Description
These Quick No-Bake Pecan Dessert Balls are soft, chewy, and nutty with a sweet caramel base and crunchy pecan coating. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights in, they come together in under 30 minutes—no oven required!
Ingredients
1 cup chopped pecans (divided)
1/2 cup caramel sauce or sweetened condensed milk
1 cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch sea salt (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
2. Add caramel sauce (or condensed milk), brown sugar (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and mix in crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers until the dough is thick and sticky.
4. Fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans and mix until evenly distributed.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
6. Once firm, roll into tablespoon-sized balls using your hands.
7. Roll each ball in the remaining chopped pecans to coat.
8. Optionally, drizzle with chocolate or caramel and press a whole pecan on top.
Notes
Chill the dough well before rolling to make shaping easier.
For a flavor boost, lightly toast the pecans before adding them.
Swap caramel for dulce de leche for a richer taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: no-bake, pecan, quick dessert, caramel balls