Name: Condensed Milk Pecan Balls with Chocolate Coating Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pecan halves plus chopped pecans for garnish; 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk; 1½ tablespoon all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups dark chocolate candy melts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both rich and indulgent, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Condensed Milk Pecan Balls with Chocolate Coating Recipe. These little morsels are the perfect combination of creamy sweetness, nutty crunch, and smooth chocolate – a heavenly bite every time!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetened condensed milk blends beautifully with pecans to create a luscious and nutty base.
Easy to Make Yet Impressive: Despite their gourmet taste, these pecan balls come together with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Customizable Presentation: Whether plain or garnished with chopped pecans or festive sprinkles, they add charm to any dessert table.
Great for Gifting: Wrapped in pretty boxes, these chocolate-coated pecan balls make an unforgettable homemade gift.

A close-up view of a chocolate-covered round candy with three visible layers: a smooth, dark chocolate outer shell forming the first layer with a matte finish; the second layer revealed inside is a sticky, beige caramel filling mixed with small light brown bits, giving a soft texture; on top of the chocolate shell, there is half of a glossy light brown pecan piece. The candy sits on a white marbled surface, with additional whole pecans around and a blurred white plate with more of the same candies in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Condensed Milk Pecan Balls with Chocolate Coating, pecan chocolate balls, homemade nutty chocolates, sweet condensed milk treats, easy holiday desserts

Ingredients & Substitutions

The ingredients for this Condensed Milk Pecan Balls with Chocolate Coating Recipe are straightforward but crucial for getting just the right texture and flavor. Each component plays a role—from the creamy condensed milk providing sweetness and moisture, to the pecans adding that unmistakable crunch and earthiness.

Flat lay of whole pecan halves, coarsely chopped pecans, a small jar of sweetened condensed milk glistening slightly, vanilla bean pod, a mound of pale all-purpose flour, glossy dark chocolate candy melts in smooth, rounded shapes, and a few pecan balls coated in rich dark chocolate and sprinkled with chopped pecans, all beautifully arranged and evenly spaced, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Condensed Milk Pecan Balls with Chocolate Coating, pecan chocolate balls, homemade nutty chocolates, sweet condensed milk treats, easy holiday desserts

Pecan Halves: Fresh pecans bring a buttery crunch; to boost flavor, you can toast them lightly in a dry skillet before using.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the base that gives the balls their creamy sweetness and binds the mixture together beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: A small amount helps to thicken the mixture for easier rolling and ensures the balls hold their shape.

Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Dark Chocolate Candy Melts: These melt smoothly and create the inevitable chocolatey coating that makes these balls irresistible.

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.

How to Make Condensed Milk Pecan Balls with Chocolate Coating Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Base

Start by pulsing your pecan halves in a food processor until you get a sandy, coarse texture – about three-quarters of a cup. This ground nutty texture is going to form the delicious foundation of your pecan balls.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, flour, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Once smooth, stir in those ground pecans and continue to cook for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to hold its shape. This step is key to turning your ingredients into a firm, yet soft filling.

Step 3: Chill and Shape

Pour the mixture into a baking dish, cover it tightly, and let chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Then, using a cookie scoop and dampened hands, roll the mixture into balls. This helps stop the pecan filling from sticking, making the shaping process smooth and fun!

Step 4: Coat with Chocolate

Melt your dark chocolate candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to get that perfect silky finish. Dip each pecan ball into the chocolate, giving it a quick shake to remove excess. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if you want that extra nutty touch and pop them back in the fridge to set.

How to Serve Condensed Milk Pecan Balls with Chocolate Coating Recipe

The image shows several round chocolate balls, each topped with a half pecan nut. One chocolate ball is sliced open, revealing a smooth, light brown, creamy inside with small nut pieces mixed in. The outer shell is dark brown chocolate and looks thick and smooth. The pecan halves on top are textured with clear lines and a mix of light and dark brown colors. The chocolates rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Condensed Milk Pecan Balls with Chocolate Coating, pecan chocolate balls, homemade nutty chocolates, sweet condensed milk treats, easy holiday desserts

Garnishes

Sprinkling extra chopped pecans on top is a classic, but you can also get creative with festive sprinkles, a light dusting of sea salt, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for eye-catching contrast. Each garnish adds a unique touch and extra texture that complements the sweet and nutty flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These pecan balls pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy hot chocolate. They also make a lovely companion to fresh fruit platters or a simple cheese board when you’re entertaining guests – the perfect bite-sized sweet to round out your spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these bite-sized delights on a tiered dessert stand to impress at parties, or package them in decorative tins for gifting. You can even place them in colorful mini cupcake liners for a festive, approachable treat that’s as cute as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your pecan balls fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay perfectly tasty for up to 10 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy weeks or holiday gatherings.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for a special occasion, freezing works like a charm! Place the pecan balls in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to a month and thaw beautifully overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Just take them out from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to shine and the chocolate to soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be swapped in for pecans. Just make sure to pulse them to a similar coarse texture so the mixture holds together well.
Is it necessary to use all-purpose flour in the recipe?

The flour helps thicken the condensed milk mixture, so while it’s important for texture, you can substitute with cornstarch or even finely ground oats if needed, but be mindful of slight texture changes.
Can I make the chocolate coating without candy melts?

Yes! High-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate bars melted gently will work perfectly. Just be sure to melt it slowly and stir frequently for smooth results.

How long do these pecan balls last once coated in chocolate?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll keep fresh and delicious for about 10 days. The chocolate coating helps preserve them and keeps the interior moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about homemade treats, and this Condensed Milk Pecan Balls with Chocolate Coating Recipe is no exception. It’s a little sweet, a little nutty, and all kinds of delightful. I can’t wait for you to try making these – they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire just like they are in mine!