No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls

 Capture the rich, buttery joy of classic pecan pie in a simple, no-bake bite. These irresistible treats are perfect for holiday gifting, party platters, or satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. Toasted pecans and a hint of maple come together in a decadent dough that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (mostly inactive)
Yield: About 20-24 balls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups pecans, divided

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• ¼ cup apple juice (or bourbon for a deeper flavor)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling (Choose One):

• ½ cup pecans, very finely chopped

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 2 cups of pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool completely.

2. Create the Base:
Finely chop the cooled, toasted pecans. In a medium bowl, combine them with the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt.

3. Mix the Dough:
Pour the maple syrup, apple juice (or bourbon), and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula, then use your hands to mix until a thick, uniform dough forms. It should hold together when squeezed.

4. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1-2 hours, until firm. This step is essential for easy rolling.

5. Shape & Coat the Balls:
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a 1-inch ball. Roll the balls in your chosen coating (finely chopped pecans, powdered sugar, or cocoa powder) until fully covered.

6. Set and Serve:
Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill for another 30 minutes to set. Serve cool and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Chef's Notes

• For the Perfect Texture: Toasting the pecans is non-negotiable! It deepens their flavor and makes the balls taste truly like pecan pie.

• Bourbon Upgrade: Substituting bourbon for the apple juice adds a wonderful, sophisticated depth that pairs beautifully with the pecans.

• Sticky Situation? If the dough is too sticky when rolling, lightly dampen your hands with water. This creates a non-stick barrier without adding more dry ingredients.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: These balls are perfect for preparing in advance. They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.