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Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe

If you’re a fan of pecan pie but want a bite-sized, decadent treat, you’re going to absolutely adore this Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe. These little gems combine all the buttery, nutty, caramel flavors of pecan pie, but in a fun and easy-to-eat chocolate-coated form. I love this recipe because it’s surprisingly simple, yet it feels super fancy—perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to make these irresistible truffles with confidence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • All the Flavors of Pecan Pie: These truffles capture that perfect blend of buttery pecans, brown sugar caramel, and warm spices in every bite.
  • Simple & Fun to Make: No baking required — just a little melting, mixing, and dipping, which makes this a great recipe for beginners or busy folks.
  • Customizable: You can easily swap bourbon for orange juice or top them with sea salt or pecan pieces to suit your taste.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual night in, these truffles impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these simple ingredients come together beautifully to create rich, luscious truffles with that unmistakable pecan pie charm. Using quality pecans and fresh spices really makes a difference here, so I like to pick up fresh cinnamon sticks or freshly ground cinnamon when I can.

Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe - Ingredients
  • Pecans: Use fresh, raw pecans for the best flavor and crunch; toasting them lightly enhances the nuttiness even more.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a nice texture and a touch of honey flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps melt everything together without adding extra saltiness.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Packed and rich for that deep caramel note.
  • Salt: Just a little to balance sweetness.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of complexity.
  • Bourbon or Orange Juice: Bourbon adds warmth and a boozy touch, but orange juice is a great non-alcoholic alternative.
  • Cinnamon: Brings that lovely spice that pairs well with pecans.
  • Vanilla Extract: For depth and smoothness.
  • Coconut or Vegetable Oil: Helps the chocolate coating stay shiny and smooth.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Use a good quality chocolate for coating — it sets up nicely and balances sweetness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love playing around with flavors depending on the season or what I have on hand, and honestly, the lovely thing is that none of the tweaks take away from the core pecan pie experience.

  • Swap the bourbon for orange juice: I once made these for my nephew who couldn’t have alcohol, and using freshly squeezed orange juice gave a terrific fruity brightness without losing that signature taste.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper: For a spicy kick, it contrasts beautifully with the creamy chocolate and sweet pecan mix.
  • Use white chocolate coating: I tried this for a Christmas dessert table and loved how the sweetness changed things up while still tasting festive.
  • Make them bite-sized mini truffles: Perfect for a party platter, and people loved popping these little morsels in their mouths.

How to Make Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Blitz Your Pecans and Graham Crackers

Start by pulsing your pecans and graham crackers in a food processor until they’re finely ground — almost like a coarse flour. This step is key because it creates that lovely base that will hold all the goodies together. I learned the hard way that if you don’t pulse just right, you’ll end up with big chunks, and the texture feels off in these truffles.

Step 2: Cook Your Brown Sugar Mixture

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the brown sugar, salt, maple syrup, bourbon (or orange juice), cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir frequently so it doesn’t stick or burn — you’re aiming for the sugar to fully dissolve and your mixture to turn glossy and smooth, about 5 minutes. I like to keep a close eye here because too much heat can cause the sugar to crystallize, which we don’t want.

Step 3: Let It Cool Slightly Before Mixing

Once your sugar mixture is ready, take it off the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to mix without melting your pecan and graham cracker crumbs too much — a balance that helps the truffles hold their shape well.

Step 4: Combine and Roll into Balls

Pour your cooled sugar mixture into the bowl with your nut and crumb blend. Stir it thoroughly with a spatula until every bit is combined. Then scoop a bit into your hands, roll into balls, and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round — rustic charm is totally okay here! Freeze the balls for about 2 hours to firm them up before dipping.

Step 5: Melt Your Chocolate and Dip

In a microwave-safe bowl, add your chocolate and coconut or vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the mixture is silky smooth and shiny. This usually takes about 90 seconds, but microwaves vary — just be careful not to burn your chocolate. Dip each frozen truffle quickly, then place it back on the cookie sheet. For a special touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt or chopped pecans on top before the chocolate hardens.

Step 6: Let Them Set and Enjoy

Allow your dipped truffles to rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes so the chocolate hardens beautifully. Then get ready to enjoy! If you want to store them, use an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to a week.

