Bite-sized, no-bake pecan pie balls with a bourbon-maple twist and a chocolate dip—like your favorite holiday pie, but easier and faster to make!
📝 Recipe Card
📌 Quick Overview:
Yield: About 20–24 balls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian | No-Bake | Kid-Friendly | Holiday Treat
✅ Ingredients Checklist
Finely chopped toasted pecans
Graham cracker crumbs
Brown sugar (packed)
Salt
Maple syrup
Bourbon or apple juice (for non-alcoholic option)
Vanilla extract
Melted chocolate chips (for dipping)
👨🍳 Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in maple syrup, bourbon (or apple juice), and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Chill: Refrigerate the balls for 30 minutes to firm up.
Dip in Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips, then dip each ball halfway (or fully, if desired). Return to tray and let chocolate set before serving.
💡 Notes & Quick Tips
These pecan pie balls are naturally vegetarian and no-bake.
For best flavor, toast the pecans beforehand.
Bourbon adds a warm depth, but apple juice makes a great alcohol-free version.
Store in the fridge for a firmer bite or at room temperature for a softer texture.
(Insert a visually appealing image of the finished pecan pie balls—some dipped, some undipped, maybe arranged on a holiday platter)
🎉 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls were born from a holiday baking crisis—I was out of pie crust and out of time. With just a few pantry staples and no oven, this recipe saved dessert. Now, they’ve become a seasonal favorite: chewy, rich, nutty, and perfectly sweet, with a little grown-up twist from the bourbon.
They’re a quick holiday treat, ideal for gifting, potlucks, or snacking straight from the fridge. Plus, you don’t need to roll out a single crust.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
🥣 1. Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
Tip: Use a food processor for finely chopped pecans and uniform texture.
🧴 2. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in maple syrup, bourbon (or apple juice), and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is evenly coated and forms a sticky dough.
Tip: If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash more maple syrup or juice.
👐 3. Shape into Balls
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Tip: Lightly grease your hands with oil to prevent sticking.
❄️ 4. Chill
Refrigerate the tray for 30 minutes to let the balls firm up before dipping.
🍫 5. Dip in Chocolate
Melt the chocolate chips and dip each ball halfway. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for faster results.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped pecans before the chocolate hardens for a gourmet touch.
🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
🥃 Bourbon vs. Apple Juice
Bourbon adds warmth and a classic pecan pie flavor.
Apple Juice keeps it kid-friendly and just as delicious.
🍪 Graham Cracker Crumbs
You can use:
Crushed digestive biscuits (UK alternative)
Gluten-free graham crackers for a GF version
🍫 Chocolate for Dipping
Dark chocolate for richness
White chocolate for contrast
Or skip entirely for a less-sweet version
🔄 Equipment Swaps
No food processor? Finely chop pecans with a knife.
No cookie scoop? Use a tablespoon or your hands.
🧂 Flavor Variations
Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm twist.
Stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness.
Mix in shredded coconut or crushed pretzels for a crunchy version.
🌱 Dietary Variations
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate and maple syrup.
Gluten-Free: Swap graham cracker crumbs for GF biscuit crumbs or almond flour.
Nut-Free Alternative: Sub pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or shredded coconut (note: flavor will vary).
🍽️ Serving & Presentation
Serve chilled or at room temperature on a festive platter.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle extra chocolate for a beautiful finish.
Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a small glass of bourbon for adults.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating:
Not necessary! But if frozen, let sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before eating.
Make-Ahead:
Perfect for holiday prep! Make 2–3 days ahead and keep chilled.
Shelf Life:
Best texture within the first 3 days. After that, they may soften slightly.
🔍 Nutrition Info (Per Ball – Approximate)
Calories: 140 | Carbs: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g
Contains: Nuts, Dairy (if using regular chocolate)
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I skip the bourbon?
A: Yes! Use apple juice or orange juice instead for a non-alcoholic version.
Q: How fine should the pecans be chopped?
A: As fine as breadcrumbs—this helps the balls hold their shape better.
Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Absolutely. The flavor will change slightly but still taste amazing.
Q: My mixture is too sticky/dry. What should I do?
A: If too sticky, chill for 10 minutes before rolling. If too dry, add more maple syrup a teaspoon at a time.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Freeze in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag. Thaw before serving.
🧡 Behind the Recipe
This recipe came together one fall afternoon when I craved pecan pie but didn’t want to deal with pie crust. I had leftover graham crackers, pecans, and a splash of bourbon—20 minutes later, these beauties were born.
They’ve since become a go-to for quick holiday treats and edible gifts. I love how the maple syrup and bourbon deepen the flavor, and that chocolate shell? Totally optional—but totally worth it.
