Pecan Pie Truffles are little bites of happiness! These sweet treats bring together the rich flavor of pecans, creamy chocolate, and a hint of caramel. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Making these truffles is super easy—just mix, roll, and coat! I love popping one in my mouth whenever I need a quick pick-me-up. Who can resist that crunchy, chocolaty goodness? 🍬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the truffles a rich and smooth texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese. It works well and tastes great!
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the truffles hold together. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you could try a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
Pecans: Finely chopped pecans provide that classic pecan pie flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts or want a different taste, you can substitute them with crushed graham crackers or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet filling. If you prefer milk or dark chocolate, go for it! You can also use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version.
How Do I Get My Truffles to Hold Their Shape?
Getting truffles to hold their shape can be tricky, but it’s all about chilling! Make sure to refrigerate the cream cheese mixture for at least 2 hours until it’s firm. When you roll the balls, if your hands get too warm, the mixture can get soft. Just pop it back into the fridge for a quick chill!
- Using a cookie scoop makes uniform truffles.
- Freezing the rolled truffles for 30 minutes ensures they won’t lose shape when dipped in chocolate.
Remember to let the chocolate cool slightly before dipping; that helps prevent it from melting the truffles.
Pecan Pie Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Truffle Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Coating:
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate chips
- Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will require about 2 hours and 45 minutes total. Most of that time is just waiting for the filling to chill and the chocolate to set. Once you’re all done, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious batch of Pecan Pie Truffles!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, start by beating the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or spatula until it becomes smooth and creamy. Then, add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until everything is well blended and you have a nice, smooth batter.
2. Add the Pecans:
Gently fold in 1 cup of the finely chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure they are evenly distributed so every bite has that delicious pecan crunch.
3. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This step is key to making the rolling process easier!
4. Shape the Truffles:
Once chilled, take the mixture out of the fridge. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place each truffle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Freeze the Truffles:
Put the baking sheet with the rolled truffles in the freezer for about 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up further. This will help maintain their shape when you dip them in chocolate.
6. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
7. Dip the Truffles:
Take each chilled truffle and dip it into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then carefully place the dipped truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Add Toppings:
While the chocolate is still wet, quickly sprinkle the truffles with the remaining chopped pecans and a pinch of sea salt, if using. This adds a lovely finishing touch!
9. Chill Once More:
Lastly, put the truffles in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes or until the chocolate coating is fully set.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Store your Pecan Pie Truffles in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to indulge. These little bites are perfect for sharing, but we won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself!
Enjoy these delightful Pecan Pie Truffles—rich, creamy, and packed with the flavors of pecan pie in a delightful bite-sized form!
Can I Use Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes! Reduced-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making the truffles less rich. Just ensure it’s softened before mixing for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Truffles?
Store any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to a week. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Freeze Pecan Pie Truffles?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze the truffles. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
What Other Nuts Can I Use?
If you want to switch things up, you can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Just make sure to chop them finely, and you’ll still have a delicious truffle!
