Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe
If you adore the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but want something bite-sized and irresistibly indulgent, then these Pecan Pie Truffles are going to be your new favorite treat. Combining the buttery toasted pecans, sweet graham cracker crumbs, and a luscious chocolate coating, these little balls of joy capture all the cozy flavors of pecan pie in a perfectly poppable form. They are incredibly easy to make, delightfully rich, and impossible to stop eating once you start. Let me walk you through making these little treasures that will soon become the highlight of any dessert spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pecan Pie Truffles lies in the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the crunch and warmth of toasted pecans to the smooth, glossy finish of melted chocolate. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this luscious treat to life:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted: Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and brings out a pleasant aroma.
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs: Adds a delicate crunch and a hint of sweetness that perfectly mimics a pie crust.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings rich caramel notes and deep sweetness to the mix.
- 1/4 cup corn syrup: Keeps the truffles wonderfully sticky and helps bind everything together smoothly.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel that’s essential for that pie-like indulgence.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a warm fragrance and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For coating your truffles in a smooth, chocolatey shell that’s pure decadence.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional): Makes melting chocolate silky and easier to work with, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
How to Make Pecan Pie Truffles
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
The first step is all about bringing out the best from your pecans. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they smell wonderfully nutty and golden brown. This not only enhances their flavor but also adds that essential crunch to your truffles.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Once the pecans have cooled, combine them with graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Mix until everything is well incorporated and sticks together nicely when pressed. This mixture is the heart and soul of your Pecan Pie Truffles, balancing sweetness and texture.
Step 3: Form the Truffles
Roll the mixture into small balls roughly the size of a tablespoon using your hands. The tactile process is fun and satisfying, and the uniform size ensures even chocolate coating and presentation. Place your truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Chill to Firm Up
Pop the baking sheet with your formed truffles into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes dipping in chocolate much easier, preventing the truffles from falling apart when you coat them.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. If you want a silkier consistency, add a tablespoon of coconut oil while melting. The smooth chocolate will envelop your truffles perfectly, giving them that glossy, professional finish.
Step 6: Dip the Truffles
Remove the chilled truffles from the fridge and dip each into the melted chocolate with a fork, shaking off any excess so the coating isn’t too thick. Place the dipped truffles back onto the parchment-lined sheet. This stage makes your truffles look as divine as they taste.
Step 7: Set the Chocolate
Return the chocolate-dipped truffles to the refrigerator for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the chocolate shell to harden nicely. Once the chocolate is set, your Pecan Pie Truffles are ready to wow anyone lucky enough to try one!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Truffles
Garnishes
While these truffles already shine on their own, you can dress them up with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Each garnish adds a little extra flair and a complementary flavor note that makes the experience even more memorable.
Side Dishes
Pecan Pie Truffles pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These accompaniments balance the sweet, nutty richness of the truffles and make for a comforting, indulgent snack or dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the truffles on a rustic wooden board or a pretty dessert platter, garnished with pecan halves and fresh mint for a pop of color. You can also place each truffle in a mini cupcake liner for easy serving and a touch of elegance that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pecan Pie Truffles keep wonderfully well in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps maintain the crispness of the chocolate coating and the freshness of the filling. Just bring them to room temperature before serving to soften the bite slightly.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these truffles freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to three months and thawed overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
These truffles don’t require reheating, but if desired, you can warm them gently at room temperature or for a few seconds in the microwave to soften the chocolate just enough. Be careful not to overdo it, as the chocolate might melt completely.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes and will give a slightly different but equally delicious flavor to your truffles.
Is corn syrup necessary in this recipe?
Corn syrup helps bind the ingredients and adds chewiness, but if you prefer, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind the flavor will be a bit different.
Can I make these truffles vegan?
Yes, by using dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate chips, you can easily enjoy vegan Pecan Pie Truffles without compromising on taste.
How long do Pecan Pie Truffles last at room temperature?
It’s best to keep them refrigerated, but if left at room temperature, they should be consumed within a day to avoid the chocolate melting or the filling becoming too soft.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Definitely! A pinch of warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling can enhance the pie-like flavor, making your truffles even more comforting and seasonal.
Final Thoughts
Making Pecan Pie Truffles is one of those simple joys that fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your heart with happiness. They capture the essence of pecan pie in a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging in whenever that sweet craving strikes. I encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll be amazed how such humble ingredients come together to create a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
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Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these delectable Pecan Pie Truffles, a bite-sized twist on the classic pecan pie dessert. These truffles combine toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and a sweet buttery mixture, all coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for holiday gatherings, gifts, or any special occasion craving.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they release a fragrant aroma. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and holds together when pressed.
- Form Truffles: Using your hands, scoop small amounts of the mixture roughly a tablespoon in size and roll them into balls. Arrange the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill Truffles: Place the formed truffles in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up, which will make them easier to coat with chocolate.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Optionally, add coconut oil to the chocolate to achieve a silkier consistency and easier dipping.
- Coat Truffles: Remove the truffles from the refrigerator. Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate using a fork, shake off excess chocolate, and place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set Chocolate: Return the coated truffles to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.
- Serve: Once the chocolate coating is firm, the Pecan Pie Truffles are ready to be enjoyed or packaged as a delightful gift.
Notes
- Toast pecans carefully, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to maximize flavor.
- Using parchment paper on the baking sheet helps prevent sticking during chilling and coating.
- Adding coconut oil to chocolate improves the shine and makes it easier to dip truffles.
- Store truffles refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar on the truffles after chocolate coating but before setting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Skillet Toasting, Chocolate Dipping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
Keywords: Pecan pie, truffles, pecan truffles, no-bake desserts, holiday desserts, chocolate coated, bite-sized sweets
