Description
Sweet pecan pie balls offer a delightful twist on classic Southern desserts without baking. Nutty, rich morsels blend graham cracker crumbs, pecans, and bourbon for an irresistible treat you can enjoy in just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (300 grams) pecans, toasted and finely chopped
- 1 cup (120 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) chocolate chips, melted (for dipping)
Instructions
- Toast pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pulse toasted pecans in a food processor until finely chopped and create a crumbly texture.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Drizzle maple syrup, bourbon (or apple juice), and vanilla extract over the dry mixture, then fold and press ingredients together until they form a cohesive, slightly sticky consistency.
- Using clean hands, gently roll the mixture into compact, uniform 1-inch spheres, applying light pressure to ensure they hold together.
- Arrange the formed balls on a parchment-lined tray, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
- Transfer tray to the freezer and chill for 25-35 minutes until balls are firm and maintain their shape.
- Melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring periodically to achieve a smooth, glossy texture.
- Carefully dip each chilled ball into melted chocolate, using a fork to ensure complete or partial coverage, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
- Return chocolate-coated balls to the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until chocolate sets completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Toasting pecans beforehand enhances their nutty flavor and adds a deeper, richer taste to the balls.
- For gluten-free options, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
- When dipping in chocolate, use room temperature balls to prevent chocolate from cooling too quickly and creating uneven coating.
- Control sweetness by adjusting brown sugar quantity or using alternative sweeteners like honey or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 261
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg