Once you have everything mixed nicely, it’s time to form the balls. Using your hands, scoop about a tablespoon-sized amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape. Place each ball on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’re feeling a bit extra, you can roll these delightful bites in shredded coconut or crushed nuts to give them an even tastier finish. Once you’ve rolled all the balls, pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
After they’re nicely chilled, you can indulge right away, or store them for later! They can be enjoyed straight from the fridge, and the flavors deepen as they chill. I recommend keeping them in an airtight container; they will last for about a week, but good luck keeping them around that long!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways: using different nut butters like almond butter, peanut butter, and even sunflower seed butter. Each brought its unique flavor profile to the mix, so feel free to choose your favorite! If you want a nuttier taste, I recommend the almond butter.
Another thing I found is that chilling the mixture before rolling into balls makes a world of difference. When the mixture is cold, it holds together better and prevents any stickiness on your hands. For a nice finish, I often dip or roll the balls in crushed pecans right after they come out of the fridge.
Lastly, if you like a little crunch, try using toasted pecans instead of raw ones. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your Pecan Pie Balls that you won’t want to miss!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not using finely chopped pecans. I learned the hard way that larger pieces can make it difficult to bind everything together, leading to crumbly balls instead of smooth, cohesive treats. Trust me, stick to finely chopping or even using a food processor for that perfect consistency! (See the next page below to continue…)