No bake Condensed Milk Pecan Balls are a delicious truffle-type treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of sweetened condensed milk with the crunch of pecans, all coated in melted chocolate. Perfect for the holidays when pecans are in season.
Chocolate Covered Pecan Balls
Our easy Condensed Milk Pecan Balls recipe comes together in under 20 minutes using 5 basic, easy-to-find ingredients. These bite-sized balls blend the smooth sweetness of condensed milk with the nutty crunch of pecans, all dipped in a decadent coat of dark chocolate.
The holidays are a busy time, with plenty of cooking, baking, and gift-giving to juggle. That’s why no-bake pecan condensed milk balls recipes are perfect; they’re a lifesaver during the hectic Christmas season! Filled with an indulgent flavor that feels special, nostalgic, and festive, these truffles embody everything we love about timeless treats.
Ingredients Notes
- Pecans: Make it easy and use pre-ground pecans to save time.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk and NOT evaporated milk.
- All purpose flour
- Pure vanilla extract
- Dark chocolate candy melts: Milk chocolate, vanilla, or caramel candy melts can be used instead of the dark chocolate. Chocolate almond bark is also a great alternative to coat the candy. If you use chocolate chips, add Crisco shortening or coconut oil to prevent seizing and ensure the chocolate remains smooth.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Condensed Milk Pecan Balls
- Prepare The Pecans: Grind the pecans until they reach a sandy, coarse texture.
- Make The Condensed Milk Mixture: Whisk together the condensed milk, flour, and vanilla extract over medium heat until completely incorporated.
- Make The Pecan Mixture: Stir the ground pecans into the condensed milk mixture and cook until thickened. Pour into a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until completely cooled.
- Roll Round Balls: Scoop out the pecan filling, roll them into balls, place them on a lined a baking sheet and chill for 20 minutes.
- Melt: Microwave the chocolate in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until melted.
- Dip And Decorate: Dip each pecan ball into the melted chocolate and garnish with chopped or ground pecans.
- Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for 20 more minutes or until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These pecan balls are versatile treats perfect for any occasion. Here are some ideas to make them even more special:
- Holiday Platters: Arrange them on a festive tray alongside other holiday favorites like fudge, cookies, or truffles. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of crushed pecans or powdered sugar.
- Gift Giving: Pack them in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift. Tie with a ribbon to add a festive touch.
- Dessert Boards: Include them on a dessert charcuterie board with fresh fruit, chocolate bark, and nuts.
- Mini Dessert Cups: Serve each pecan ball in a mini cupcake liner or decorative cup for easy, mess-free snacking.
- With Ice Cream: Crumble a pecan ball over a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.
Tips & Variations
- Add A Toasty Taste: You can toast the pecan halves in a non-stick skillet to enhance the flavor.
- Form The Filling: I recommend you dampen your hands slightly to prevent the pecan filling from sticking as you roll them into balls.
- Make Boozy Balls: You can add a bit of bourbon, brandy, or spiced rum to the pecan mixture for an adult boozy treat.
- Custom Holiday Colors: You can easily create holiday-themed condensed milk candy balls and add a festive flair to any dessert platter. Roll your pecan balls in red and pink sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, orange and brown for Thanksgiving, red and green for Christmas, etc.
Proper Storage
- To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the pecan balls for up to 1 month. Allow the pecan balls to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
More Recipes Using Pecans
If you tried this Condensed Milk Pecan Balls Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!!!
Condensed Milk Pecan Balls
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
Instructions
- Add the pecan halves to a food processor. Pulse pecans a few times, then grind on low until they reach a sandy, coarse texture. (This will give you about ¾ cup when ground)1 cup pecan halves
- Next, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, flour and vanilla extract to a 2 to 3 quart saucepan over medium heat until the flour is completely incorporated into the sweetened condensed milk.14 ounce sweetened condensed milk, 1½ tablespoon all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Stir the ground pecans into the condensed milk mixture once it's combined and slightly warm, then continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
- 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.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop out the pecan filling.
- Dampen your hands slightly to prevent the pecan filling from sticking as you roll them into balls. (This should help in reduce the amount of the pecan balls sticking to your hands)
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Add the dark chocolate candy melts to a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring well after each increment, until completely melted.2 cups dark chocolate candy melts
- Use a fork or candy dipping tool to dip each pecan ball into the melted chocolate, shaking off excess.
- After dipping the pecan balls in the melted chocolate, sprinkle or roll them in the chopped pecan for garnish, if desired
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 more minutes, or until ready to serve.
Jenn’s Notes
- To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the pecan balls for up to 1 month. Allow the pecan balls to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Feel free to use pre-ground pecans to save time.
- You can toast the pecan halves in a non-stick skillet to enhance the flavor.
- I recommend you dampen your hands slightly to prevent the pecan filling from sticking as you roll them into balls.
- You can add a bit of bourbon, brandy, or spiced rum to the pecan mixture for an adult boozy treat.
- You can easily create your own holiday-themed condensed milk candy balls and add a festive flair to any dessert platter. Roll your pecan balls in red and pink sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, orange and brown for Thanksgiving, red and green for Christmas, etc.
I’m excited to try it. Will comment after.
sounds yummy
Just looks so easy and deliciou! Thank you for sharing!
Love it. Great gift for those who have everthing