Pecan Pie Truffles are little bites of happiness! Each truffle is packed with rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a sweet caramel center. They taste just like classic pecan pie!
These treats are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Trust me, once you pop one in your mouth, you’ll be reaching for another—just like I always do! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pecans: These are key for that classic pecan pie flavor. If you need a substitute, walnuts or almonds can work, though they bring a different taste. I love to toast the pecans lightly before chopping them; it really enhances their flavor!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives the truffles a creamy texture and a subtle tang. If you’re dairy-free, you can use a plant-based cream cheese alternative that spreads easily. I once used cashew cream cheese, and it turned out wonderful!
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener helps bind the mixture and adds sweetness. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar or a powdered sugar alternative for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may alter the sweetness levels slightly.
Chocolate: Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate is perfect for dipping. For a lighter option, you can use white chocolate, but it will change the flavor profile. My personal favorite is dark chocolate for its rich taste.
How Do You Ensure the Truffles Hold Their Shape When Dipping?
One common challenge is keeping truffles stable while coating them in chocolate. Freezing the formed pecan balls for at least one hour is crucial; it makes them firmer, so they won’t lose shape when dipped.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size. This helps them dip evenly.
- Melt chocolate in small batches. If it starts to cool, it becomes harder to work with.
- Dip quickly, letting the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. This avoids thick coatings.
Don’t forget to sprinkle on the salt and pecans before the chocolate sets! Happy truffle-making!
How to Make Pecan Pie Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (for melting)
- Flaked sea salt, for garnish
- Additional chopped pecans, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of freezing time to shape the truffles. Plus, you’ll need about 30 minutes for chilling after coating. All in all, set aside around 2 hours to create these delightful Pecan Pie Truffles.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and mix them together until it’s nice and smooth. This can take just a minute or two with a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon. Once it’s creamy, stir in the finely chopped pecans and the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. It should look deliciously fluffy!
2. Form the Truffles:
Now it’s time to make little balls! Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, take a portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in size. Place each rolled ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out a bit so they don’t stick together.
3. Freeze the Truffles:
Pop the tray in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the truffles are firm. This step is super important, as it helps the truffles hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
While the truffles are freezing, melt the chopped chocolate. You can do this by placing it in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (a double boiler) or by melting it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often until it’s smooth. Be careful not to overheat it!
5. Dip the Truffles:
Now comes the fun part! Take each frozen truffle and dip it into the melted chocolate using a fork or a dipping tool. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl before returning it to the parchment paper. The chocolate should coat the truffle evenly. If you have a dipping tool, it can make this step easier and cleaner!
6. Garnish and Chill:
Before the chocolate sets, quickly sprinkle some flaky sea salt and a few pieces of chopped pecans on top of each truffle. This adds a beautiful finishing touch! Place the tray back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate coating is nice and firm.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Pecan Pie Truffles are all set! You can keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them. Enjoy these delightful bites either chilled or at room temperature—they’ll taste just like little pecan pies in truffle form!
Every bite delivers a rich, nutty flavor combined with chocolate sweetness, making these truffles a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy your yummy creation!
Can I Use Different Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for pecan pie, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts as a substitute if you prefer. Just remember that each nut will bring its own unique flavor to the truffles.
How Long Do These Truffles Last?
Pecan Pie Truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make These Truffles Vegan?
Yes! To make these truffles vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free chocolate for dipping. They’ll still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
The best way to melt chocolate without burning is to use a double boiler method, where you place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts (about 20-30 seconds), stirring in between each interval until smooth. This keeps the chocolate from getting too hot.
