Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 18-20 balls
Cost per Serving: Low
Calories per Serving: ~180 kcal

If you love Pecan Pie but want a quick, no-bake treat, these Pecan Pie Balls are perfect! They deliver all the rich, nutty, caramel-like flavor of classic pecan pie, wrapped in a bite-sized, chocolate-covered treat—with no baking required! Perfect for holidays, parties, or an anytime indulgence

Why You’ll Love This quick, no-bake treat

A batch of pecan pie balls covered in chocolate and sprinkled with pecans. — Easy no-bake pecan pie balls with a rich chocolate coating and nutty pecan filling

These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are everything you love about pecan pie—without the hassle of baking! Here’s why this easy, bite-sized treat will become your new favorite dessert.

Quick & Easy – No Baking Required!

Forget about turning on the oven! These pecan pie balls come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute desserts, holiday treats, or quick sweet cravings.

All the Flavor of Pecan Pie in One Bite

Each bite is packed with:
✔ Nutty, roasted pecans for a deep, rich flavor.
✔ Brown sugar & maple syrup to mimic the classic gooey pecan pie filling.
✔ A smooth chocolate coating for the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.

Perfect for Holidays, Parties & Gifts

These bite-sized treats are:
✔ Easy to make in big batches for holiday gatherings.
✔ Great for edible gifts—pack them in festive tins for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or birthdays!
✔ Ideal for party platters—a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and dessert tables.

Customizable to Your Diet & Taste

Whether you’re low-carb, keto, vegan, or just a chocolate lover, these Pecan Pie Balls are easy to tweak!
✔ Keto & Low-Carb – Swap sugar-free chocolate and almond flour for a guilt-free indulgence.
✔ Vegan – Use maple syrup, dairy-free chocolate, and plant-based butter.
✔ Extra Crunchy – Add crushed pretzels or graham crackers for a fun twist.

Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly

These pecan pie balls store well in the fridge for 2 weeks and can be frozen for up to 3 months—making them the ultimate make-ahead treat

Whether you need a quick dessert, a holiday gift, or a party treat, these No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls deliver big flavor in a small bite! Try them once, and they’ll become a year-round favorite.

🍽️ Ready to make them? Let’s get started!

How to make this recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pecan Pie Filling

✔ 1 ½ cups pecans (finely chopped)
✔ ½ cup graham cracker crumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
✔ ½ cup brown sugar (or sugar-free brown sweetener)
✔ ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (or sugar-free syrup for keto)
✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract
✔ ½ tsp cinnamon
✔ ¼ tsp salt

For the Chocolate Coating

✔ 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (or sugar-free chocolate)
✔ 1 tbsp coconut oil (for smooth melting)

For Garnish (Optional):

✔ Crushed pecans
✔ Flaky sea salt 🧂

Instructions:

pecan pie balls on parchment paper, before they harden

1: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract until a sticky dough forms.

Pro Tip: If the mixture is too dry, add 1 tsp of maple syrup or water at a time until it sticks together.

2: Roll into Balls & Chill

Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into bite-sized balls.
Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

3: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Stir until smooth and glossy.

Pro Tip: You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler for an even smoother texture.

4: Coat & Set

Dip each pecan pie ball into the melted chocolate, coating evenly.
Use a fork to lift out, letting excess chocolate drip off.
Place back on the parchment-lined tray and sprinkle with crushed pecans or sea salt (optional).
Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes until set.

5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once the chocolate hardens, enjoy these decadent, bite-sized pecan pie treats!

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.

Best Chocolate for Dipping

Choosing the right chocolate makes a difference!

✔ Dark Chocolate (70% or higher) – Rich, slightly bitter, balances the sweetness.
✔ Milk Chocolate – Creamy and classic, perfect for a sweeter bite.
✔ White Chocolate – Adds a smooth, buttery taste.
✔ Sugar-Free Chocolate – Great for keto and low-carb options. Pro Tip: Add ½ tsp coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a smoother coating.

Fun Ways to Customize These Pecan Pie Balls

One of the best things about No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls is how easy they are to customize! Whether you want to add a little crunch, make them boozy, or turn them into a holiday-themed treat, here are some fun variations to try.

Different Chocolate Coatings

Switch up the chocolate for a whole new flavor experience!

✔ Milk Chocolate – Sweeter and creamier than dark chocolate.
✔ White Chocolate – A rich, buttery coating that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
✔ Salted Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel over the chocolate for extra indulgence.
✔ Double Chocolate Coating – Dip them twice for a thicker chocolate shell!

Pro Tip: If using white chocolate, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Add More Crunch!

Love texture? Here are some ways to add extra crunch to your pecan pie balls:

✔ Crushed Pretzels – Stir in 2 tbsp of finely crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet balance.
✔ Graham Cracker Pieces – Adds a bit of crunch and enhances the classic pie flavor.
✔ Toasted Coconut Flakes – Roll the chocolate-coated balls in toasted coconut for a nutty crunch.
✔ Chopped Nuts – Sprinkle extra pecans, almonds, or walnuts on top for added texture.

Holiday & Seasonal Twists

Turn these into festive treats for different holidays!

✔ Pumpkin Spice Pecan Pie Balls (Fall) – Add ½ tsp pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor.
✔ Peppermint Pecan Pie Balls (Christmas) – Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or add a drop of peppermint extract to the chocolate.
✔ Easter Pecan Pie Balls – Coat in pastel-colored chocolate for a springtime treat.
✔ Valentine’s Day Pecan Pie Balls – Drizzle with pink or red chocolate for a romantic touch.

Pro Tip: Wrap these in festive treat bags or tins for a perfect edible gift!

