Description
Pecan Pie Balls are delightful no-bake treats combining the rich flavors of pecans, graham crackers, brown sugar, and syrup, all coated in smooth melted chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1½ cups pecans fine chopped
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons light karo syrup
- 2 tablespoons salted butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ¾ teaspoon rum extract
Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces chocolate melting discs (Ghirardelli brand recommended)
- Optional garnish - Holiday themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix filling ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon to combine chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, karo syrup, melted butter, almond extract, and rum extract. Stir until evenly mixed. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Form pecan balls: Once chilled, wet your hands with warm water. Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, scoop out the pecan filling, place it into your palm, and gently squeeze to compact it into a tight ball. Place each pecan ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, repeating until all filling is used.
- Melt chocolate: In a medium bowl, melt the chocolate melting discs according to package directions. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat pecan balls: Using a fork, dip one pecan ball at a time into the melted chocolate, rolling it gently to coat without breaking the ball. Lift out and place the coated ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all balls are coated.
- Optional garnish and chill: Sprinkle holiday-themed candy sprinkles onto the tops of the chocolate-coated pecan pie balls if desired. Refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours to allow the chocolate to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers or pre-made Pecan Pie Balls uncovered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you can't find chocolate melting discs, use Chocolate Almond Bark or melting chocolate blocks as alternatives. Avoid baking chocolate squares as they do not re-harden properly after melting.
- Chocolate melting discs and almond bark already contain added sugar and fats, making them ideal for coating and dipping.
- Chocolate melting discs come in various colors and vanilla/white chocolate flavors to customize your treats creatively.
- If melting discs are unavailable, melt 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons unflavored crisco shortening or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl on medium heat, stirring every minute and in 30-second intervals to avoid seizing.
- To omit karo syrup, increase maple syrup amount slightly. Use good quality maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for best flavor.
- If rum extract is unavailable or undesired, substitute with vanilla extract for a delicious alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pecan pie ball
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
