No Bake Pecan Pie Balls

There’s something downright magical about crafting bite-sized treats that capture all the comforting flavors of a classic pecan pie without ever turning on the oven. Sweet, chewy, and nutty, these No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are the ultimate treat for pecan lovers! With a delightful blend of crunchy pecans and sweet graham crackers, every poppable morsel feels like a tiny celebration in your mouth. They come together in just 20 minutes of prep time—perfect for busy days, last-minute gatherings, or when you need a quick kitchen win. And the best part? You can tweak them to be gluten-free, less sweet, or even dipped in chocolate for extra decadence.

These no-bake delights are beginner-friendly and require zero baking time—just a bit of chilling. They shine as a dessert at potlucks, afternoon pick-me-ups, or a movie-night snack. Each ball clocks in at around 150 calories, making them an easy, portion-controlled indulgence. As the flavors meld during their two-hour rest in the fridge, the texture firms up into the perfect chew—crisp little pecan bits suspended in a sweet, buttery dough. If you’re craving a miniature, nostalgia-packed dessert that’s fuss-free yet gorgeous on a platter, you’re in for a treat with these pecan pie balls.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN NO BAKE PECAN PIE BALLS

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these pecan pie balls so irresistible. Each ingredient plays a unique role, from providing crunch to binding everything together into that perfect little orb of nostalgia.

• Pecans: The star of the show, pecans bring a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Grinding half into a fine meal creates structure, while the roughly chopped halves add delightful texture.
• Graham Crackers: These crushed crumbs lend a hint of honey-biscuity sweetness and help absorb moisture, ensuring each ball holds its shape without being dry.
• Brown Sugar: With its deep molasses notes, brown sugar sweetens the mixture and adds a hint of caramel complexity that pairs beautifully with pecans.
• Corn Syrup: Acting as a binding agent, corn syrup gives these balls their chewy, cohesive texture while keeping them glossy and irresistible.
• Butter: Melted butter melds all the dry ingredients together, enriching the flavor and creating a smooth, pliable dough.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla rounds out the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic profile.
• Cinnamon (optional): A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a cozy warmth and subtle spice, perfect for autumnal vibes or a deeper flavor profile.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt brightens the sweetness and balances the richness, ensuring every bite is wonderfully complex.

HOW TO MAKE NO BAKE PECAN PIE BALLS

Let’s walk through the simple steps to transform these pantry staples into irresistible pecan pie balls. From grinding your nuts to chilling the finished treats, each step is designed for ease and maximum flavor.

1. Begin by placing the pecan halves in a food processor. Process 1 cup until finely ground and another cup until roughly chopped. Transfer both batches to separate bowls and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely ground pecans, crushed graham crackers, and brown sugar. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Stir in the corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully incorporated and sticky. If you prefer a spiced version, add cinnamon and salt at this point and mix thoroughly.

4. Add the chopped pecans into the mix and use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir until the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat until all of the mixture is used up, keeping your hands lightly greased if needed to prevent sticking.

6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange the pecan pie balls neatly over it, ensuring they’re not touching.

7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set into that perfect chew.

8. Once chilled and firm, serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR NO BAKE PECAN PIE BALLS

These chewy pecan pie balls are so versatile that you’ll want to serve them at every occasion imaginable. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, packing lunchbox treats, or simply craving something sweet alongside your afternoon coffee, here are some fun ways to showcase them.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Warm some dark or milk chocolate and use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle it over each ball. Let the chocolate set in the fridge for a few minutes for an extra layer of richness.
• Nutty Coating: Roll each ball in additional crushed pecans right after shaping. This adds crunch, visual appeal, and intensifies the nutty flavor.
• Festive Sprinkles: For a colorful twist—especially around birthdays or holidays—press rainbow or seasonal sprinkles onto the surface of each ball before chilling.
• Gourmet Platter: Serve on a decorative tray lined with doilies or cupcake liners, and garnish with a curl of orange zest or a fresh mint leaf for an elegant finish.

HOW TO STORE NO BAKE PECAN PIE BALLS

Storing your pecan pie balls properly ensures they stay fresh, chewy, and delicious for days (or even weeks!) after you make them. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a party or just want a stash of treats ready to grab, these methods will help maintain texture and flavor.

• Refrigerator in Airtight Container: Place the pecan pie balls in a single layer inside a sealed, airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week.
• Freezer in Freezer-Safe Bag: Arrange the balls in a freezer-safe bag or container, using parchment sheets between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Vacuum Sealing: If you have a vacuum sealer, remove excess air before sealing to prolong shelf life and lock in freshness, whether you’re refrigerating or freezing.
• Keep Away from Heat and Humidity: Store in a cool, dry spot if you plan to eat them within a couple of days. Excessive heat or moisture can cause the balls to soften too much or become sticky.

CONCLUSION

Making No Bake Pecan Pie Balls is like unlocking a new level of sweet snacking bliss. From the moment you grind those pecans to the final pop of a chewy, nutty bite, every step feels gratifyingly simple. These treats capture all the flavors of classic pecan pie—brown sugar sweetness, buttery crust notes, and warm vanilla—without ever needing to heat the oven. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile: roll them in chocolate, sprinkle on festive decorations, or serve them as part of a gourmet dessert platter. With only 20 minutes of hands-on prep time and two hours of chilling, you have a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, yet you barely broke a sweat.

Feel free to print this article or save it for later as your go-to guide for sweet, chewy, and utterly addictive pecan pie balls. You can also find a FAQ below if you have any lingering questions or troubleshooting tips. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, share your variations, or ask any questions you have about the process. Your feedback, anecdotes, and photos make this recipe even more special and help our cooking community grow. Happy no-bake baking!

Print Recipe

No Bake Pecan Pie Balls

Author: Sophie Reynolds Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Rest Time 2 hrs Total Time 2 hrs 20 mins

Calories: 150

Description

A delightful blend of crunchy pecans and sweet graham crackers, all without the oven! Perfectly poppable and a fantastic no-bake dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups pecan halves, divided (1 cup chopped, 1 cup finely ground)

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• ¹⁄₂ cup corn syrup

• ¹⁄₄ cup melted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Begin by placing the pecan halves in a food processor. Process 1 cup until finely ground and another cup until roughly chopped. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely ground pecans, crushed graham crackers, and brown sugar.
3. Stir in the corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully incorporated. If you prefer a spiced version, add cinnamon and salt at this point.
4. Add the chopped pecans into the mix and stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat until all of the mixture is used up.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange the pecan pie balls neatly over it.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
8. Once chilled and firm, serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Note

• These pecan pie balls can also be dipped in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
• Feel free to roll them in additional crushed pecans or cocoa powder after forming the balls for some visual appeal.
• For a less sweet variation, reduce the amount of brown sugar by 1/4 cup.
• To make them gluten-free, replace crushed graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or nut flour.

Keywords: no bake, pecan pie balls, easy dessert, gluten-free, treat, snack