Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls recipe is a sweet and nutty no-bake dessert, made with pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and a rich chocolate coating. It’s a quick, indulgent treat, ready in about 1 hour, plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
- ⅔ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp. rum extract
- 1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
- 4 semi-sweet chocolate baking bars (4 oz. each), chopped
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, salt, melted butter, maple syrup, rum extract, and light corn syrup. Mix until well combined and slightly crumbly. Use clean hands to ensure the mixture is thoroughly blended.
- Shape the Balls: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the pecan mixture. Gently roll each portion into a smooth ball, being careful not to squeeze too hard to prevent crumbling. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or cutting board.
- Chill the Balls: Transfer the balls to the freezer and chill for 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in short bursts, stirring frequently, until smooth.
- Coat the Balls: Remove the pecan balls from the freezer. One at a time, drop each ball into the melted chocolate and roll to coat evenly. Place the coated balls back on the parchment paper and sprinkle with a few pecan pieces before the chocolate sets.
- Set the Chocolate: Let the balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate fully sets. For faster setting, place them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- How do I know if the mixture is the right consistency? The mixture should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of extra maple syrup.
- Why do I need to chill the balls before dipping? Chilling firms up the balls, making them easier to coat in chocolate without falling apart.
- What if my chocolate is too thick? If the melted chocolate is too thick, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out for easier coating.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, these are perfect for making ahead. They store well in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for parties or gifting.
What To Serve With Pecan Pie Balls
These sweet, nutty treats are perfect on their own but pair wonderfully with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
- A hot cup of coffee or espresso to complement the rich flavors
- A sprinkle of sea salt on the chocolate coating for a sweet-salty twist
How To Store Pecan Pie Balls
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: For longer storage, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pecan Pie Balls Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 ball
- Calories: 148 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 11g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods used.
FAQs
What makes these pecan pie balls taste like pecan pie?
The combination of pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, and rum extract mimics the rich, nutty, and sweet flavors of a classic pecan pie, all wrapped in a chocolate shell.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile. Ensure it’s good-quality baking chocolate for the best results.
Why is my mixture too sticky to roll?
If the mixture is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chess Pie Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Blackberry Pie Recipe
Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Description
A no-bake dessert with the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie, these chocolate-coated pecan pie balls are an easy and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, maple syrup, rum extract, and corn syrup until well combined and slightly crumbly. Use hands to blend thoroughly.
- Use a cookie scoop to form balls, gently rolling until smooth. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the balls for 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each ball in the melted chocolate, coating evenly, and place back on the parchment. Sprinkle with pecan pieces before the chocolate sets.
- Let the balls sit until the chocolate sets, or freeze for 5-10 minutes to speed up the process. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUse fresh, finely chopped pecans for the best texture and flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eIf the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of maple syrup to adjust.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eChill the balls before dipping to ensure they hold their shape.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eMelt chocolate in short bursts to prevent burning.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThese are rich, so small portions are ideal for serving.u003c/liu003e
