Pecan Pie Balls
Pecan Pie Balls are no-bake dessert bites made with pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, rum extract, corn syrup, and chocolate.
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Servings: 25 balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans finely chopped
- ⅔ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp rum extract
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup
- 4 semi-sweet chocolate baking bars 4 oz each, chopped
- Additional pecan pieces for topping, optional
Instructions
Prepare the pecan mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, packed light brown sugar, salt, melted butter, maple syrup, rum extract, and light corn syrup.
Mix until combined.
- Stir the ingredients until evenly incorporated. Use clean hands if necessary to ensure the mixture is well combined and slightly crumbly, but able to hold its shape when pressed.
Portion the mixture.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion the pecan mixture into evenly sized balls.
Shape the balls.
- Gently roll each portion between your hands until smooth. Do not press too firmly, as the mixture may crumble.
Freeze the pecan balls.
- Place the rolled balls on a cutting board or parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour, or until firm.
Melt the chocolate.
- Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Coat the balls in chocolate.
- Dip one pecan ball at a time into the melted chocolate. Roll gently until evenly coated, then lift out and allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
Add the topping.
- Place the coated pecan balls back onto the parchment paper. Sprinkle with additional pecan pieces before the chocolate sets, if desired.
Allow the chocolate to set.
- Let the pecan balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate coating is fully firm. To speed up the process, place them in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve.
- Serve the Pecan Pie Balls at room temperature for the best texture.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the graham cracker crumbs with certified gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free vanilla cookie crumbs.
Confirm that the pecans, brown sugar, salt, butter, maple syrup, rum extract, corn syrup, and chocolate baking bars are certified gluten-free or free from gluten-containing additives.
If using chocolate chips instead of baking bars, check the label for gluten-based ingredients or cross-contamination warnings.
Use clean bowls, utensils, measuring cups, baking sheets, and parchment paper to prevent cross-contamination.
If preparing these for someone with celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, use ingredients processed in certified gluten-free facilities whenever possible.
Store gluten-free Pecan Pie Balls separately from gluten-containing desserts when serving on a dessert tray or gifting.