Pecan Pie Balls No-Bake
You know that moment when you want all the buttery, caramel-y goodness of pecan pie but don’t want to wrestle with a crust or wait for an oven? Well, these Pecan Pie Balls are exactly that magic in bite-sized form! I remember the first time I made these—no heat, no fuss, just pure sticky-sweet heaven rolled into little balls. The smell of toasted pecans mixed with that rich brown sugar and vanilla sends your taste buds straight to dessert paradise. They’re super quick to whip up, and perfect for when guests drop by unannounced or when you just need a sweet pick-me-up. Plus, they hold together beautifully thanks to a touch of cream cheese, so no crumbling mess—just smooth, nutty bites. Ready for the easiest pecan treat you’ll make all year?
Quick Facts
- Yield: Makes about 24 balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chilling)
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 ½ cups pecans, toasted and finely chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
How I Make It
Step 1:
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning. Once cool, chop them finely—but not to dust! We want a nice crunchy texture.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until creamy and well combined.
Step 3:
Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and chopped pecans, folding gently until everything is evenly mixed into a thick, sticky dough.
Step 4:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. Don’t worry if they stick a bit; chilling fixes that!
Step 5:
Place the pecan balls on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 6:
Before serving, you can roll the balls in extra chopped pecans or drizzle with melted chocolate for a little fancy flair.
Variations & Tips
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a slightly different crunch.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for extra warm spice notes.
- For a boozy twist, add 1 tbsp bourbon or rum to the mixture.
- If your mixture is too sticky, add a bit more graham cracker crumbs until manageable.
- For a prettier presentation, dip half the balls in melted dark or white chocolate.
- Use store-bought graham cracker crumbs for convenience, but homemade crushed crackers add extra freshness.
How I Like to Serve It
These pecan pie balls make an excellent snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea on chilly afternoons. They also shine on a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies and fudge, or as little treats in gift boxes for friends and family. No matter how you serve them, their sweet, nutty charm is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- No need to reheat—just enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Closing: Once you make these pecan pie balls, you’ll see why no baking doesn’t mean skimping on flavor—they’re pure little bites of holiday magic any time of year!
Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes.
Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.
