Description
Delicious Condensed Milk Pecan Balls featuring a rich pecan and sweetened condensed milk filling, coated in smooth dark chocolate and garnished with chopped pecans. These no-bake treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup pecan halves (plus chopped pecans for garnish)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Coating
- 2 cups dark chocolate candy melts
Instructions
- Grind Pecans: Add the pecan halves to a food processor and pulse a few times, then grind on low until they reach a sandy, coarse texture—this yields about ¾ cup of ground pecans.
- Mix Condensed Milk Mixture: In a 2 to 3 quart saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, flour, and vanilla extract until the flour is completely incorporated.
- Cook Pecan Mixture: Stir in the ground pecans once the condensed milk mixture is combined and slightly warm. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Chill Filling: Pour the thickened pecan mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes until completely cooled.
- Prepare for Rolling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to set the balls on later.
- Scoop and Roll: Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the pecan filling. Slightly dampen your hands to prevent sticking and roll the scooped filling into balls.
- Chill Balls: Place the pecan balls on the lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 20 minutes to firm up.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well after each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip Balls in Chocolate: Using a fork or candy dipping tool, dip each chilled pecan ball into the melted chocolate, shaking off the excess chocolate.
- Garnish: Immediately sprinkle or roll the chocolate-coated pecan balls in chopped pecans if desired for extra texture and flavor.
- Final Chill: Place the dipped and garnished pecan balls back onto the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes or until the chocolate coating is set.
- Serve: Once chilled and firm, the pecan balls are ready to be served and enjoyed.
Notes
- To prevent sticking, slightly dampen your hands before rolling the pecan mixture into balls.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized balls to ensure even coating and presentation.
- You can substitute dark chocolate candy melts with regular chocolate chips if desired, but melts provide a smoother coating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan balls, condensed milk pecan balls, no bake pecan dessert, chocolate coated pecan treats, holiday desserts
