Indulge in a bite-sized no-bake treat that captures all the cozy, nutty sweetness of a classic pecan pie—without turning on the oven. These Pecan Pie Balls are chewy, rich with pecans and maple syrup, and finished with a smooth chocolate coating for the perfect festive treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and stress-free this recipe is. There’s no baking involved, the ingredients are simple, and the result tastes like mini bites of pecan pie. I can prepare them in advance, and they always impress guests. The chocolate coating adds a beautiful finish and a touch of indulgence, making these perfect for holidays, parties, or gifts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1½ cups finely chopped pecans
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or vanilla cookie crumbs)
½ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for coating)
1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (to thin the chocolate, optional)
Optional: extra chopped pecans for topping

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, I combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar.
I stir in the maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until everything comes together into a thick, sticky mixture. If it feels too wet, I add a few more crumbs; if it’s too dry, I add a bit more syrup.
I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
I chill the balls in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until firm.
While the balls chill, I melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
I dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to let excess chocolate drip off. Then I place them back on parchment paper.
If I want to decorate, I sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top before the chocolate sets.
I refrigerate the coated balls for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 to 30 Pecan Pie Balls.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 45 minutes
Coating and setting: 15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes

Variations

Add a splash (1 tablespoon) of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist.
Roll the balls in powdered sugar or cocoa instead of coating them in chocolate.
Try white or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor.
Replace the graham crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for variety.
Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate to make the recipe vegan.

Storage/Reheating

I store my Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. I let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving. No reheating is needed—these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a few days in advance. They hold up beautifully in the fridge and taste even better after sitting for a day.

My mixture feels too sticky—what should I do?

I simply add a few more cookie crumbs or chopped pecans until the mixture firms up enough to roll into balls.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

I prefer semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate because it balances the sweetness of the filling, but milk or white chocolate also work if I want a milder flavor.

Can I make these without nuts?

If I need a nut-free option, I use sunflower seeds or toasted oats instead of pecans. The flavor changes, but they’re still delicious.

Are these good for gifting?

Absolutely. I pack them in a small festive box or tin with parchment paper between layers. They look elegant and make a thoughtful homemade gift.

Conclusion

I love how these Pecan Pie Balls combine the rich, buttery taste of pecan pie with the simplicity of a no-bake recipe. They’re quick to prepare, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m hosting a party or craving a sweet bite, these treats always deliver the perfect mix of chewy, nutty, and chocolatey goodness.