Name: No Bake Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup finely chopped pecans; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of merging all the flavors of classic pecan pie into a bite-sized, fuss-free treat, these No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are about to become your new dessert obsession. They’re wonderfully creamy, packed with toasty pecans and just a hint of chocolate for balance, and finished with a sweet graham cracker hug. Without needing to turn on your oven or fuss with flaky crusts, you’ll get a taste of indulgence worthy of your favorite holiday table—right from your fridge. Trust me, these are just the thing for satisfying your sweet tooth when time is short but you want something extra special.

No Bake Pecan Pie Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about No Bake Pecan Pie Balls is that every ingredient is easy to find and has a purpose, coming together for rich flavor and unbeatable texture. Don’t skip or swap without good reason—each one is a building block in this perfect dessert equation!

Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped): Nutty and buttery, these are the star of the show and give each bite a signature crunch.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Makes everything irresistibly creamy and holds the balls together.
Powdered sugar (1 cup, adjust to taste): Balances the tang of the cream cheese with just the right amount of sweetness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth, tying together the flavors beautifully.
Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Little bits of chocolate bring a delightful contrast and make these balls feel extra decadent.
Graham cracker crumbs (1/2 cup): Rolling each ball in these gives that pie crust texture and a sweet, toasty finish.

How to Make No Bake Pecan Pie Balls

Step 1: Mix Pecans, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Start by placing your finely chopped pecans, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a large bowl. This mix is the creamy, nutty base that mimics pecan pie filling—just without baking! Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the pecans are distributed evenly throughout the batter.

Step 2: Add Vanilla for Flavor

Drizzle in the vanilla extract and stir again. The vanilla brings a subtle warmth that perfectly complements both the cream cheese and the pecans, turning this from a simple sweet into a pie-inspired masterpiece!

Step 3: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips

Dump in the mini chocolate chips and gently fold them through the mixture. You want every bite of your No Bake Pecan Pie Balls to deliver a bit of chocolate along with the nuts and creamy filling. Try not to over-mix—just ensure it’s even.

Step 4: Shape into Balls

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it between your palms to form balls about one inch in diameter. This is where they take shape and really start to look tempting!

Step 5: Coat in Graham Cracker Crumbs

Pour the graham cracker crumbs into a shallow bowl. Roll each ball around until fully coated. This golden layer mimics the texture of a classic pie crust and adds the perfect finishing touch.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Arrange the finished balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this firms them up for the best texture and makes sure they hold their shape beautifully when serving.

How to Serve No Bake Pecan Pie Balls

Garnishes

You can make these look as impressive as they taste! Top each No Bake Pecan Pie Ball with an extra sprinkle of chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a quick drizzle of melted chocolate goes a long way, too.

Side Dishes

For a sweet treat platter, pair these decadent bites with fresh berries, a handful of salted pretzels, or even some candied orange peel. They sit happily alongside coffee or tea for a chic dessert board, or can be individually plated with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

No Bake Pecan Pie Balls steal the show when you stack them up on a tiered cake stand or arrange them in mini cupcake papers for a party. You can even skewer them with cocktail picks for a fun finger-food presentation at brunches or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover No Bake Pecan Pie Balls keep wonderfully in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them a perfect prep-ahead sweet for whenever cravings hit.

Freezing

Freezing is easy—just place the balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving for perfect taste and texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these treats! Simply let them warm up at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes if you prefer a softer bite, but they’re delicious straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar?

For this recipe, powdered sugar is best because it helps maintain the thick, scoopable texture. Liquid sweeteners could make the mixture too sticky and hard to roll.

What if I only have regular chocolate chips?

Feel free to chop up regular chocolate chips or a chocolate bar into smaller bits—the goal is to distribute chocolate evenly in each bite. Mini chips blend in seamlessly, but any chopped chocolate will work.

Are there any nut-free substitutions for pecans?

This recipe is all about those signature pecan pie flavors, but if you need a nut-free option, try toasted oats or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and flavor dimension.

Can I make these No Bake Pecan Pie Balls gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap the graham cracker crumbs for your favorite gluten-free substitute—there are several tasty options on the market.

Will these hold up at room temperature for a party?

Yes, for a couple of hours, No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are party-perfect. If it’s very warm, just pop them in the fridge until close to serving time to keep them in tip-top shape.

Final Thoughts

If you love a shortcut treat that brings the wow factor without stress, you need to try these No Bake Pecan Pie Balls. They’re rich, sweet, and cozy in every bite—like the best pecan pie experience in snackable form. Whip up a batch and watch them disappear at your next family gathering or festive party!

No Bake Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the flavors of pecan pie in a bite-sized form. Creamy, nutty, and sweet, these little balls are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Pie Balls:

1 cup finely chopped pecans
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For Rolling:

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Finely chop the pecans and mix with cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Add Vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract until well mixed.
Include Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in mini chocolate chips evenly.
Form Balls: Scoop portions of the mixture and roll into one-inch balls.
Coat in Crumbs: Roll each ball in graham cracker crumbs to coat.
Chill: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar used.
Feel free to experiment with different coatings like chopped nuts or cocoa powder.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American