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Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Cooling the Sugar Mixture: Letting it cool prevents your truffles from becoming too sticky and helps them set nicely.
  • Use Parchment Paper: This makes cleanup a breeze and stops the truffles from sticking to your tray.
  • Control the Chocolate Thickness: Adding a bit of oil to the chocolate thins it out, making dipping easier and ensuring a smooth, shiny coating.
  • Avoid Overheating Chocolate: Stir after each short microwave interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe

Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I personally love topping these truffles with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—it’s that perfect salty-sweet balance that just makes your taste buds sing. Chopped pecans add a lovely crunch and keep the pecan theme going strong. Sometimes I even dust a tiny bit of cinnamon on top for an extra cozy touch.

Side Dishes

These truffles shine on their own, but if I’m serving them at a party, I like to pair them with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy vanilla bean ice cream. For something festive, a glass of bourbon or a spiced chai makes a great companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these truffles on a tiered dessert stand lined with doilies, or nestled in decorative mini cupcake liners. For a holiday gift, wrapping them in a pretty box with tissue paper and a festive ribbon always brings smiles. Once I even shaped the mixture into little festive pumpkins before chilling for a fun Halloween twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making these, I store mine in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep really well for up to a week, and they actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just make sure there’s no moisture in the container to keep your chocolate nice and crisp.

Freezing

I’ve frozen truffles many times with great success. Simply freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight to avoid condensation forming on the chocolate.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake truffles, reheating isn’t needed, but if your chocolate gets a little dull-looking from refrigeration, letting them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving restores that lovely shine and melts the chocolate just enough to soften the inside.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe without alcohol?

    Absolutely! You can substitute the bourbon with fresh orange juice or even apple cider. This keeps the flavor bright and kid-friendly, and you won’t miss the booze at all.

  2. How do I prevent the chocolate from melting when dipping the truffles?

    Keep your truffles firmly chilled before dipping and work quickly with the melted chocolate. Adding a small amount of coconut or vegetable oil helps thin the chocolate for a smooth dip that sets nicely without melting.

  3. Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

    Yes, you can try walnuts or even almonds for a slightly different flavor, but pecans give that classic pecan pie taste we all love. Just toast them lightly before processing for the best results.

  4. What’s the best way to store Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe?

    Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe, I was amazed at how such a simple blend of ingredients could pack all the cozy, comforting flavors of pecan pie into a fun bite. I hope you’ll find it just as thrilling and straightforward to make as I do! These truffles are perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging when you need a little sweet pick-me-up. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll be making them over and over again.

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Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 truffles
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Pecan Pie Truffles are a decadent and bite-sized treat inspired by the classic pecan pie. Combining toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and a rich buttery-sugar mixture infused with bourbon and warm spices, these truffles are dipped in silky semi-sweet chocolate and optionally sprinkled with flaky sea salt or pecan pieces. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want an indulgent, no-bake dessert that melts in your mouth.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups pecans
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 graham crackers)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ¼ cup bourbon or orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon coconut or vegetable oil
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

Optional Toppings

  • Flaky sea salt
  • Pecan pieces


Instructions

  1. Pulse Pecans and Graham Crackers: Using a food processor, combine the pecans and graham crackers. Pulse until the mixture becomes fine and crumbly. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and set aside.
  2. Cook Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, salt, maple syrup, bourbon (or orange juice), cinnamon, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar melts completely, about 5 minutes. Take care not to burn the mixture.
  3. Cool Sugar Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes. This step prevents melting the pecan crumbs in the next step.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the cooled sugar mixture into the pecan and graham cracker crumbs. Using a spatula, mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined into a dough-like consistency.
  5. Form Balls: Scoop portions of the mixture into your hands and roll into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
  6. Freeze Truffles: Freeze the formed balls for 2 hours to firm them up for dipping.
  7. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the coconut or vegetable oil with the semi-sweet chocolate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. This should take about 90 seconds depending on your microwave, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Dip Truffles: Quickly dip each frozen truffle into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the dipped truffles back on the parchment-lined sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and/or pecan pieces if desired.
  9. Set Chocolate: Allow the chocolate coating on the truffles to harden at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before serving.
  10. Store: Store the finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Cooking the bourbon with the sugar mixture burns off the alcohol but leaves the rich flavor; to retain more boozy flavor, add bourbon to the crumb mixture after cooling instead of cooking it.
  • You can substitute orange juice for bourbon to make a non-alcoholic version.
  • Use coconut oil or vegetable oil to help the melted chocolate stay smooth and glossy.
  • Freeze the truffles thoroughly before dipping to prevent them from melting during chocolate coating.
  • Store truffles refrigerated to keep the chocolate from softening and to maintain texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 truffle
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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