Pecan Pie Energy Bites: No-Bake Snack for Lasting Energy

Love pecan pie? These Pecan Pie Balls are simple, no-bake bites packed with pecans, dates and warm spices. They taste like your favorite pie and are perfect for snacking on the go.

This recipe was originally published March 2016. Images and copy were updated June 2020.

No-bake snacks that are homemade are some of the best. While I enjoy commercial bars, I prefer making my own versions—fresh ingredients, better texture and a simple process.

With just dates, nuts and a few pantry staples plus a food processor, you can make these Pecan Pie Balls in minutes. They store well in the fridge, so make a batch and have ready-to-eat snacks all week.

Medjool dates provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture that binds the nuts into a dough-like mixture. They’re an excellent base for energy bites or bars and pair beautifully with pecans and cinnamon for a pecan-pie flavor profile.

What you will need:

• Raw pecans
• Raw almonds (or cashews/walnuts)
• Medjool dates, pitted
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt
• Optional: pecan halves for topping

How to make these Pecan Pie Balls:

1. Place the pecans and almonds in a food processor and pulse until they reach a fine, sandy texture.
2. Add the pitted dates, cinnamon, vanilla and sea salt. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed. If it seems dry and won’t come together, add 1–2 teaspoons of water and process again.
3. Spoon or scoop the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls. Press a pecan half into the top of each ball for a decorative finish.
4. Chill the bites for about 10 minutes to help them set, then store in the refrigerator.

Notes:

• If the mixture is too sticky to roll, freeze it for 10 minutes and then shape the balls.
• You can press the mixture into a pan and chill to make bars instead of balls.
• If you don’t have the exact nuts listed, use any combination that totals about 2 cups — the recipe is forgiving.

Recipe details