Description
Delightfully sweet and nutty, these Pecan Pie Balls are bite-sized treats combining chopped pecans, maple syrup, and brown sugar, all coated in smooth melted chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a no-bake dessert that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare.
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
Coating
- 12 ounces chocolate melting discs (Ghirardelli brand recommended)
- Optional garnish – Holiday themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix filling ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, karo syrup, melted butter, almond extract, and rum extract. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Form pecan balls: After chilling, use a 2 inch cookie scoop to portion out the pecan filling. Wet your hands with warm water, then place the scooped filling in your palm and gently squeeze to form tight balls. Place the formed balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all filling is shaped.
- Melt chocolate: In a medium bowl, melt the chocolate discs according to package instructions, stirring until smooth and lump-free.
- Dip pecan balls in chocolate: Using a fork, carefully submerge one pecan ball at a time into the melted chocolate. Roll to coat evenly without breaking apart the ball. Lift out with the fork and place back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all balls.
- Add garnish and chill: Sprinkle holiday-themed candy sprinkles atop each chocolate-coated pecan ball if desired. Refrigerate the baking sheet uncovered for 2 hours to allow the chocolate to firm up.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an uncovered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If chocolate melting discs are unavailable, use almond bark or melting chocolate blocks designed for dipping. Avoid baking chocolate since it lacks the right texture.
- Chocolate melting discs come in various colors and flavors like vanilla or white chocolate for creative variations.
- You can replace karo syrup with additional maple syrup (use high-quality pure maple syrup for best flavor).
- If you prefer not to use rum extract, vanilla extract is a great substitute with delicious results.
