Pecan Pie Truffles are yummy little bites that taste just like your favorite pecan pie. They are smooth, sweet, and have a great crunch from the pecans!
Honestly, these truffles are like tiny nuggets of happiness. I love how easy they are to make—just mix, roll, and enjoy! Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to myself!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pecans: Chopped pecans give these truffles that classic pecan pie flavor. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can work well too, offering a similar crunch without the allergens.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese makes these truffles creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, vegan cream cheese can be a great substitute.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar keeps the truffles sweet and smooth. If you want something healthier, you could use coconut sugar or an equivalent sugar substitute, but the texture may change slightly.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate is typically used for coating. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate are good alternatives. For a dairy-free option, try using dark chocolate made with coconut oil.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chocolate Coating?
Dipping the truffles in chocolate might seem tricky, but it just takes a little practice! The key is to keep the chocolate smooth and working quickly. Here’s a handy approach:
- Melt the chocolate using short intervals in the microwave to avoid burning it. Stir until it’s fully melted and shiny.
- When dipping, use a fork to roll the truffle in the chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated.
- Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it back onto the parchment paper.
- Don’t forget to sprinkle the chopped pecans on top immediately after dipping, before the chocolate sets!
With these simple tips, you’ll have beautifully coated truffles that not only taste amazing but look great too!
Pecan Pie Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Truffle Mixture:
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans, plus extra for garnish
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For The Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate (you can use chocolate chips or melting chocolate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of active preparation time, plus 1 hour to chill the mixture and an additional 20-30 minutes for the chocolate coating to set. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 45 minutes, most of which is hands-off while chilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Truffle Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together until it’s smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer for this to make it easier, or just mix with a spoon if you prefer.
2. Add the Pecans:
Once your mixture is smooth, stir in the finely chopped pecans. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture to give every bite that delicious nutty flavor.
3. Chill the Mixture:
Now cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will help the mixture firm up, making it easier to scoop and roll into balls.
4. Form the Truffle Balls:
After chilling, take the mixture out of the fridge. Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop up some of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Freeze the Balls:
To help them hold their shape, freeze the truffle balls for about 15-20 minutes. This will keep them from getting too soft when you dip them in chocolate.
6. Melt the Chocolate:
While the truffle balls are freezing, melt the chocolate. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
7. Coat the Truffles:
Once the truffle balls are firm, take them out of the freezer. Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each ball into the melted chocolate until it’s fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.
8. Garnish:
Before the chocolate has set, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans on top of each truffle to add a nice touch and extra crunch.
9. Chill Again:
Refrigerate the truffles for about 20-30 minutes or until the chocolate coating has completely hardened.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Pecan Pie Truffles are now ready! Serve them chilled or at room temperature and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors that remind you of a classic pecan pie. They make fantastic gifts or sweet treats for any occasion!
These little indulgences are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth—happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Nuts for These Truffles?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely for better texture!
How Do I Store Pecan Pie Truffles?
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make These Truffles Vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and choose a dairy-free chocolate for coating. The results will be deliciously similar!
Why Do I Need to Chill the Mixture?
Chilling the mixture helps it firm up, making it much easier to scoop and roll into balls. It also prevents the truffles from becoming too soft during the chocolate coating process.
