These No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are everything you love about pecan pie—sweet, nutty, and indulgent—rolled into a creamy, bite-sized treat. With chopped pecans, tangy cream cheese, rich chocolate chips, and a graham cracker crumb coating, these dessert balls are pure holiday magic or everyday bliss. Best of all? They’re no-bake, quick to assemble, and require just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re entertaining guests, prepping holiday platters, or need a last-minute dessert, these pecan pie truffles deliver all the flavor with none of the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required: Just mix, roll, chill, and enjoy!
- Quick & easy: Done in 15 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Make-ahead friendly: Stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
- Great for gifting: Perfect for cookie trays, parties, and holiday treats.
- Kid-approved: Fun to make and eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped): Toast them lightly for extra flavor, or use raw for a softer texture.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Acts as the rich, creamy base to bind everything together.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling. Adjust to taste for more or less sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and enhances the pecan pie flavor profile.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (½ cup): Optional, but adds bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs (½ cup): Used for rolling the balls to give a pie crust-like texture.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix the finely chopped pecans, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to evenly distribute the flavor.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently mix in mini chocolate chips until fully incorporated.
- Roll the balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands.
- Coat with crumbs: Roll each ball in the graham cracker crumbs until fully coated.
- Chill: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for easier mixing.
- Finely chop the pecans: Use a food processor for even texture and easy blending.
- Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized balls and mess-free rolling.
- Toast the pecans: Optional, but adds a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Let them chill fully: Chilling helps the flavors develop and prevents them from being too soft when served.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the nuts: Use chopped walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead of pecans.
- Go dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Make it chocolatey: Dip the chilled balls in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Boost the texture: Add shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, or chopped dried fruit.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on dessert platters alongside cookies, fudge, or brownie bites.
- Pair with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy snack.
- Wrap in mini cupcake liners or candy wrappers for gift giving.
- Perfect for holiday trays, bake sales, and tea parties.
Storage, Freezing, & Reheating Instructions
- Store in the fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment between layers if stacking.
- Freeze for later: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Good for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Let thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for about 15–20 minutes before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make No Bake Pecan Pie Balls ahead of time?
Yes! These are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs?
Nope! You can roll the balls in crushed vanilla wafers, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even cocoa powder.
Can I freeze these dessert balls?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Just freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag or container.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or skip the coating entirely.
Closing Thoughts + Call to Action
These No Bake Pecan Pie Balls are a must-try if you love easy desserts with big flavor and zero fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and no oven required, they’re the ultimate make-ahead treat for any occasion. If you give this recipe a try, be sure to leave a rating and comment below. Share your creations on Pinterest or Instagram and tag us—we love seeing how you make it your own!
Looking for more bite-sized no bake treats? Try our Butter Pecan Cookies or Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites next!