Name: No Bake Pecan Pie Balls You will Love
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups pecans (toasted for best flavor); 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted; 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (or oat flour for GF); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 2–3 tbsp maple syrup (or honey); Optional: Melted dark or white chocolate for dipping/drizzling

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These No Bake Pecan Pie Balls You will Love are a quick and wholesome twist on the classic Southern dessert. I get all the cozy, nutty richness of pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized treat—without ever turning on the oven. They’re naturally sweetened, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether I’m prepping for a holiday tray, a sweet afternoon snack, or wrapping them up as a homemade gift, these little bites never disappoint.

No Bake Pecan Pie Balls You will Love

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups pecans (toasted for best flavor)

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

½ cup graham cracker crumbs (or oat flour for GF)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

2–3 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)

Optional: Melted dark or white chocolate for dipping/drizzling

Directions

I start by adding pecans to a food processor and pulsing until they’re finely chopped.

Then, I add the dates, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and maple syrup. I process everything together until the mixture holds when pressed.

I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using my hands.

For a touch of indulgence, I dip each ball into melted chocolate or drizzle some over the top.

I place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to set.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 balls.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

I sometimes roll these in crushed pecans or coconut flakes for extra texture.

A splash of bourbon or rum extract adds a festive, grown-up flair.

For a nut-free version, I’ve swapped pecans with sunflower seeds—it changes the flavor but still works well.

I like to switch up the chocolate—sometimes dark, sometimes white, depending on the occasion.

Storage/Reheating

I store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. When I want to keep them longer, I freeze them for up to three months. I let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying. Since they're no-bake, there's no reheating needed.

FAQs

How do I make these pecan pie balls gluten-free?

I swap out the graham cracker crumbs for oat flour or certified gluten-free cookie crumbs. It works just as well and keeps everything nicely bound together.

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Yes, I’ve tried walnuts and almonds in place of pecans. The flavor changes a bit, but they still taste amazing.

Do I have to use a food processor?

A food processor makes things quick and easy, but I’ve also used a high-powered blender. It just takes a bit more scraping and patience.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make a batch days in advance and keep them chilled until I need them. They're also great for freezing and thaw well.

What’s the best chocolate to use for dipping?

I like using dark chocolate for a richer contrast to the sweet filling, but white chocolate gives a festive look and a sweeter bite. Both are great depending on the vibe I’m going for.

Conclusion

These No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are everything I want in a treat—easy, flavorful, and made with real ingredients. They’re the kind of snack I can throw together quickly and feel good about sharing. Whether it’s for a holiday dessert table or just to satisfy my sweet tooth, these little bites always deliver.

Recipe:

No Bake Pecan Pie Balls You will Love

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 20 balls
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are a quick, wholesome twist on the classic Southern dessert, combining toasted pecans, dates, and graham cracker crumbs into bite-sized treats without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups pecans (toasted for best flavor)

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

½ cup graham cracker crumbs (or oat flour for GF)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

Pinch of salt

2–3 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)

Optional: Melted dark or white chocolate for dipping/drizzling

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Instructions

Add pecans to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
Add dates, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and maple syrup. Process until the mixture holds when pressed.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands.
If desired, dip each ball into melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the top.
Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.