Pecan Pie Truffles are bite-sized treats that pack all the flavor of the classic dessert! With creamy centers and crunchy pecans, they’re simply irresistible.
These little gems are perfect for sharing or for sneaking bites while watching your favorite show. I love making them ahead of time; they’re great for parties and taste even better chilled!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pecans: Finely chopped pecans are key to giving these truffles their signature flavor and texture. If you’re allergic, try using walnuts or hazelnuts instead for a different twist.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese helps create a smooth filling. For a lower-fat option, you can use light cream cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar gives a smooth sweetness to the filling. If you prefer less sweetness, start with half a cup and taste as you mix.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These crumbs provide a base to mimic pie crust. For a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour.
Chocolate: Semisweet or dark chocolate is perfect for coating. If you want a sweeter touch, milk chocolate works well too. Convert it to white chocolate for a different flavor profile!
How Do I Get the Chocolate Coating Just Right?
Dipping chocolate truffles can be a little tricky, but with practice, you’ll get it down! The first step is to ensure your truffles are well-chilled so they hold their shape during dipping.
- Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth to avoid burning.
- Dip each truffle using a fork, letting excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
- Work quickly to sprinkle with pecans and sugar while the chocolate is still wet, ensuring they stick!
Chilling after coating helps everything set nicely, resulting in beautiful and delicious Pecan Pie Truffles ready to impress!
How to Make Pecan Pie Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Truffles:
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 12 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, for dipping
- Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus around 1 hour for chilling. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes before these delicious truffles are ready to serve. The waiting time is worth it to let the flavors meld and the texture set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix with a hand mixer or a spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the base for your truffles!
2. Add the Good Stuff:
Stir in the finely chopped pecans and graham cracker crumbs until everything is well mixed. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when formed into balls, so mix well!
3. Shape the Truffles:
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup later.
4. Chill for Firmness:
Put the baking sheet with the truffle balls into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial as it makes the truffles easier to coat with chocolate later on.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in short bursts of about 20 seconds, stirring between each session until it’s fully melted and smooth. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer that method.
6. Dip the Truffles:
Using a fork or a dipping tool, take each chilled ball and dip it completely in the melted chocolate. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
7. Add the Finishing Touches:
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops of the truffles with the extra chopped pecans and a dash of coarse sugar for that lovely crunch and shine!
8. Set and Chill:
Refrigerate the truffles again for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set. This will give you the perfect bite-sized treats!
9. Enjoy and Store:
Serve the truffles chilled or at room temperature. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Now you have delightful Pecan Pie Truffles to share and enjoy! Perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat at home.
Can I Use Different Nuts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans give the truffles their classic flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture!
Can I Make These Truffles Vegan or Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and substitute honey or regular powdered sugar with a vegan sweetener, like maple syrup or coconut sugar. Just be cautious that the chocolate you choose is dairy-free as well.
How Should I Store Leftover Truffles?
Store any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Flavor the Filling?
Definitely! You can add a splash of bourbon or rum for a festive twist, or even a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor. Just keep in mind that adding liquid may require slight adjustments to the consistency of the mixture.
