Introduction

Chocolate covered pecans are a delightful treat combining the rich crunch of toasted pecans with luscious semi-sweet chocolate. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky salt, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty that’s easy to make at home.

The image shows many pecans coated in dark brown chocolate scattered on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each pecan has a smooth, shiny chocolate layer covering the top and sides, with the warm reddish-brown nut partially visible at the bottom, creating a two-layer look. Some of the chocolate-covered pecans are broken in half, revealing a light beige nut inside surrounded by a thin chocolate shell. Small white salt crystals are sprinkled evenly all over the chocolate, adding texture and contrast. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup whole pecans
8 oz (115 grams) semi sweet (dark) chocolate
Salt flakes (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even toasting. Remove and allow to cool.
Step 2: While the pecans cool, prepare to temper the chocolate. Finely chop the chocolate and set aside one-third of it.
Step 3: Fill a small or medium saucepan with 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of water. Heat until the water just begins to simmer, then turn off the heat.
Step 4: Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom does not touch the water. Put two-thirds of the chopped chocolate in the bowl without letting any water contact the chocolate.
Step 5: If your kitchen is cool, cover the bowl with a dry kitchen cloth to retain warmth. After 5 minutes, stir the chocolate; it should be mostly melted and warm.
Step 6: Remove the bowl from the saucepan and stir in the remaining one-third of finely chopped chocolate until fully melted. If necessary, return briefly over the warm water to melt the remaining bits, being careful not to overheat.
Step 7: Line a baking sheet with non-stick parchment paper. Dip each toasted pecan in the melted chocolate until nearly covered, letting excess chocolate drip off.
Step 8: Place the chocolate-coated pecans on the prepared sheet and sprinkle lightly with flaky salt. Repeat with all pecans.
Step 9: Spread any leftover chocolate on parchment paper to set, then store it in a zip-lock bag for future use.

Tips & Variations

If tempering chocolate feels intimidating, you can simply melt the chocolate gently over low heat without tempering; the texture will still be delicious but slightly softer.
Try using different types of chocolate such as milk or white chocolate to vary the flavor.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder along with the salt for a spicy twist.

Storage

Store the chocolate covered pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you prefer, refrigeration is okay but may cause slight condensation on the chocolate. Leftover tempered chocolate can be kept sealed in a zip-lock bag at room temperature for several weeks.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several pecan halves mostly covered with a smooth layer of dark chocolate on a white marbled surface. Each pecan is rich brown with a natural wrinkled texture, while the chocolate coating is glossy and deep brown, covering about half of each nut. Some pieces have small, uneven sprinkles of white sea salt on top, adding a slightly grainy texture and a contrast in color. The pecans are scattered randomly, filling the frame with some focused in the front and others blurred softly in the background, creating depth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw pecans instead of toasted?

Yes, but toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and crunch. Raw pecans will work, but the taste won’t be as rich.

How do I know if my chocolate is properly tempered?

Properly tempered chocolate is smooth, shiny, and snaps crisply when broken. It sets quickly at room temperature without streaks or blotches.