If you’re a fan of pecan pie but don’t want to deal with a full-on pie crust, these Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect solution. They’re sweet, nutty, and packed with all the cozy flavors you love about pecan pie—but in a bite-sized, no-bake form. Best of all, they’re so easy to make, you’ll have a tray of these little delights ready in no time!
What You’ll Need for Pecan Pie Balls
- Chopped Pecans: The star ingredient! I love the crunch and richness they bring to these little bites.
- Brown Sugar: Gives the balls that rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Corn Syrup: Adds that perfect sticky texture and ensures they hold together beautifully.
- Melted Butter: For flavor and to bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a subtle, warm flavor to the filling.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These help give the mixture structure and keep everything together.
- Powdered Sugar: To roll the cooled balls in for a sweet finish.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls
1. Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined.
3. Shape the Balls
Next, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one.
4. Bake
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the Pecan Pie Balls are golden brown.
5. Coat with Powdered Sugar
Let the balls cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar to give them that classic pecan pie look and a little extra sweetness.
6. Enjoy!
Now your delicious, nutty Pecan Pie Balls are ready to enjoy! They’re the perfect treat to share—or keep all to yourself.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Balls
If you find that your Pecan Pie Balls turn out a little too messy, don’t worry! It’s likely due to the mixture being too wet or the balls not being firm enough before baking. Here are a few things you can try:
- Adjust the Consistency: Make sure your mixture isn’t too sticky. If it feels too wet, add a little more graham cracker crumbs to help hold everything together.
- Chill the Dough: If you’re having trouble shaping the balls, chill the mixture for about 30 minutes before forming them. This will help firm them up and prevent them from spreading too much.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can cause the balls to spread too much during baking, so stir just until combined.
- Check the Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. If it’s too high, the balls may melt or spread out too much while baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pecan Pie Balls
1. Can I make Pecan Pie Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Once baked and coated in powdered sugar, these Pecan Pie Balls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them even further in advance, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing and wrap them tightly.
2. What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs on hand, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafer crumbs, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
3. My Pecan Pie Balls spread too much while baking—what went wrong?
If your balls flattened or spread too much, it could be due to the dough being too wet or the balls not being firm enough before baking. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping the balls, or add a bit more graham cracker crumbs to help hold the mixture together.
4. Can I make these without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps bind the mixture and gives the Pecan Pie Balls their chewy texture. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor and texture might change slightly.
5. How do I store Pecan Pie Balls?
Store the Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crunch. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
6. Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Yes! While pecans are the classic choice for Pecan Pie Balls, you can use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews if you prefer. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on the nuts you choose.
7. My Pecan Pie Balls didn’t brown as much as I wanted. Should I bake them longer?
If your balls aren’t as golden brown as you’d like, it’s possible that your oven temperature isn’t quite right. However, be cautious about overbaking them, as this can cause them to dry out or burn. Keep an eye on them, and if they’re not golden after the suggested 10 minutes, try adding an extra 2-3 minutes—but check frequently!
These Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect little bites of sweetness, and with just a few adjustments, you can get the texture just right. They’re great for any occasion, and I bet you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Pecan Pie Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until evenly blended.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the balls cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
- Enjoy your delicious, nutty Pecan Pie Balls!
Notes
- Make sure to shape the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls for even baking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking—aim for golden brown edges.
- For extra flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the dough.
- If you prefer a smoother coating, sift the powdered sugar before rolling the balls.
- Store the Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
-
If the Pecan Pie Balls turned out like a melted mess, it could be due to the mixture being too wet or the balls not being firm enough before baking. Try the following adjustments:
- Make sure the mixture is well combined and not too sticky—if it is, add a bit more graham cracker crumbs to help hold it together.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping the balls to help them firm up.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as it can cause the balls to spread too much during baking.
- Ensure your oven temperature is correct and not too high, as overheating can cause the balls to melt.
