No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls - I Heart Naptime

These no bake pecan pie balls have a sweet, nutty filling wrapped in a chocolate coating. All the flavor of pecan pie in a bite-sized holiday treat!

For more pecan desserts, try my classic pecan pie or pecan pie bars, too!

Pecan pie ball cut in half to show the filling, surrounded by chocolate-covered balls topped with pecans or flaky salt.

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Key Takeaways: Pecan Pie Balls

No bake dessert: Save oven space during the holidays with these pecan pie truffles that require no baking.
Pecan pie flavor: A buttery filling with chopped pecans, brown sugar and maple syrup, wrapped in chocolate.
Easy prep: Just 20 minutes of hands-on time, plus chilling to firm up the filling and set the coating.
Made for sharing: Makes 36 bite-sized treats for holiday dessert trays or homemade gifts.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love that these pecan pie balls are easier to make than chocolate pecan pie, but still feel a little fancy with their chocolate coating. Tuck a few into a gift box, and you have a sweet homemade gift without turning on the oven!

They’re also a fun bite-sized addition to a Thanksgiving dessert table, especially alongside my pecan pie dip for everyone who loves that buttery, nutty filling.

Ingredients Notes

Labeled ingredients for pecan pie balls: chocolate melting wafers, butter, graham cracker crumbs, pecans, maple syrup, vanilla, brown sugar and salt.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

Pecans: Finely chop them so the filling holds together and the balls are easy to roll. Save a few extra for topping.
Graham cracker crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs to help bind the filling. Store-bought crumbs save a little prep time!
Light brown sugar and maple syrup: Give the filling its sweet pecan pie flavor. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps bring the filling together.
Vanilla and salt: Vanilla rounds out the flavor, while a little salt balances the sweetness.
Chocolate melting wafers: Melt smoothly and set into a firm coating. Finish with chopped pecans or flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets.

How to Make Pecan Pie Balls

Pecan pie ball filling mixed in a glass bowl with a white spatula.

Step 1: Stir together the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, maple syrup and melted butter. The filling should be evenly moistened and hold together when pressed.

No bake pecan pie balls arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Use a small cookie scoop to portion the filling, then gently roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 45 minutes, or until firm enough to dip.

Pecan pie ball coated in melted chocolate on a fork above a glass bowl.

Step 3: Melt the chocolate wafers according to the package directions, stirring until smooth. Dip each chilled ball using a fork, letting the excess chocolate drip off before returning it to the baking sheet.

Chocolate-covered pecan pie balls topped with chopped pecans or flaky salt on parchment paper.

Step 4: Add chopped pecans or flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still wet. Let the coating set at room temperature, or refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes if you’re eager to try one!

Recipe Tips

Finely chop the pecans: A few pulses in a food processor make quick work of this. Stop before they turn into a paste so you keep some texture in the filling.
Make them festive: Add holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet for a fun addition to Christmas cookie trays.
Add warm spice: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the filling an extra cozy pecan pie flavor.
For easier dipping: Keep the balls chilled and dip a few at a time. Lift each one out with a fork, gently tap off excess chocolate, then use a toothpick to slide it onto the parchment.

No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls FAQs

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Yes! White chocolate, dark chocolate or a good-quality chopped chocolate bar will work. Melt gently and stir often to keep the chocolate from overheating.

Why is my pecan pie ball mixture crumbly?

Make sure the pecans are finely chopped and the graham cracker crumbs are fine. The mixture may look crumbly but should hold together when pressed. If it still falls apart, mix in a little more melted butter, just a small amount at a time.

Can I use chocolate chips?

Yes, although melted chocolate chips can be thicker than melting wafers, making dipping a little trickier. Use good-quality chips and melt gently. Melting wafers are my first choice for an easy, smooth coating.

Can I substitute the maple syrup?

Light corn syrup will work in place of the maple syrup, using the same amount. It helps bind and sweeten the filling, but you’ll miss the maple flavor.