Indulgent Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Heavenly Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Recipe: Sweet Treats Made Fun!

Sweet treats never tasted so good as these decadent chocolate pecan pie balls that melt in your mouth.

Packed with rich, nutty flavors and smooth chocolate essence, these bite-sized delights will steal the show at any gathering.

No baking required means you can whip up these delectable morsels in minutes.

Each ball combines the classic pecan pie taste with a chocolatey twist that keeps people coming back for more.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will absolutely adore these little spheres of pure happiness.

Serve them chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite.

FAQs

  • Are chocolate pecan pie balls easy to make?

Yes, they’re super simple! With basic kitchen tools and just a few ingredients, anyone can create these delicious treats in under 30 minutes.

  • Can I make these balls without a food processor?

Absolutely! You can crush graham crackers using a rolling pin and a zip-lock bag, which works perfectly and gives you the same fine crumb texture.

  • How do I prevent the balls from being too sticky?

Lightly greasing your hands with butter or oil helps prevent sticking. If the mixture feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.

  • Are these good for making ahead of time?

Definitely! Chocolate pecan pie balls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for party planning or quick desserts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 25

Chocolate Pecan Pie Ball Ingredients

For Base and Binding:
  • Graham Crackers: Crunchy foundation that provides structure and classic sweetness to the no-bake dessert.
  • Powdered Sugar: Silky sweetener that helps bind ingredients and adds smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer that deepens overall flavor profile with warm undertones.
  • Salt: Subtle flavor amplifier that balances sweetness and intensifies other ingredients.
For Richness and Flavor:
  • Pecans: Buttery, toasted nut that brings rich depth and delightful crunch to the dessert.
  • Chocolate Chips: Luxurious melting chocolate that creates smooth, decadent coating and intense chocolate essence.
  • Butter: Creamy ingredient that helps melt chocolate and adds rich, velvety consistency.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Caramel Sauce: Luscious, golden drizzle that introduces sweet, complex flavor and glossy appearance.

Tools to Make These Holiday Treats

  • Food processor or rolling pin: Perfect for crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Needed for melting chocolate and butter evenly.
  • Zip-lock bag: Optional tool for crushing graham crackers if no food processor available.
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet: Helps chill and store the chocolate pecan pie balls.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for mixing ingredients and scraping bowls.

How to Roll Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls

  • Crush Graham Crackers Create a fine crumb texture by smashing graham crackers in a sealed bag using a rolling pin or food processor. Pour crumbs into a spacious mixing bowl.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients Mix chopped pecans, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract into the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture looks uniform and well-blended.
  • Melt Chocolate Transform chocolate chips and butter into a smooth liquid by microwaving in short bursts, stirring between each interval until completely melted and glossy.
  • Blend Mixture Pour melted chocolate and caramel sauce over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to create a cohesive and rich chocolate pecan mixture.
  • Shape Treats Gently roll the mixture into small round balls using your hands. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly coat your palms with butter or cooking spray.
  • Chill and Set Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about an hour, allowing them to firm up and develop a delightful texture.
  • Serve and Garnish Remove chilled balls from the refrigerator and optionally drizzle with extra caramel or dip in melted chocolate for a stunning presentation.

Tips to Nail the Texture Every Time

  • Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes before rolling to make forming balls easier and prevent sticking.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized balls that look professionally crafted and ensure consistent shape.
  • Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or ground almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace caramel with date syrup for a plant-based version of these delightful treats.
  • Experiment with different extracts like almond or maple instead of vanilla to create unique taste profiles that complement the chocolate and pecan combination.

Best Ways to Serve These Bite-Size Treats

  • Dessert Platter Paradise: Arrange these delightful chocolate pecan pie balls on a beautiful wooden board with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
  • Decadent Party Treats: Serve these bite-sized delights at gatherings, using small decorative paper cups to make them easy for guests to grab and enjoy during cocktail hours or dessert buffets.
  • Coffee Companion Delight: Pair these rich, sweet balls with a steaming cup of espresso or cappuccino, creating a perfect afternoon indulgence that balances the chocolatey flavor with a warm beverage.
  • Gift-Worthy Goodness: Package these chocolate pecan pie balls in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.

Keeping Pie Balls Ready for Gifting or Snacking

  • Store chocolate pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
  • Prepare these delectable treats up to 2 weeks in advance and freeze them in a sealed container, perfect for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.
  • Layer the balls between parchment paper sheets when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful round shape during refrigeration or freezing.
  • Keep these treats cool at all times – room temperature can cause them to soften quickly, so always return them to the refrigerator between servings for optimal taste and consistency.
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Indulgent Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Indulgent Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Rich chocolate pecan pie balls blend Southern comfort with indulgent dessert magic. Sweet, nutty morsels offer a delightful twist on classic pie flavors that you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (100 g) pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (120 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil or shortening
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Crumb Foundation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor, ensuring a consistent texture for the base mixture.
  2. Flavor Layering: Blend crumbs with chopped pecans, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a cohesive flavor profile.
  3. Chocolate Fusion: Melt chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring carefully to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency without burning.
  4. Mixture Integration: Combine the molten chocolate with the crumb mixture, incorporating caramel sauce to enhance richness and binding properties.
  5. Shaping Technique: Utilize lightly greased hands to form compact, uniform spheres, working efficiently to maintain the mixture’s temperature and structural integrity.
  6. Chilling Process: Arrange the formed balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the confections to set and develop a robust flavor matrix.
  7. Finishing Touches: Optional chocolate dipping or caramel drizzling can elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of decadence to these sophisticated sweet bites.

Notes

  • Crumb Consistency Matters: Ensure graham crackers are finely ground without large chunks for smooth, uniform texture and easier ball formation.
  • Temperature Control: Work with slightly cool hands when rolling balls to prevent mixture from becoming too soft or sticky, maintaining perfect shape.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate balls for at least one hour to help them set firmly and intensify flavor blend, allowing ingredients to meld completely.
  • Versatile Variations: Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate for unique flavor profiles, or add dietary alternatives like gluten-free graham crackers for specialized dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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