There’s something so heartwarming about making pecan pie balls, don’t you think? I remember the first time I whipped these up; the smell of toasted pecans and sweet vanilla filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to share them with friends. This pecan pie balls recipe is as simple as it gets, yet it’s packed with flavor and charm. They’re perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night at home when I need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you pop one of these delightful little bites into your mouth, you’ll be hooked. They’re chewy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet—what’s not to love? So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most delightful pecan pie balls. Make sure to chop the pecans finely for that perfect bite, and don’t forget to sift your powdered sugar for a smooth finish!
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
How to Prepare Pecan Pie Balls
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your pecan pie balls cook evenly, giving you that perfect golden brown color and chewy texture we all love. So, don’t skip this step—your kitchen will start to smell amazing before you even start mixing!
Combine the Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your finely chopped pecans, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want that creamy, nutty goodness to be evenly distributed. Don’t be afraid to really get in there and mix! It should look thick and slightly sticky, which is just what you want for shaping those delicious balls later on. Trust me, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible!
Add Graham Cracker Crumbs
Next up, it’s time to incorporate the graham cracker crumbs. Gently fold them into your pecan mixture until it’s all combined. You’re aiming for a dough-like consistency that holds together nicely when pressed. If it feels too wet, a little more graham cracker crumbs can help! The texture should be slightly sticky but manageable, making it easy to form into cute little balls.
Form and Bake the Balls
Now that your mixture is ready, it’s time to form it into balls! Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to create a smooth ball. Place them on a lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to breathe. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they smell heavenly and have a slight crisp on the outside. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving on to the next step!
Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once your pecan pie balls have cooled for a bit, it’s time for the fun part! Lightly dust them with sifted powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and make them look oh-so-pretty. This step not only enhances the flavor, but it also gives them that delightful snowy appearance that’s perfect for serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature—either way, they’re a treat!
Tips for Success with Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your pecan pie balls turn out absolutely perfect! First, if you want an extra kick of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the mixture. For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or pop them in the fridge for a longer shelf life. If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs on hand, crushed vanilla wafers work beautifully too! Lastly, don’t forget to keep an eye on them while baking; every oven is a bit different, and we want that lovely golden color without overbaking!
Nutritional Information
Each pecan pie ball is a delightful treat, and here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. On average, one ball contains about 120 calories, 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates, including 10g of sugar. They also offer 1g of fiber, making them a satisfying sweet indulgence that won’t break your diet. Enjoy in moderation!
FAQ about Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
How should I store my pecan pie balls?
Keep your pecan pie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last even longer, refrigerate them, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks!
Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use evaporated milk mixed with a little sugar, or even try coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind, it might change the flavor a bit!
What can I serve with pecan pie balls?
These little bites are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat. They make a great addition to any dessert platter!
Can I freeze pecan pie balls?
Yes, you can! Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once solid. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving!
What are some variations I can try?
You can mix things up by adding a bit of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolate twist or even rolling them in chopped nuts or coconut flakes instead of powdered sugar for extra texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile enough for any occasion—holidays, parties, or just a sweet snack at home.
- A delightful combination of chewy and crunchy textures that everyone loves.
- They’re a hit with both kids and adults, making them a crowd-pleaser!
Pecan Pie Balls Recipe: 5 Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Temps Total: 27 minutes
- Rendement: 24 balls 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple recipe for delicious pecan pie balls that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine chopped pecans, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Mix in graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
- Form mixture into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be refrigerated for up to one week.
- Add chocolate drizzle for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: pecan pie balls recipe
