There’s something downright magical about homemade candies, and Condensed Milk Pecan Balls capture all the cozy nostalgia of pecan pie in a bite-sized, chocolate-drenched treat. Each little confection is packed with buttery pecans and luscious condensed milk, then dipped in silky chocolate for a showstopping finish that’s irresistibly simple to whip up. With no baking required and just a handful of pantry staples, these candies are pure gold for sharing during the holidays or satisfying a craving for classic Southern flavors any day of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With so few ingredients involved, each element in Condensed Milk Pecan Balls plays a starring role, from the rich, nutty pecans to the creamy condensed milk and deep, glossy chocolate coating. Here’s how every piece elevates the flavor and texture:
- Pecan halves: Fresh, toasty pecans create the backbone of each ball, giving a buttery flavor and that signature crunch.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, irresistibly sweet milk binds everything together for a fudgy, chewy bite every time.
- All-purpose flour: Just a touch balances the texture, helping everything stick together without becoming too gooey.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a delicate warmth and brings out the rich, nutty notes of the pecans beautifully.
- Dark chocolate candy melts: These ensure a crisp, flawless chocolate shell and a deep, almost truffle-like finish.
- Chopped pecans for garnish: A sprinkle on top adds flash, texture, and an extra pop of pecan flavor.
How to Make Condensed Milk Pecan Balls
Step 1: Grind the Pecans
Begin by adding your pecan halves to a food processor. Give them a few quick pulses to break them down, then process on low until you achieve a coarse, sandy texture. Don’t overdo it—you want rustic little bits that add chew, not pecan powder.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract. Whisk over medium heat until the flour has completely melded into the milk mixture, making sure there are no lumps hiding beneath the surface.
Step 3: Combine and Thicken
Once the mixture is slightly warm and gorgeously smooth, stir in the ground pecans. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken and start pulling away from the sides, almost like a pecan-studded dough.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Pour the luscious, nutty mixture into a 9×9 baking dish. Wrap tightly with plastic and pop it in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This quick chill firms everything up, making it a breeze to shape into balls in the next step.
Step 5: Shape the Pecan Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the filling, then dampen your hands—this is key!—and roll each scoop into a smooth ball. Arrange them on the sheet, ready for their chocolate spa treatment.
Step 6: Chill Again
Give your pecan balls another brief stint in the fridge, about 20 minutes, to help them hold their shape and stay firm when you dip them in chocolate.
Step 7: Melt the Chocolate
Add the dark chocolate candy melts to a microwave-safe bowl. Gently melt them in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time, until you have a glossy, pourable pool of chocolate with no lumps left behind.
Step 8: Dip and Garnish
One at a time, use a fork or candy dipping tool to swirl each pecan ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip away. Place the dipped balls back on the parchment, and before the chocolate sets, sprinkle or gently roll each one in chopped pecans for an eye-catching finish.
Step 9: Final Chill
Slide the tray back into the refrigerator for 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is set and snappy. Now your Condensed Milk Pecan Balls are ready to dazzle and delight!
How to Serve Condensed Milk Pecan Balls
Garnishes
For a showstopping presentation, you can’t go wrong with a shower of chopped pecans or a drizzle of white chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, try finishing them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash of edible gold dust to really make these treats pop.
Side Dishes
While Condensed Milk Pecan Balls easily steal the spotlight, they pair beautifully with a platter of fresh berries, a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a creamy mug of hot cocoa. The richness of the pecan balls balances perfectly with light, fruity, or creamy accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
I love nestling these candies in mini cupcake liners for a party-ready look, or piling them high on a vintage cake stand. For a holiday twist, gift them in a decorative tin with a handwritten tag—everyone adores homemade treats, especially when they look irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Condensed Milk Pecan Balls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their fudgy centers and crisp chocolate coating for up to a week, so you can sneak a treat any time the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for later (or just stash some away from sticky fingers), these candies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in a freezer container, with parchment between layers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving to keep the chocolate from sweating.
Reheating
Since Condensed Milk Pecan Balls are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat them. If they’ve been frozen, simply let them come to fridge temperature before serving. If you love a slightly softer filling, leave them out at room temp for 10 to 15 minutes before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the coating?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter finish, swap out the dark chocolate for milk chocolate candy melts. It works beautifully and gives these candies a classic, crowd-pleasing twist.
Are Condensed Milk Pecan Balls gluten-free?
This recipe uses a small amount of all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free Condensed Milk Pecan Balls without affecting texture or flavor.
What’s the best way to chop pecans for garnish?
For a pretty, rustic look, use a chef’s knife to roughly chop whole pecans by hand, or pulse in a food processor until you get chunky, uneven pieces that add extra crunch and sparkle on top.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe is easily doubled or even tripled to feed a holiday party or to make goodie bags. Just be sure to split the mixture into separate pans to cool more quickly.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
If you’re using candy melts, there’s no need to temper the chocolate—just melt and dip. If you opt for real chocolate bars, tempering will ensure a shiny, snappy finish but isn’t strictly necessary.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a treat that’s fuss-free yet absolutely unforgettable, Condensed Milk Pecan Balls are ready to win a place in your heart (and your cookie tin). Give this recipe a try and watch these delightful morsels become the must-have bite at every gathering. Happy candy making!
PrintCondensed Milk Pecan Balls Recipe
Condensed Milk Pecan Balls are a delightful no-bake holiday treat that captures all the delicious flavors of a classic pecan pie in a bite-sized, chocolate-coated candy form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 pecan balls (1 tablespoon each)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Coating:
- 2 cups dark chocolate candy melts
Instructions
- Grind Pecans: Add pecan halves to a food processor and pulse until ground to a sandy texture.
- Prepare Pecan Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, flour, and vanilla. Stir in ground pecans until warm and thickened.
- Chill Mixture: Transfer pecan mixture to a baking dish, cover, and chill until set.
- Form Balls: Scoop out pecan filling, roll into balls, and chill.
- Coat with Chocolate: Melt chocolate candy melts, dip pecan balls, and garnish with chopped pecans.
- Chill: Refrigerate until chocolate sets.
Notes
- You can sprinkle the balls with sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
- Store the pecan balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pecan ball
- Calories: 205 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
