Description
Delicious condensed milk pecan balls coated in rich dark chocolate, perfect for festive occasions or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty treat. These no-bake candy balls combine the creamy sweetness of condensed milk with the crunch of pecans and a smooth chocolate shell for an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup pecan halves plus chopped pecans for garnish
- 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Coating
- 2 cups dark chocolate candy melts
Instructions
- Grind Pecans: Add the pecan halves to a food processor. Pulse a few times, then grind on low until the pecans reach a sandy, coarse texture, about ¾ cup of ground pecans.
- Mix Condensed Milk Mixture: In a 2 to 3 quart saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract until the flour is completely incorporated.
- Add Pecans and Cook: Stir the ground pecans into the condensed milk mixture once combined and slightly warm. Continue cooking and stirring for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Chill Filling: Pour the pecan mixture into a 9×9 baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes until completely cooled.
- Scoop and Shape Balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the pecan filling. Slightly dampen your hands to prevent sticking and roll the filling into balls. Chill again in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the dark chocolate candy melts in 30 second increments, stirring well after each, until fully melted.
- Dip Pecan Balls: Use a fork or candy dipping tool to dip each pecan ball into the melted chocolate, shaking off excess chocolate.
- Garnish: Immediately sprinkle or roll the chocolate-coated pecan balls in chopped pecans if desired.
- Final Chill: Place the dipped pecan balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or until set and ready to serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- Freezing: Freeze pecan balls for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- You can use pre-ground pecans to save time.
- To enhance flavor, toast pecans lightly in a non-stick skillet before grinding.
- Dampen your hands when rolling to prevent sticking.
- Add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or spiced rum to the pecan mixture for a boozy twist.
- Create themed versions by rolling pecan balls in holiday sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more.