Pecan Pie Dessert Balls

DRAGON BITES carb-counted recipe

A family-friendly, mostly healthy (sometimes treat-y!) easy recipe for families living well with Type 1 Diabetes.

Take these along for a holiday party, keep them in the freezer to serve surprise guests... or a leave this sweet treat for Santa Claus and his reindeer!

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Low-Carb? No
Gluten-free? Yes (if you use GF Graham Crackers as indicated)
Dairy-free? Yes
Nut-free? No

Active Time: 35 min
Bake: 0
Freeze: 2 hours
Ready in: 2 hr:35 min

Total Yield: 24 Pecan Pie Dessert Balls
Carb Content: 18g of carbs each

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2-1/2 cups Pecans = 13g of carbs
  • 1 cup Graham Crackers (we used Kinnikinnick Gluten-Free Graham Crackers) = 80g of carbs
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar, firmly packed = 192g carbs
  • 1/2 tsp Salt = 0 carbs
  • 2 tbsp Maple Syrup (we used ED Smith “No Sugar Added” Syrup*) = 4g of carbs
  • 1 tsp Almond Flavouring = 0 carbs
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract = 0 carbs
  • 7 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips = 6g of carbs per ball
  • 1 tsp Coarse Sea Salt (optional) = 0 carbs

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.

Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl.

2.

Add maple syrup, almond and vanilla extracts.

3.

Use your hands to make sure all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly.

4.

If needed, add just enough water to get a consistency that allows mixture to stick together for forming balls.

5.

Scoop a tablespoon-sized amount of mixture, and roll in your hands to form balls.

6.

Place each ball on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. After all are made, roll balls again with slightly water-dampened hands – this will make the balls smooth before rolling them in chocolate.

7.

Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 2 hours.

8.

Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, according to package directions.

9.

Dip frozen balls into melted chocolate.

10.

Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

11.

Sprinkle a few grains of coarse sea salt on balls before chocolate sets.

 

These freeze well. When you’re ready to eat them, take them out of freezer and let sit for 15 minutes. (Or eat them frozen – that’s how I love them best!)

CARB CONTENT:

Total yield: 24 Pecan Pie balls at 18g of carbs each.

What is a Carb Factor? How Do I Use It?

Please don’t rely exclusively on my carb counting! Nutritional information is given for general information only, and will vary depending on the amount, type and brand of ingredients you choose - Please verify your carb and fat content when you make your own version of this recipe.