Description
Delicious no-bake pecan pie balls coated in smooth chocolate, combining the rich flavors of pecans, maple syrup, and warm extracts. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1½ cups pecans fine chopped
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons light karo syrup
- 2 tablespoons salted butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ¾ teaspoon rum extract
Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces chocolate melting discs (Ghirardelli brand recommended)
- Optional garnish - Holiday themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, karo syrup, melted butter, almond extract, and rum extract using a wooden spoon until evenly mixed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Form balls: Once chilled, wet your hands with warm water, use a 2 inch cookie scoop to portion the pecan filling and gently squeeze and compact each portion into tight balls. Place the pecan balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, repeating until all filling is used.
- Melt chocolate: In a medium shallow bowl, melt the chocolate melting discs according to package directions, stirring until smooth and ready for dipping.
- Coat pecan balls: Using a fork, carefully dip each pecan ball into the melted chocolate, rolling it to fully coat without breaking apart. Lift out with the fork and place back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all balls.
- Add garnish and chill: If desired, sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles on top of each chocolate-coated pecan ball. Refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours until the chocolate firms up.
Notes
- Store leftover pecan pie balls in an uncovered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If chocolate melting discs are unavailable, use chocolate almond bark or semisweet chocolate chips mixed with 2 tablespoons of unflavored shortening or coconut oil for smooth melting.
- Use good quality pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for best flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute rum extract with vanilla extract.
- Chocolate melting discs come in various colors and flavors, allowing customization of your treats.
- Be careful when melting chocolate chips in the microwave to avoid overheating and seizing; stir at intervals.
- Karo syrup can be omitted and replaced with additional maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
