Pecan Pie Energy Balls

Name: Pecan Pie Energy Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted Medjool dates; 1 cup pecans; 3 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more for rolling; pinch of salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump To Recipe posted Nov 17, 2023 by Jessica Hoffman

Pecan Pie Energy Balls are the perfect Autumn or winter snack when you want something quick, easy and healthy. These energy balls are made with just 5 simple ingredients and take 15 minutes to make.

a pecan pie energy ball with a bite taken out of it

Healthy pecan pie bites

If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth, this is the perfect snack for you! These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits and made with just 5 ingredients. Energy balls are ideal for a mid-day pick-me-up or a post-workout snack.

These energy balls are similar to my recipe for salted caramel bliss balls, but are made with pecans to give them that unmatched flavour of pecan pie with no added sugar.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples like pecans, dates, and shredded coconut, these energy balls are straightforward to prepare in just 15 minutes.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with healthy fats from pecans and natural sugars from dates, they offer a balanced blend of energy.
Versatile Snacking: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick breakfast, an office snack, or a post-exercise recharge!

Ingredients for pecan pie energy balls

Dates: Dates provide a natural sweetness and a chewy texture, serving as the perfect base for these energy balls.
Pecans: Pecans add a rich, buttery flavour and a satisfying crunch, essential for that authentic pecan pie taste!
Shredded Coconut: Shredded coconut offers a subtle tropical hint and a delightful texture contrast in the energy balls. If you don’t like coconut you can leave this out.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavour profile, bringing a warm, aromatic essence.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt is crucial to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavours of all the other ingredients.

How to make pecan pie balls

Step 1

Add the dates, pecans, shredded coconut, vanilla extract and salt to a food processor.

dates, pecans and shredded coconut in a food processor

Step 2

Pulse until it forms a sticky dough. It should be sticky enough that you can press it between your fingers, but still has a little texture to it as pictured below.

blended dates and pecans in a food processor

Step 3

Roll into even balls and optionally roll into some more shredded coconut to coat. Place the energy balls in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.

How to store energy balls

Energy balls must be stored in the fridge or freezer. (Energy balls will become too soft if stored at room temperature.)

Fridge: Transfer the pecan pie balls to an airtight container, laying them in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the energy balls for up to a month. To do so, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab one or two whenever you need a quick snack. (Remember, when consuming directly from the freezer, allow them to thaw for a few minutes for the best texture and flavour experience!)

Expert tips for making energy balls

Use Medjool dates: Medjool dates have a particular caramel-like taste to them compared to other types of dates that will give these energy balls the best flavour. They are also stickier than other types of dates making them the perfect base for this recipe.
Proper Processing: Blend the ingredients until they reach a sticky, cohesive consistency. Don’t over-process the ingredients as you want the energy balls to maintain some texture.
Spice It Up: Try adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to these energy balls!
Use a tablespoon to measure: Keep the balls uniformly sized by using a tablespoon to scoop out even amounts of dough for rolling.
Storage is Key: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and texture for up to a week.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! While pecans give the classic pecan pie flavour, almonds or walnuts can be great substitutes.

Are these energy balls gluten-free?

Yes, they are gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or on a gluten-free diet.

Are energy balls good for you?

These energy balls are made with healthy ingredients like pecans and dates making them a healthy snack option.

pecan pie energy balls on a sheet of parchment paper

Try these energy ball recipes next!

If you tried these Pecan Pie Energy Balls or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook for even more deliciousness!