These Pecan Pie Truffles are little bites of joy! They blend creamy chocolate with crunchy pecans, making them a sweet treat that feels fancy but is super easy to make.
Perfect for sharing—if you can resist eating them all! I like to roll them in extra crushed pecans for a fun touch. Who doesn’t love a little nutty crunch? 🙈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pecans: These are the star of the show! They add that classic pecan pie taste. If you have a nut allergy, you can replace them with sunflower seeds or finely chopped oats for texture.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They give a nice crunch and sweetness. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers or ground almonds as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: This adds rich sweetness. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses to make a quick substitute. Brown or coconut sugar work well too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice for flavor control. You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter if you want a dairy-free option.
Chocolate: I love semisweet chocolate here for its perfect balance of sweetness. If you prefer a darker flavor or dairy-free option, go for dark chocolate or dairy-free chocolate chips.
How Do I Get My Truffles to Hold Their Shape?
Shaping the truffles can be tricky, but there are a few tips to keep them from falling apart. After mixing your ingredients, chilling them is crucial. Make sure to chill the balls for at least 30 minutes; this helps firm them up for dipping.
- Keep your hands slightly damp when rolling to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Make sure your chocolate coating is not too hot, as this could melt the filling. Let it cool slightly after melting.
- If your truffles soften while dipping, pop them back in the fridge to firm up again.
Following these steps will lead to perfectly shaped truffles that maintain their form before and after coating!
How to Make Pecan Pie Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, for melting (chips or chopped bars)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill. Once everything is ready to go, it’s easy to whip these truffles up and a couple of hours in the fridge will set the flavors perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar until well mixed. This is where the pecan pie flavor comes alive!
2. Add in the Wet Ingredients:
Add melted butter, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to your dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until a sticky, cohesive dough forms. You’ll know it’s ready when it holds together nicely!
3. Shaping the Truffles:
Now it’s time to shape your mixture! Grab a small amount and roll it into 1-inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once you’re done, chill the balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until they firm up.
4. Melting the Chocolate:
While the balls chill, melt your chocolate. You can do this using a double boiler or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until smooth. Be careful not to overheat it!
5. Coating the Truffles:
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating it fully. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off before placing each coated truffle back on the parchment for a clean finish.
6. Garnishing Them:
Now for the fun part! Immediately sprinkle the tops of the truffles with extra chopped pecans to garnish. This adds a lovely crunch and makes them super cute!
7. Chilling and Storing:
Refrigerate the truffles briefly to set the chocolate coating before serving. For any leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about a week—if they last that long!
Enjoy these pecan pie flavor-packed truffles with their crunchy, nutty texture encased in rich chocolate! They’re sure to be a hit!
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 for a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure to finely chop them as you would pecans.
How Do I Prevent the Chocolate from Melting the Truffles?
To keep your truffles from getting too soft while dipping, ensure they’re well-chilled before dipping. Also, let your melted chocolate cool slightly before coating, which will help maintain the structure of the truffles.
Can I Make These Truffles Vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips for the coating. This way, you’ll have a delicious vegan treat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying!