Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Baking Required: These pecan balls come together in just 20 minutes, with no need for an oven—perfect for when you’re short on time.
Sweet and Nutty: The combination of toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar gives these balls a rich, sweet flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Customizable: Feel free to swap the bourbon for apple juice or adjust the amount of chocolate for your perfect coating.
Make Ahead: These can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months, making them great for meal prep or future snacking.

Ingredients

2 cups chopped and toasted pecans
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
¼ cup bourbon or apple juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup melted chocolate chips

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

Directions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, salt, toasted pecans, and brown sugar. Stir until well mixed.

2. Add Wet Ingredients

Add the vanilla extract, bourbon (or apple juice), and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes sticky and holds its shape.

3. Shape the Balls

Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Freeze to Firm Up

Place the tray in the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow the balls to firm up. This step makes them easier to dip in chocolate.

5. Coat in Chocolate

Once the balls are firm, dip them into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are coated as much as you prefer. You can fully coat them or leave part of the ball uncovered, depending on your taste.

6. Let the Chocolate Set

Place the chocolate-covered pecan balls back on the parchment paper. Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving.

7. Enjoy!

Once the chocolate has set, your Easy Pecan Balls are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a snack or a sweet treat at any gathering.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 20 pieces (approximately)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: None (freezing and chocolate setting time)
Total time: 20 minutes (plus freezing and setting time)

Variations

Spiced Pecan Balls: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different taste.
Larger Bites: For larger portions, roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls for a more substantial treat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze these pecan balls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just pull them out of the freezer and let them thaw a bit, or enjoy them straight from the freezer as a cool treat.

FAQs

1. Can I make these pecan balls without bourbon?

Yes, you can replace the bourbon with apple juice or even water if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

2. How do I toast pecans?

To toast pecans, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly browned. You can also toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can use coconut sugar or maple sugar as a substitute for brown sugar to make these pecan balls slightly healthier.

4. How do I know when the chocolate coating has set?

The chocolate will harden after sitting at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. You can also place the balls in the fridge for 5 minutes to speed up the process.

5. Can I make these pecan balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These pecan balls are perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer for later.

6. Can I skip the chocolate coating?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate coating if you prefer a simpler treat, or roll the pecan balls in powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a different finish.

7. How can I make the chocolate coating smoother?

If you want a smoother chocolate coating, you can add a tablespoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil to the melted chocolate to give it a glossy texture.

8. Can I use graham cracker crumbs from a box?

Yes, store-bought graham cracker crumbs work perfectly for this recipe. If you don’t have them, you can crush your own graham crackers in a food processor.

9. Can I make these without a freezer?

Yes, if you don’t have time to freeze the balls, you can refrigerate them for about an hour to firm up before dipping them in chocolate.

10. How can I make these pecan balls more festive?

For a festive twist, try rolling the balls in colorful sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed candy canes during the holiday season.

Conclusion

These Easy Pecan Balls are a delicious, quick, and no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With toasted pecans, graham crackers, and a rich chocolate coating, they provide a satisfying and indulgent bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or a treat for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit!

Easy Pecan Balls

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Easy Pecan Balls are a no-bake treat made with toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and a chocolate coating. A quick, flavorful, and customizable snack or dessert for any occasion.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing and setting time)
Yield: 20 pieces
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Pecan Balls:

2 cups chopped and toasted pecans

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons real maple syrup

¼ cup bourbon or apple juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup melted chocolate chips

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Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, salt, toasted pecans, and brown sugar. Stir until well mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add vanilla extract, bourbon (or apple juice), and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is sticky and holds its shape.
Shape the Balls: Take portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Freeze to Firm Up: Place the tray in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up the balls.
Coat in Chocolate: Once the balls are firm, dip them into melted chocolate, ensuring they are coated to your preference.
Let the Chocolate Set: Place the coated pecan balls back on the parchment paper and allow the chocolate to harden completely.
Serve: Once the chocolate has set, serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.