If you ever wished pecan pie could be just a bite away—no baking, no hassle, pure gooey indulgence in one pop—this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe was made for you. Each chocolate-dipped ball tastes just like a slice of classic pecan pie but is surprisingly easy and quick to make. Rich, toasty pecans, sweet dates, and a little hint of cinnamon come together to create the ultimate no-bake treat, perfect for holidays, gifting, or whenever that pecan pie craving strikes. The best part? This Pecan Pie Balls Recipe is vegan, customizable, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser for everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe lies in just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something unique, from sweetness to texture, making every bite reminiscent of your favorite dessert, minus the fuss.

Pecans (1 1/2 cups, finely chopped): For deep, nutty flavor and that unmistakable pecan pie crunch. Toasting them is optional but amazing!
Graham cracker crumbs (3/4 cup): These add structure and a light crunch, totally rounding out that “pie crust” feel.
Medjool dates (1 cup, pitted and finely chopped): Natural caramel sweetness and the perfect sticky binder for no-bake treats.
Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Builds on that classic pecan pie flavor with its rich, earthy sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch for warmth and to evoke all those cozy dessert vibes.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and amplifies every delicious component.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds that essential layer of comforting, aromatic flavor.
Melting chocolate or chocolate coating (10 ounces, dark or milk): Creates a decadent shell that takes these from snack to treat.
Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional): A little sprinkle on top is pure magic—don’t skip if you love a sweet-salty finish.

How to Make Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up the Dough

Begin by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped Medjool dates, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together until everything is thoroughly mixed and the dough is sticky enough to hold together—you’ll know it’s ready when you can squeeze it in your hand and it holds its shape.

Step 2: Roll Into Balls

Next, take a small cookie scoop or use your hands to roll up the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. If they’re a bit sticky, don’t worry—they’ll firm up nicely in the freezer.

Step 3: Chill Until Firm

Pop the entire tray into your freezer and let the balls chill for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling step makes them easier to dip in chocolate and helps every flavor meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Dip in Melting Chocolate

While your pecan pie balls are chilling, melt your chocolate according to the package instructions. Take each ball, dip it fully into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, and let the excess chocolate drip away before returning it to the baking sheet. Work quickly for the prettiest finish!

Step 5: Add a Touch of Salt (Optional)

If you’re a fan of that irresistible salty-sweet balance, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the wet chocolate before it sets. Trust me, it’s a flavor upgrade that’s totally worth the tiny extra step.

Step 6: Set the Chocolate

Transfer your chocolate-dipped balls to the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the coating is set and glossy. Once set, these beauties are ready to be served or stored for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Garnishes

Presentation always matters, especially with no-bake desserts. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of white chocolate over each ball for extra flair. For a festive touch, tuck in a pecan half or edible gold leaf on top—these little details make your Pecan Pie Balls Recipe irresistibly charming.

Side Dishes

Pecan Pie Balls pair beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. For a holiday platter, surround them with fresh berries, candied oranges, or even a small bowl of spiced hot chocolate for dipping. Every side adds a new textural and flavor dimension to your dessert board.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by stacking the balls in a pyramid on a cake stand, nestling them into mini cupcake liners, or creating a DIY “dessert charcuterie board” with other bite-sized treats. For gifting, layer the balls in a pretty tin lined with parchment or arrange them in clear bags tied with ribbon—gorgeous and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer any remaining Pecan Pie Balls into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delightfully fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them a perfect prep-ahead treat for gatherings and snack attacks alike.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these little bites! Place the balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then move them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months—ideal for holiday planning or whenever you want a sweet surprise ready to go.

Reheating

If you prefer your Pecan Pie Balls slightly softer or have frozen them, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes to soften naturally. Avoid microwaving, as this could melt the chocolate coating and dampen the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular dates instead of Medjool dates?

Medjool dates are especially sticky and sweet, which makes them perfect for binding the mixture together. If you only have regular dates, try soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them up before chopping—they’ll work in a pinch!

Is there a gluten-free option for the graham cracker crumbs?

Absolutely! Just substitute a certified gluten-free graham cracker or cookie crumb. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch for anyone avoiding gluten.

Can I make these pecan pie balls without chocolate?

Of course! The chocolate coating is optional and these pecan pie balls are still delicious on their own. Try rolling them in finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a beautiful and tasty chocolate-free finish.

How can I make this recipe boozy?

If you’re after an adults-only treat, add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling mixture for that classic Southern pecan pie flavor with a lively twist. Just be aware it may make the mix a bit softer—chill longer if needed before dipping in chocolate.

Are the Pecan Pie Balls Recipe vegan and dairy-free?

Yes, as long as you use dairy-free chocolate for the coating, the entire recipe is vegan and dairy-free. It’s a fantastic option for anyone seeking plant-based indulgence without compromise.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe enough—it’s everything you love about classic pecan pie, all bundled into a decadent, easy-to-share, no-bake treat. Try it once and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe every time you want a crowd-pleaser. Go ahead, give it a spin, and watch these little bites disappear!

Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 20 balls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful no-bake dessert that captures the essence of pecan pie in a bite-sized treat. Sweet, nutty, and coated in chocolate, these vegan treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a wholesome snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Pie Balls:

1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup Medjool dates (pitted and finely chopped)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating:

10 ounces melting chocolate or chocolate coating (dark or milk)
flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Mix the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, chopped dates, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
Coat in Chocolate: Melt the chocolate according to package directions. Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, let excess drip off, and place them back on parchment paper. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the coated balls for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate sets. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.