Introduction

These Condensed Milk Pecan Balls are rich, creamy, and perfectly nutty treats coated in smooth dark chocolate. They make a delightful homemade dessert that’s simple to prepare and impressively delicious. Perfect for gift-giving or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

A white bowl is filled with two layers of round chocolate-covered balls that have a smooth, dark brown shiny surface. Each ball is topped with a small piece of orange-brown pecan nut, adding texture and color contrast. The top layer shows a ball with a bite taken out, revealing a creamy, light beige filling inside with a slightly soft texture. Around the bowl, scattered whole and broken pecans add to the rustic, natural feel. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Add the pecan halves to a food processor. Pulse a few times, then grind on low until they reach a sandy, coarse texture, yielding about ¾ cup ground pecans.
Step 2: In a 2 to 3 quart saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, flour, and vanilla extract until the flour is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Stir the ground pecans into the condensed milk mixture once combined and slightly warm, then cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Pour the pecan mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes until completely cooled.
Step 5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 6: Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the pecan filling.
Step 7: Dampen your hands slightly to prevent sticking and roll each portion into a ball.
Step 8: Place the pecan balls on the prepared baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Step 9: Melt the dark chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
Step 10: Dip each pecan ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or candy dipping tool, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
Step 11: Immediately sprinkle or roll the dipped balls in chopped pecans for garnish, if desired.
Step 12: Return the coated pecan balls to the baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for another 20 minutes, or until set and ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor, try substituting toasted almonds or walnuts for pecans.
Use white chocolate candy melts for a sweeter coating and add a pinch of sea salt on top for contrast.
If you don’t have a food processor, chop the pecans very finely by hand to maintain texture.
Chilling the pecan balls between steps helps them hold their shape better during dipping.

Storage

Store the pecan balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate slightly. They can also be frozen for up to one month—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a chocolate-covered candy ball with one bite taken out, showing three layers inside: a smooth, thin dark brown chocolate shell, a light brown chewy center with a textured mix of nuts and caramel, and visible small nut pieces embedded throughout the center. On top, there is a half light brown pecan placed as decoration. The candy is resting on a white marbled surface with whole pecans scattered around and blurred white plates holding more chocolate candies in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pecan balls without chocolate coating?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate dip and simply roll the pecan balls in chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a lighter treat.

What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?

The flour helps thicken the condensed milk and pecan mixture, giving the balls a firmer, dough-like consistency that holds together well when shaped and dipped.