Pecan Pie Truffles are cute little bites that taste just like your favorite holiday pie! Made with sweet chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a touch of caramel, they’re rich and fun.
These truffles are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). I love to pop them in a cute box for a treat or enjoy them with a cup of coffee—so cozy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pecans: These are the star of the show! You’ll want to chop them finely for a nice texture. If you’re allergic to nuts, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as an alternative for the crunch without the nuts.
Cream Cheese: This gives the truffles a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, or for a dairy-free version, try a vegan cream cheese.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds that delicious caramel flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with regular granulated sugar, but consider adding a tiny bit of molasses for that richer taste.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate is fantastic, but if you prefer dark chocolate or even white chocolate, feel free to swap it out. Each will give a unique flavor to the truffle!
How Do I Melt Chocolate Smoothly?
Melted chocolate is crucial for dipping truffles, and getting it right is easy! Here’s how to do it:
- **Microwave Method:** Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- **Double Boiler Method:** Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl on top, making sure it doesn’t touch the water. Stir chocolate until melted.
- Remember to be patient! Chocolate can burn quickly, so low heat and stirring are key.
Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before dipping the truffles. This helps it set better and creates a nice shiny finish!
How to Make Pecan Pie Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Truffle Mixture:
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans, divided
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating:
- 12 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate (chips or chopped bars)
- Optional: pinch of salt
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus 1 hour for chilling. So overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Pecans:
Start by toasting half of the chopped pecans (that’s about ½ cup) in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them around for about 3-5 minutes until they turn golden and you can smell their lovely, nutty aroma. Once done, let them cool, then chop them more finely if needed!
2. Mix the Truffle Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, softened cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the toasted pecans. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and uniform dough—this will be the yummy filling for your truffles!
3. Shape the Truffles:
Now, take the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once done, pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill and firm up a bit. This makes them easier to dip in chocolate!
4. Melt the Chocolate:
Time to melt the chocolate! You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating it in 30-second intervals and stirring in between, or use a double boiler on the stove. Keep stirring until it’s perfectly smooth and melted.
5. Coat the Truffles:
Take each chilled ball of filling and dip it into the melted chocolate using a fork. Make sure to roll it around to coat it completely. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing the truffles back on the parchment paper.
6. Add the Final Touch:
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the truffles or roll them in pecans for that crunchy finish. They’ll stick beautifully onto the chocolate!
7. Chill Again:
Finally, place the finished truffles back in the refrigerator to set for about 1 hour. This will help the chocolate harden and give you that perfect truffle texture.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After the chocolate has set, your truffles are ready to enjoy! Serve them chilled or at room temperature. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge—if they last that long!
These Pecan Pie Truffles capture the delightful flavors of pecan pie in a bite-sized treat that’s sure to impress. Happy indulging!
Can I Use Different Nuts for the Truffles?
Absolutely! If you’d like to switch things up, you can use walnuts or almonds in place of pecans. Just chop them finely and toast them for added flavor.
Can I Make These Truffles Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the truffles and dip them in chocolate up to a day in advance. Just keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.
How Should I Store Leftover Truffles?
Store any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make These Truffles Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips for coating. This way, everyone can enjoy them!
