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Pecan Pie Balls Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of pecans, finely chopped (toast them lightly for extra flavor)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of corn syrup (for that signature sticky, gooey texture)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs (to help bind everything together)
- Extra chopped pecans (for rolling the balls in)
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls:
- Prepare the Pecans: Start by toasting the pecans to bring out their natural flavor. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly, then finely chop them.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, powdered sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well-combined and forms a sticky dough-like consistency.
- Add the Graham Cracker Crumbs: Mix in the graham cracker crumbs. This will help bind the mixture together and give it that pecan pie-like texture without the need for a crust.
- Form the Balls: Use your hands to scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Aim for about 1-inch balls, but you can make them bigger or smaller based on your preference.
- Coat the Balls in Pecans: Once the balls are rolled, place extra finely chopped pecans in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the pecans to coat the outside, adding a nice crunch and a bit of extra flavor.
- Chill the Pecan Pie Balls: Place the pecan pie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least an hour or until they are firm. Chilling helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the pecan pie balls are fully chilled and firm, they’re ready to serve. Enjoy them as a sweet snack, gift them to friends and family, or bring them to your next party—they’re sure to disappear quickly!
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Balls:
- Toast Your Pecans: Toasting the pecans before mixing them in really enhances their flavor and brings out the nuttiness. Be sure to watch them closely in the oven, as they can burn quickly.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount of sugar or increase the amount of pecans to balance it out. These bites are very customizable based on your taste preferences.
- Make Them Ahead: Pecan pie balls can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prepping or holiday gatherings.
- Add a Drizzle of Chocolate: For an extra touch of decadence, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the pecan pie balls after chilling. This adds a rich, chocolatey contrast to the sweetness of the filling.
Conclusion:
Pecan Pie Balls are the ultimate bite-sized treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of traditional pecan pie with the simplicity and ease of no-bake desserts. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a sweet, nutty snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying them on a cozy afternoon, these pecan pie balls are sure to become a new favorite.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some pecans, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in these irresistible treats that taste just like pecan pie—without the mess!
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