Description
Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful no-bake treat that captures the rich flavors of classic pecan pie in a convenient bite-sized form. Made with toasted pecans, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, sweet dates, and a brown sugar and corn syrup mixture, these sweet balls are coated in chopped pecans for an extra crunch. Perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet snack, they require no oven baking beyond toasting pecans and set firmly in the fridge for a chewy, nutty indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup finely chopped dates
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (for coating)
Instructions
- Toast the Pecan Halves: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a food processor, pulse the toasted pecan halves until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl and mix with graham cracker crumbs and finely chopped dates.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, heat light corn syrup and brown sugar over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the warm syrup mixture over the pecan and graham cracker mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Shape into Balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Coat with Pecans: Roll each ball in finely chopped pecans until fully coated for an extra crunchy texture.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pecan pie balls for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Ensure pecans are fully cooled before chopping to prevent oily clumps.
- Use fresh dates for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Store the pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a variation, try rolling the balls in shredded coconut or powdered sugar instead of chopped pecans.
- If the mixture is too sticky to handle, chilling it briefly before shaping can help.
