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Pecan Pie Balls

Pecan Pie Balls
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Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful, bite-sized dessert that captures the rich, buttery flavor and classic sweetness of pecan pie in a portable, easy-to-make treat. Perfect for holiday parties, family dinners, or anytime you crave a nostalgic indulgence, these balls combine a flaky crust with a gooey, nutty filling enhanced by brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup. Simple to prepare with customizable options, they offer crunchy, caramelized pecan goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • Store-bought or homemade pie crust dough, enough to cut into small squares or circles

Pecan Filling

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into small squares or circles just large enough to wrap around about 1 tablespoon of filling each. This flaky crust will serve as the shell to hold the filling.
  2. Make the Pecan Filling: In a bowl, combine 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup or corn syrup. Stir the mixture until it becomes sticky and well blended. Finally, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix to infuse a warm, aromatic flavor.
  3. Assemble the Balls: Place about a tablespoon of the pecan filling onto each crust piece. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch tightly to seal, forming a ball shape. This step is important to keep the filling contained during baking.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and fully cooked. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma as they bake.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove the balls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Cooling allows the filling to set properly, ensuring a gooey and satisfying texture in every bite.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh pecans deliver the best crunch and flavor; avoid stale or pre-chopped nuts.
  • Seal Edges Well: Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent filling leakage while baking.
  • Allow Proper Cooling: Cooling the balls before serving helps the filling firm up and hold together.
  • Moderate Filling Amounts: Avoid overfilling for easier handling and balanced crust-to-filling ratio.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Use parchment lining to keep baking sheets clean and prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie balls, bite-sized dessert, pecan dessert, portable dessert, holiday treats, easy pecan pie, nutty dessert, holiday appetizers, gluten-free dessert option

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/pecan-pie-balls/