar to create a rich, chewy interior, while a coating of melted chocolate adds a decadent outer layer. No baking is required; simply toast, mix, shape, chill, and dip. The treats set up quickly and store well for sharing or gifting. Enjoy their nutty, caramel-like flavor notes complemented by the smooth, sweet chocolate shell. Perfect for holiday tables, parties, or quick sweet cravings, these pecan chocolate balls please every palate.

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Updated on Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:02:41 GMT
A plate of pecan pie balls. Pin
A plate of pecan pie balls. | quickdinnerfix.com

These pecan pie balls offer everything you love about the classic dessert in bite-sized portions that are easy to share and impossible to resist. With toasty pecan flavor, a gooey interior, and a crisp chocolate shell, they bring the best of Southern baking to any table without ever turning on the oven. Whenever I want to impress with minimal effort, this is the recipe I reach for—and there are never any leftovers to bring home.

I made a big batch for my book club last December and watched friends race for seconds before the teapot stopped steaming. These are the kind of treats that turn an ordinary night in into something special.

Ingredients

  • Finely chopped pecans: for classic nutty flavor buy raw and toast at home for best aroma
  • Graham cracker crumbs: these give structure and a subtle sweet crunch look for fresh-smelling unbroken crackers
  • Brown sugar: for that deep molasses note select a soft moist brown sugar
  • Maple syrup: adds natural sweetness substitute with corn syrup for a more traditional pecan pie experience choose pure maple if possible
  • Vanilla extract: brings warmth always use real vanilla if you can
  • Salt: sharpens the sweetness just a pinch from a good quality sea salt makes a difference
  • Dark or milk chocolate chips: for the coating go for high-quality brands and choose your favorite cocoa intensity
  • Coconut oil: melts with the chocolate and makes coating smoother you can skip if needed but it helps achieve that glossy finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the Pecans:
Spread the pecans onto a baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven stir halfway through and let toast for five to seven minutes until the nuts are fragrant and slightly darkened. Allow to cool completely this step deepens their natural nuttiness.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Combine the graham cracker crumbs brown sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl stir thoroughly to distribute everything evenly with no clumps.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract mix very well until it forms a cohesive dough. Take a moment here to ensure even mixing the dough should stick together when pressed.
Shape the Balls:
Scoop out portions using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop roll each in your hands into a smooth ball. Place each formed ball onto a parchment-lined tray.
Chill the Balls:
Transfer your tray to the refrigerator and let the balls firm up for one hour. This cooling stage helps them keep their shape during chocolate coating.
Coat in Chocolate:
Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl stir every twenty seconds until glossy and smooth. Dip chilled pecan balls one at a time coat fully then place back onto the parchment to set.
Set and Serve:
Allow the chocolate coating to harden at room temperature or chill again briefly in the fridge. Serve once the exterior is fully set.
Pecan Pie Balls on a plate. Pin
Pecan Pie Balls on a plate. | quickdinnerfix.com

My favorite part of this recipe is the moment the toasted pecans come out of the oven. The deep nutty scent always makes me think of my grandmother’s kitchen she used to let me sneak the first handful every time and now I do the same for my kids.

Storage Tips

Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage freeze in a single layer until firm then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat thaw at room temperature for ten minutes for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have maple syrup corn syrup is a classic alternative. For a more complex flavor try honey or agave. Gluten-free graham crackers work perfectly for anyone with sensitivities and you can swap dark chocolate with white or milk chocolate for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these treats with strong coffee or sweet tea and add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive finish. They also make lovely gifts just wrap a few in parchment and tie with a ribbon.

A plate of pecan pie balls. Pin
A plate of pecan pie balls. | quickdinnerfix.com

A Bit of History

Pecan pie is a Southern tradition with roots in native wild pecan groves and early sugar makers. This recipe transforms that time-honored pie flavor into convenient bites that suit modern snacking and busy kitchens alike.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Either dark or milk chocolate works well as a coating, depending on your preference for sweetness and flavor depth.

→ Do I have to toast the pecans?

Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch, but you can skip this step for a softer texture.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these balls keep well in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

→ What can I use as a sweetener?

Either maple syrup for a natural touch or corn syrup for a more classic taste blends well with the other ingredients.

→ How do I make the chocolate coating smoother?

Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate helps create a glossy, smooth coating for dipping.

→ Are there garnish ideas for extra flair?

For a festive look, sprinkle sea salt or drizzle with white chocolate over the coated balls before the chocolate sets.

Pecan Pie Chocolate Balls

Toasted pecans and brown sugar are rolled in chocolate for a sweet Southern treat, easy for sharing or gifting.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American Southern

Yield: 24 Servings (24 balls)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Filling

01 200 g finely chopped pecans, toasted
02 100 g graham cracker crumbs
03 200 g packed brown sugar
04 120 ml maple syrup or corn syrup
05 2.5 ml vanilla extract
06 1.25 ml salt

→ For the Chocolate Coating

07 260 g dark or milk chocolate chips
08 15 ml coconut oil (optional, for smoother coating)

Steps

Step 01

Spread chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking tray and toast at 175°C for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until fragrant and golden. Let cool completely.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt until homogenous.

Step 03

Add in the cooled toasted pecans, maple syrup (or corn syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a cohesive, dough-like texture.

Step 04

Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll between your palms to form compact balls. Arrange evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Step 05

Refrigerate the formed balls for at least 1 hour to ensure they are firm before coating.

Step 06

Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Alternatively, melt over a bain-marie.

Step 07

Using a fork or dipping tool, immerse each chilled ball in the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place back onto the parchment-lined tray.

Step 08

Let the chocolate coating harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Serve once fully set.

Notes

  1. Toasting the pecans amplifies their depth of flavor and gives added crunch.
  2. Coat with sea salt or drizzle with white chocolate for enhanced presentation.
  3. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for prolonged freshness.
  4. Maple syrup provides a more nuanced natural sweetness, while corn syrup yields a traditional pecan pie taste.

Required Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Microwave-safe bowl or bain-marie
  • Spoons and spatula

Allergy Information

Double-check each ingredient to identify potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans)
  • Contains gluten (graham crackers)
  • Contains soy and milk (chocolate chips, depending on brand)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbs: ~
  • Protein: ~