Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe

Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe — Hi, I’m Lina, I’m 33 and living in the United States. My love for cooking started in the most natural way—by spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother. One night, while scrolling through Facebook way past my bedtime (because apparently I have zero self-control when it comes to recipe videos), I stumbled on a post for this Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe. The picture was irresistible—shiny chocolate shells and those little pecan bits sparkling on top. The comments were full of sweet stories about family kitchens and holiday baking, and it instantly took me back to mine. Try the recipe and tell me how it turns out — I’d love to hear your story too!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Truffles Recipe

These Pecan Pie Truffles are everything we love about the holidays — indulgent yet homey, elegant yet simple to make. They’re an easy Thanksgiving dessert finger food that doesn’t require baking a pie crust or slicing portions. You simply mix, roll, chill, and coat in chocolate. They taste like a hug in dessert form — rich, nutty, and buttery with hints of maple and vanilla. You’ll also love that this recipe is totally make-ahead friendly. You can prepare the truffles days in advance and keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve. Perfect for busy cooks who still want to impress their guests with something homemade and beautiful.

🥕 Ingredients

Graham crackers – They add a classic pie crust flavor and keep the filling slightly crumbly.
Salted butter – Brings richness and that touch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Light brown sugar – Gives a deep caramel flavor that mimics pecan pie filling.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
Heavy cream – Makes the texture smooth, creamy, and luscious.
Maple syrup – A subtle fall sweetness that pairs beautifully with pecans.
Salt – Just enough to enhance every flavor note.
Pecans – The heart of the recipe — crunchy, nutty, and full of character.
Semi-sweet chocolate – For coating the truffles in a shiny, rich shell.
Vegetable oil – Helps the melted chocolate stay smooth and glossy.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the tray

Line a baking tray or plate with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy later.

Step 2: Make the crumb base

Place graham crackers into a food processor and pulse until you have fine, sandy crumbs. The smell alone — toasty and buttery — sets the mood for what’s to come.

Step 3: Mix the creamy filling

In a large bowl, combine melted salted butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined. You’ll notice the mixture becoming thick, glossy, and fragrant.

Step 4: Add the crunch

Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and chopped pecans. Fold gently until everything is evenly mixed. The texture should be sticky but firm enough to roll.

Step 5: Form the truffles

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the mixture and roll each piece between your fingers to form balls. Press lightly so they hold together — the mixture will be soft but manageable. Place each ball on the parchment-lined tray.

Step 6: Chill until firm

Freeze the tray for at least 45 minutes. This step helps the truffles set and makes dipping them in chocolate so much easier.

Step 7: Melt the chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate and vegetable oil. Heat in 15-20 second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each burst until completely melted and silky. If you prefer, you can melt it over a bain-marie for even smoother results.

Step 8: Coat the truffles

Remove the chilled truffle balls from the freezer. Dip each one into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the parchment. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle each truffle with a pinch of chopped pecans for texture and visual flair.

Step 9: Chill again

Refrigerate the coated truffles for about an hour, or until the chocolate has hardened to a glossy finish.

Step 10: Serve and enjoy

Once set, transfer the truffles to a serving dish or festive platter. Their shiny chocolate coating and nutty topping make them look like little edible jewels — perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables.

Cultural or Technique Note

Pecan Pie Truffles are a playful twist on a classic Southern dessert. Pecan pie has long been a staple of American holiday tables, especially in the South where pecan trees grow abundantly. Turning that beloved flavor into truffles blends old-fashioned comfort with modern creativity. This technique of transforming traditional pies into bite-sized sweets has become a fun trend for Thanksgiving, allowing everyone to enjoy their favorite flavors without needing a slice or a fork.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as part of a Thanksgiving dessert tray alongside mini pumpkin pies.
Gift them in little boxes tied with ribbon for a homemade holiday treat.
Enjoy with coffee or hot cider after dinner.
Use as a festive addition to a holiday cookie exchange.

Pro Tips for Success

Use room temperature butter so it blends smoothly.
Chill the truffle mixture long enough — it makes rolling much easier.
If the mixture feels too sticky, dust your hands with a bit of graham crumbs.
Melt the chocolate slowly to avoid seizing or burning.
Use high-quality chocolate for the coating — it makes all the difference.
Keep truffles chilled until serving for the best texture and shine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the filling: This can make the texture heavy — stir just until combined.
Skipping the chill time: The truffles will fall apart when coating if not firm enough.
Overheating chocolate: It can turn grainy — heat gently and stir often.
Forgetting the salt: That tiny pinch brings the flavors to life.
Storing at room temperature: Warmth can cause the chocolate coating to soften.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Store airtight for up to 2 months.
Reheat: No need — simply enjoy chilled or let them sit out a few minutes before serving for the perfect bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make Pecan Pie Truffles ahead of time?
: Yes! These truffles are perfect for prepping early. You can make them a few days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until serving.

Q2: Can I roast the pecans first?
: You can, but make sure they are completely cool before chopping. Some find roasted pecans add extra depth, while others prefer the mild sweetness of unroasted nuts.

Q3: Can I use chocolate chips instead of candy melts?
: You can, but candy chocolate melts more easily and gives a shinier finish. Chocolate chips tend to be thicker, so melt them slowly with a bit of oil.

Q4: What if I don’t have graham crackers?
: Graham crackers give that signature pie flavor, but you could substitute vanilla wafer crumbs if needed for a similar texture.

Q5: Can I make these truffles without heavy cream?
: Heavy cream adds the creamy, rich consistency that makes these truffles so irresistible. Substituting other liquids can change the texture, so it’s best to keep it in if possible.

Closing Paragraph

If you’re searching for a fun Thanksgiving dessert that feels both classic and new, these Pecan Pie Truffles are your answer. They take everything we love about pecan pie — the sweet nuttiness, the caramel notes, the cozy flavor — and wrap it into a chocolate-coated bite that’s pure joy. Whether you serve them as holiday snack ideas with pecans or include them in your Thanksgiving dessert finger food spread, they’re sure to disappear quickly. Make them for your next gathering, and you might just start a new family tradition.

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first Thanksgiving I brought these to the table. They were gone before the pumpkin pie was even sliced. There’s something so special about sharing little homemade treats that make people smile — that’s what these truffles do. They’re sweet, a little fancy, and full of heart. Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.