Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls Recipe (Easy & No-Bake)

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There’s something magical about transforming a classic Southern dessert into bite-sized perfection, and these Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls do exactly that. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s genius for creating crowd-pleasing treats, these no-bake pecan pie bites capture all the rich, buttery sweetness of traditional pecan pie without ever turning on your oven. They’re the ultimate holiday dessert balls that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or simply craving that iconic pecan pie flavor, these pecan pie energy balls deliver indulgence in every bite. The combination of toasted pecans, cream cheese, and warm spices creates an irresistible treat that’s both sophisticated and wonderfully simple to make. Plus, they’re perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or keeping in your refrigerator for when sweet cravings strike. These Ree Drummond pecan pie truffles prove that you don’t need a pie crust to enjoy dessert perfection.

Key Recipe Information

• Difficulty: Easy
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Chilling time: 2 hours
• Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: Makes 24-30 balls
• Estimated cost: Affordable

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls

For the Pecan Pie Balls:

• 2 cups (240g) pecans, toasted and finely chopped
• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (100g) graham cracker crumbs

For the Coating:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) finely chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Optional Chocolate Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Equipment/Utensils Required

• Medium skillet for toasting pecans
• Food processor or chopping knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small microwave-safe bowl (for chocolate drizzle)
• Airtight container for storage

Recipe Preparation: Detailed Steps

Step 1: Toast and Prepare the Pecans

Begin by toasting your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. This crucial step intensifies the nutty flavor that makes these holiday dessert balls so irresistible. Allow the pecans to cool completely, then finely chop 2 cups for the filling and 1 1/2 cups for the coating. Pro tip: Don’t skip the toasting—it transforms the pecans from good to phenomenal.

Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Pecan Pie Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. The mixture should be fluffy and completely lump-free. This cream cheese base is what gives these no-bake pecan pie bites their luxurious, truffle-like texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add the Sweet Components

Add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed initially to prevent a sugar cloud, then increase to medium speed and mix until fully incorporated and silky smooth, approximately 1-2 minutes. The maple syrup adds authentic pecan pie flavor while keeping the filling slightly sticky for better ball formation.

Step 4: Incorporate the Pecans and Graham Crackers

Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, fold in the 2 cups of finely chopped toasted pecans and graham cracker crumbs until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The graham crackers act as a binder and add a subtle sweetness reminiscent of pie crust. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape but still slightly soft—if it seems too loose, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before proceeding.

Step 5: Shape the Pecan Pie Balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form smooth, round balls. Important: Wet your hands slightly with cold water between rolling to prevent sticking and achieve perfectly smooth spheres. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet as you work.

Step 6: Apply the Pecan Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans for coating with granulated sugar and optional cinnamon. Roll each ball generously in this pecan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. The double layer of pecans—both inside and outside—creates an incredible texture contrast that makes these pecan pie energy balls absolutely addictive.

Step 7: Chill to Perfection

Refrigerate the coated balls on the baking sheet for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld together and for the balls to achieve the perfect truffle-like consistency. For faster results, you can freeze them for 45 minutes instead.

Step 8: Optional Chocolate Drizzle (Highly Recommended!)

If desired, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a small zip-top bag, snip off a tiny corner, and drizzle decoratively over the chilled balls. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving or storing.

Chef’s Tips, Tricks and Variations

Success Tips:

• Room temperature matters: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened for the smoothest texture. Cold ingredients will create lumpy filling.
• Toast fresh: Toast pecans the day you’re making these Ree Drummond pecan pie truffles for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Size consistency: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all balls are the same size for uniform appearance and even chilling.
• Make-ahead friendly: These balls actually taste better after 24 hours in the refrigerator as the flavors develop and intensify.

Delicious Variations:

• Bourbon Pecan Pie Balls: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for an adult twist on this classic.
• White Chocolate Version: Coat the balls in melted white chocolate instead of the pecan coating for an elegant presentation.
• Dark Chocolate Pecan: Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the filling for chocolate-pecan perfection.
• Healthier Option: Substitute maple syrup with honey and use date paste instead of some powdered sugar for natural sweetness in these pecan pie energy balls.
• Gluten-Free: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour.

Serving Suggestions:

These Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls pair beautifully with hot coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a glass of dessert wine. Serve them alongside other holiday favorites like Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow or Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for a stunning dessert spread. They’re also perfect after a hearty meal featuring Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey or Turkey Cranberry Sliders.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store these no-bake pecan pie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.
• Room Temperature: Can sit out for 2-3 hours during serving, but return to refrigeration to maintain freshness.

Nutrition Information (Per Ball)

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 45mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used and ball size.

Why These Holiday Dessert Balls Are Perfect for Any Occasion

The beauty of these Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls lies in their incredible versatility. They’re fancy enough for holiday parties yet simple enough for everyday treating. Unlike traditional pecan pie that requires careful crust-making and precise baking, these no-bake beauties come together in just 20 minutes of active preparation time. The cream cheese pecan pie filling creates a texture that’s simultaneously rich and light, avoiding the sometimes-overwhelming sweetness of traditional pecan pie.

What makes this recipe particularly special is how it captures the essence of Ree Drummond’s approachable cooking style—taking beloved classics and making them more accessible without sacrificing flavor. The addition of maple syrup provides authentic depth, while the graham cracker crumbs offer structural support and a subtle nod to pie crust without any actual baking required.

These pecan pie energy balls have become my go-to contribution for potlucks, cookie exchanges, and holiday gatherings. They travel well, require no special serving equipment, and appeal to nearly everyone. I’ve watched guests who claim they “don’t usually like pecans” reach for seconds and thirds. The combination of textures—from the creamy center to the crunchy exterior—creates an eating experience that’s truly memorable.

For more delicious comfort food recipes perfect for gatherings, check out my collection including Glazed Carrots, Mexican Noodle Soup, Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, and Thai Chicken Soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

These Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls prove that you don’t need an oven or hours of preparation to create something truly spectacular. With their perfect balance of creamy filling, crunchy pecans, and warm spices, these no-bake pecan pie bites deliver all the satisfaction of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, portion-controlled package. They’re the ideal solution when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to commit to making an entire pie.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, packaging them as homemade gifts, or simply keeping them on hand for sweet cravings, these Ree Drummond pecan pie truffles never disappoint. The cream cheese pecan pie filling creates a luxurious texture that rivals any fancy truffle, while the double dose of pecans ensures every bite is loaded with nutty goodness.

Have you tried making these Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls? I’d love to hear about your experience! Please leave a comment below sharing any variations you tried or how they turned out. Did you add the bourbon? Try the chocolate coating? Your feedback helps other readers and inspires me to create more delicious recipes!

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If you loved these holiday dessert balls, be sure to explore my other no-bake treats and holiday recipes. Subscribe to my newsletter to get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox every week. Happy baking (or should I say, happy no-baking)!

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