Pecan Pie Truffles are a delightful treat that combines crunchy pecans and sweet chocolate. They look cute and taste like little bites of pecan pie, perfect for any dessert lover!
These truffles are super simple to make, and the best part? You can easily pop them in your mouth while watching a movie! I love sharing them with friends—everyone always wants seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pecans: Chopped pecans give these truffles their classic pecan pie flavor. If you’re allergic, walnuts or almonds could work as great alternatives.
Cream Cheese: A key base for the truffle filling, it adds creaminess. You can try Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option or even a vegan cream cheese if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the filling. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, a sugar substitute like coconut sugar can be used, but the texture may be slightly different.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chips deliver rich flavor, but dark chocolate or white chocolate can also be a fun twist. Just ensure they melt well for an even coating!
How Do You Make Sure Your Truffles Don’t Fall Apart?
Getting the right consistency is important for forming good truffles. After mixing your ingredients, make sure to chill the dough before shaping it. This helps firm it up and makes it easier to scoop into balls.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and keep them evenly spaced on your parchment-lined sheet.
- The chilling step is crucial—let them firm up for at least 30 minutes in the fridge!
- When dipping in chocolate, ensure the truffles are cool, as this helps the chocolate set better.
These steps will help prevent your truffles from falling apart, resulting in perfect little bites of pecan pie goodness!
Pecan Pie Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Truffle Filling:
- 1 cup pecan halves, chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely crushed vanilla or graham cracker crumbs
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or melting chocolate
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 1 hour for chilling, allowing the truffles to set. You’ll spend just a short time mixing and shaping, and with their firm texture, they’ll be ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or spatula to mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add Pecan and Cracker Crumbs:
Gently fold in the chopped pecans and the finely crushed vanilla or graham cracker crumbs. Mix until you have a thick, cohesive dough. This will give your truffles a delicious texture!
3. Shape the Truffles:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
4. Chill to Firm Up:
Refrigerate the truffle balls for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up so they hold their shape during the chocolate coating process.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat!
6. Coat the Truffles:
Once the truffle balls are chilled, dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off back into the bowl.
7. Add the Finishing Touches:
Immediately sprinkle the top of each coated truffle with the extra chopped pecans for a lovely garnish.
8. Let Them Set:
Return the dipped truffles to the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate again for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once set, serve your pecan pie truffles chilled or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a sweet treat by yourself! Enjoy the delightful taste of pecan pie in a fun truffle form!
Can I Use Different Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Both will still give you a delicious nutty flavor!
How Do I Store the Pecan Pie Truffles?
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
Can I Freeze the Truffles?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just place the truffles in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze them individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight!
What Can I Use Instead of Chocolate Chips for Coating?
If you’re looking for something different, you can use white chocolate or even candy melts for coating. Just melt and dip as you would with semisweet chocolate—both options add a fun twist to the flavor!
