These Mediterranean Pecan Pie Balls have a rich texture and nutty flavor. We prepare these pie balls with raw pecans, soft Medjool dates, honey, extra-virgin olive oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, and a coating of chopped pecans or shredded coconut. These pie balls contain approximately 145 calories and 12 grams of net carbs. We make these pie balls in just 15 minutes. These Mediterranean Pecan Pie Balls are perfect for busy days, meal prep, holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, lunchboxes, post-workout treats, and healthy dessert platters. We refrigerate them for almost 10 days and freeze them for not less than 3 months, so you can prepare them earlier. You can serve these pecan pie balls with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, herbal tea, Mediterranean coffee, smoothie bowls, or a festive dessert board.
STATS:
- Course: Dessert, Snack
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Diet: Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Cook Time: Zero minutes
- Portion Size: 1 pecan pie ball
- Cooking Mode: No-Bake
- Total Servings: 16 balls
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
TOOLS:
- Food processor
- Measuring cups
- Bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Small cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment paper
- Airtight storage container
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ cups raw pecans
- 1 cup soft Medjool dates
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp pecans
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- â…› tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp shredded coconut
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:
PECANS:
- We use pecans, as they provide the pecan pie flavor and crunchy texture. You can also use walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or mixed nuts.
MEDJOOL DATES:
- Medjool dates naturally sweeten the pecan pie balls and aid in combining the elements. As a replacement, you can use Deglet Noor dates, dried figs, prunes, or raisins.
HONEY:
- Honey delivers natural sweetness and boosts the overall flavor. Alternatively, you can use maple syrup, date syrup, or agave nectar.
OLIVE OIL:
- Olive oil provides healthy Mediterranean fats and aids in creating a smooth texture. You can replace it with avocado oil.
VANILLA EXTRACT:
- Vanilla extract gives warmth and depth of flavor to the pecan pie balls. As an alternative, you may use almond extract.
CINNAMON:
- We use cinnamon to create a classic warm dessert flavor. You can substitute it with pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.
NUTMEG:
- Nutmeg improves the rich pie-like flavor of these treats. Alternatively, use ground cloves, allspice, or cardamom in small amounts.
SEA SALT:
- Sea salt balances the sweetness and boosts the overall taste. You may also use Himalayan pink salt or kosher salt.
SHREDDED COCONUT:
- Shredded coconut is used as an optional coating that will give a texture and flavor. As a replacement, you can use crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or sesame seeds.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Put the pecans in a food processor and pulse them till they are finely chopped.
- Include sea salt, dates, nutmeg, honey, cinnamon, olive oil, and vanilla extract.
- Blend them perfectly to make a sticky dough.
- Include additional honey or one tbsp. of water, if the mixture becomes extra dry.
- Put the extra chopped pecans in, if the dough gets too sticky,
- Make sixteen equal-sized balls by rolling the dough.
- Garnish all the balls with shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
- Put the baking paper on a sheet and chill them for almost twenty minutes.
- Serve these pie balls quickly.
TIPS:
- Garnish these pie balls with flaky sea salt for additional flavor.
- Gently toast the pecans to provide a rich texture and flavor.
- Include cocoa powder to get a chocolate version.
- Make equal-sized balls with a cookie scoop.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
BREAKFASTS:
- Greek Yogurt Parfait
- Berry Chia Pudding
- Overnight Oats
- Mediterranean Fruit Salad
- Almond Breakfast Smoothie
LUNCHES:
- Herbal Tea
- Mixed Nut Trail Mix
- Apple Slices with Almond Butter
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Fresh Orange Segments
DESSERTS:
- Dark Chocolate Bark
- Stuffed Dates
- Fig and Walnut Bites
- Coconut Energy Balls
- Fresh Berry Medley
HOLIDAYS:
- Mini Baklava Cups
- Honey-Roasted Nuts
- Dried Fruit Assortment
- Cinnamon-Spiced Almonds
- Pistachio Date Rolls
MEDITERRANEAN SPREADS:
- Greek Yogurt with Honey
- Fresh Figs
- Olive and Nut Mix
- Whole-Grain Crackers
- Fruit and Cheese Board
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put these pie balls in a closed dish and stock them for more than ten days.
FREEZER:
- Store these pie balls for not less than three months.
FAQs:
Will we prepare these pie balls vegan?
- Yes, you can make these pie balls vegan by substituting date syrup, agave nectar, or maple syrup for the honey.
May we utilize roasted pecans?
- Yes, you can use roasted pecans, as they will deliver a nuttier and deeper flavor.
Are these pie balls perfect for kids?
- Yes, these pie balls are excellent for both adults and children.
Could we include protein powder?
- Yes, you can use two tbsp. of vanilla protein powder.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Portion Size: 1 Ball
Calories: 145
Sodium: 35 mg
Total Carbs: 15 g
Net Carbs: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 9 g
Fats: 9 g
Proteins: 2.5 g