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

Want a lighter, lower-carb, or dairy-free version? Try these swaps:

✔ Use Almond Flour Instead of Graham Crackers – Makes them gluten-free & keto-friendly.
✔ Replace Brown Sugar with Monk Fruit Sweetener – Lowers the sugar content.
✔ Swap Maple Syrup for Sugar-Free Syrup – A great option for keto dieters.
✔ Use Dairy-Free Chocolate – Makes these completely vegan!

Make It a Fun Activity!

This recipe is great for kids and families! Let everyone decorate their own pecan pie balls with:
✔ Sprinkles
✔ Crushed nuts
✔ Cocoa powder
✔ Drizzled caramel

Final Thought:
Whether you like them boozy, crunchy, or holiday-themed, these Pecan Pie Balls can be easily customized to fit any occasion.

Which version will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

What to Serve with Pecan Pie Balls?

These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are rich, nutty, and chocolatey—making them a perfect stand-alone treat, but they pair even better with the right drinks and desserts! Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, party, or after-dinner dessert, here are some delicious pairings to complete your treat.

Warm & Cozy Drinks

Since pecan pie balls have a sweet, nutty, and chocolatey flavor, they pair beautifully with warm, comforting drinks that balance their richness.

Spiced Chai Tea: The warm flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves in chai tea perfectly complement the caramelized pecans and chocolate coating.

➡ Try our Homemade Herbal Chai Tea Recipe for a cozy pairing!

Hot Coffee or Espresso: A cup of black coffee or espresso balances the sweetness of the pecan pie balls with a bold, slightly bitter contrast.

Pro Tip: If you love creamy coffee, try a hazelnut or vanilla latte for extra nuttiness!

Classic Hot Chocolate: Pair these pecan pie bites with a rich, creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.

➡ Try our Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe for a sugar-free, low-carb option!

Warm Apple Cider: A mug of spiced apple cider adds a tangy-sweet contrast that complements the pecans’ deep, buttery flavors.

Cold & Refreshing Drinks

If you’re serving pecan pie balls at a party or holiday gathering, consider chilled, refreshing drinks to balance their richness.

Iced Vanilla Almond Milk Latte: The nutty vanilla flavors in an almond milk latte pair beautifully with the chocolatey pecan filling.

Sparkling Water with Orange Zest: A light, bubbly drink with a hint of citrus cleanses the palate between bites.

Bourbon Eggnog (Holiday Pairing): A holiday favorite! The creamy, spiced eggnog with a splash of bourbon pairs perfectly with the sweet and nutty flavors of these pecan pie balls.

Desserts & Sweet Pairings

If you want to create a dessert platter or a holiday dessert table, here are a few sweet pairings that complement pecan pie balls.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes the ultimate contrast to the pecan pie balls’ rich, chocolatey coating.

Pro Tip: Serve warm pecan pie balls over ice cream for a melting chocolate drizzle effect!

Pumpkin Cheesecake: The spiced pumpkin flavor of cheesecake pairs beautifully with the nutty caramelized pecan filling in these no-bake treats.

Dark Chocolate Mousse: If you’re a chocolate lover, pairing pecan pie balls with a velvety dark chocolate mousse creates a rich, indulgent dessert spread.

Whether you’re enjoying Pecan Pie Balls as a quick treat, a party dessert, or a holiday gift, the right pairing makes all the difference!

Which pairing will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

Pecan Pie Balls FAQ – Your Top Questions Answered!

Is Pecan Pie Healthy to Eat?

Traditional pecan pie is delicious but can be high in sugar and calories due to ingredients like corn syrup and butter. However, these pecan pie balls are a healthier alternative because:
✔ They use natural sweeteners like maple syrup (or sugar-free options for keto).
✔ They contain healthy fats from pecans instead of processed ingredients.
✔ They can be gluten-free and dairy-free, depending on the substitutions you choose.
Want a low-carb version? Simply swap brown sugar for monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free chocolate!

Why Did My Pecan Pie Balls Flatten?

If your pecan pie balls aren’t holding their shape, here are a few common reasons:
Too much liquid – If there’s too much maple syrup or sweetener, the dough will be too soft. Fix: Add more graham cracker crumbs or almond flour to firm them up.
Not enough chilling time – These need at least 30 minutes in the fridge before dipping in chocolate.
Warm hands when rolling – If your hands are too warm, the mixture can soften. Fix: Pop the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes before rolling.

Is Pecan Pie an American Thing?

Yes! Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that originated in the United States, particularly in Texas and Louisiana. It became popular in the early 20th century, especially as a Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert.
Pecans themselves are native to North America, making them a key ingredient in many traditional Southern dishes.

Is Pecan Pie Healthier Than Pumpkin Pie?

It depends! Here’s how they compare:
Pecan pie is higher in calories and fat due to the nuts and sugar-based filling.
Pumpkin pie is generally lower in calories but still contains added sugars.
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, these pecan pie balls can be made keto-friendly, whereas pumpkin pie often contains flour in the crust.
Healthier Choice: If you want rich flavor with better nutrition, try these no-bake pecan pie balls with sugar-free ingredients!

Got questions about these No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions

Recommended Kitchen Tools

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Mixing Bowl Set – Perfect for combining ingredients evenly.
Melting Pot for Chocolate – Ensures smooth, lump-free chocolate.

Try These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls This Holiday Season!

These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect holiday treat—easy to make, deliciously nutty, and great for gifting or sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re making a batch for a holiday party, a cozy night in, or as an edible gift, they’re sure to be a hit!

We’d love to see your homemade pecan pie balls! If you try this recipe, share your photos and tag us @BoldBitesHub on Instagram or Facebook. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how they turned out!

Happy Holidays & Happy Snacking!

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