Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Yield: 28-30 bites
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These no-bake pecan pie balls combine all the flavors of classic pecan pie into bite-sized, gluten-free treats that require no oven time. With just nine simple ingredients, including pecans, gluten-free oats, chocolate chips, and almond butter, these easy-to-make balls are perfect for a quick snack or festive gathering. Chilled until firm, they offer a rich, sweet, and nutty flavor reminiscent of traditional pecan pie without the hassle of baking.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw or candied pecan halves (90-100 grams), plus extra for topping
  • 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats (85-90 grams)
  • ⅔ cup dark chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate chips, plus extra for melting (optional)
  • 1–2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ cup (50 grams) loosely packed vanilla protein powder or almond flour
  • ½ cup to ⅔ cup (140 grams) smooth almond butter (no-stir variety, not oily)
  • ~½ cup maple syrup (start with slightly less than ½ cup and add 1 tablespoon at a time if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Optional: dash of nutmeg or allspice

Instructions

  1. Process Nuts, Oats, and Chocolate: Add pecans, gluten-free oats, and chocolate chips to a food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse until a coarse ground texture forms. Alternatively, finely chop with a sharp knife. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add Spices and Protein Powder: To the bowl with the processed ingredients, add cinnamon and vanilla protein powder (or almond flour). Whisk thoroughly to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or clean hands to mix thoroughly until a dough forms. Adjust the texture if needed by adding small amounts of extra maple syrup if the dough feels too dry or crumbly.
  4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into one large ball, cover it, and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
  5. Shape Pecan Pie Balls: Once chilled, portion the dough into bite-sized balls using your hands, approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each. For a decorative touch, gently press a pecan half onto the top of each ball.
  6. Final Chill: Place the shaped balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes. This helps the balls firm up and locks the pecan halves in place.
  7. Storage: Store the pecan pie balls in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or freeze them for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Notes

  • You can use vanilla protein powder or almond flour depending on dietary preference or availability; both help bind the dough.
  • For a chocolate-dip version, melt extra chocolate chips and dip the chilled pecan balls for a festive finish.
  • Adjust cinnamon and optional spices like nutmeg or allspice to taste for added warmth and flavor complexity.
  • Use smooth almond butter without oil separation to ensure easy blending and proper texture.
  • If dough is too dry, add maple syrup one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.

Find it online: https://dishrise.com/no-bake-pecan-pie-balls-recipe/