Imagine a sweet little bite that captures the essence of pecan pie without any of the fuss. No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are an irresistible treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a hint of sweetness and a touch of chocolate. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more.
These delightful morsels are perfect for any occasion – from holiday gatherings to cozy movie nights at home. They bring back memories of family gatherings where laughter fills the air, and everyone is excited to indulge in a sweet treat. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting to make these again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a great last-minute dessert option
- Their rich flavor profile blends buttery pecans with sweet chocolate and warm spices
- Visually, they resemble little truffles, adding elegance to any dessert table
- These versatile bites can be served as snacks or desserts and even make delightful gifts!
I still remember the first time I made these No Bake Pecan Pie Balls for my family. Their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning when they took that first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Finely Chopped Pecans: Use fresh pecans for the best taste; they add a delightful crunch.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient binds everything together while adding sweetness without baking.
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Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide a nice texture and subtle sweetness; crush them finely for best results.
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Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and creaminess; let it sit at room temperature before using.
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Dark Chocolate Chips: Choose high-quality chocolate chips for melting; they give your balls an irresistible finish.
For rolling:
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Powdered Sugar: This gives the final touch by rolling the balls in it; it adds sweetness with a beautiful dusting effect.
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Cocoa Powder (optional): For an extra chocolatey touch, feel free to use cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Workspace: Clear off your counter and gather all your ingredients. A clean space makes everything easier as you whip up these delicious bites.
Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine finely chopped pecans, sweetened condensed milk, graham cracker crumbs, and softened cream cheese. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
Form into Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 inch wide. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Melt Chocolate Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir between intervals to avoid burning.
Coat Your Balls in Chocolate: Dip each ball into melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Use forks to lift them out and let excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the baking sheet.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate your No Bake Pecan Pie Balls for at least one hour until set. This helps them hold their shape and enhances their flavors beautifully!
Enjoy these delightful treats with friends or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!). You’ll find that once you take that first bite, there’s no going back!
You Must Know
- No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect treat for a hassle-free dessert option
- They blend rich pecan flavors with sweet chocolate, creating an indulgent bite that impresses everyone
- Their no-bake nature means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying deliciousness!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by finely chopping pecans to enhance their flavor release. Combine with cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar for a rich filling. Roll into balls, then chill for about 30 minutes for perfect shape.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these treats by adding mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your No Bake Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For best results, enjoy them chilled and fresh, as reheating isn’t necessary.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure you finely chop the pecans to ensure every bite is full of flavor
- Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or maple to elevate taste
- Lastly, rolling them in crushed graham crackers adds a delightful crunch!
Sometimes I whip up No Bake Pecan Pie Balls when friends drop by unexpectedly; their delighted faces make all the effort worthwhile!
FAQ
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives in this recipe.
How long do No Bake Pecan Pie Balls last?
They can last up to two weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and maple syrup for a delightful vegan alternative.
No Bake Pecan Pie Balls
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and nutty flavors of No Bake Pecan Pie Balls. These bite-sized delights combine finely chopped pecans with sweetened condensed milk and creamy cheese, rolled in chocolate for an irresistible finish. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to whip up and bring joy to gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by clearing the counter and gathering all ingredients.
- In a large bowl, mix the pecans, sweetened condensed milk, graham cracker crumbs, and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Form the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch wide) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth, stirring between intervals.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Let excess chocolate drip off before returning them to the baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour to set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (25g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
