Description
Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites bring Southern comfort to miniature form, offering rich caramel and nutty flavors in perfect bite-sized portions. Guests will savor these elegant morsels that deliver classic holiday dessert magic without overwhelming sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) pecans, toasted and finely chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar, packed
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple juice (or bourbon if desired)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chocolate chips, melted (for dipping)
Instructions
- Pulverize the graham crackers into fine crumbs, creating a uniform texture that will serve as the foundational base for the bite-sized confections.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet until they release a rich, nutty aroma, enhancing their natural flavor profile and adding depth to the overall taste.
- Combine the ground graham crackers, roasted pecans, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring all dry components are thoroughly integrated.
- Create a flavor-binding liquid by whisking together maple syrup, apple juice (or bourbon for a more robust character), and pure vanilla extract until smoothly blended.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a silicone spatula until the contents form a cohesive, moldable consistency that holds its shape when gently compressed.
- Using clean hands, delicately craft compact spheres approximately one inch in diameter, placing each carefully on a parchment-lined tray.
- Transfer the tray to the freezer, allowing the nascent bites to solidify and maintain their structural integrity for approximately half an hour.
- Melt high-quality chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish for coating.
- Methodically dip each chilled pecan bite into the molten chocolate, either partially or completely enrobing them, then return to the parchment-lined surface.
- Allow the chocolate coating to set at room temperature or expedite the process by briefly chilling in the refrigerator.
- Once fully set, transfer the finished pecan pie bites to an airtight container, storing in the refrigerator to preserve their texture and flavor until ready to serve.
Notes
- Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning, watching them closely in the oven or skillet.
- Use high-quality maple syrup for a richer, more authentic taste that elevates the entire dessert bite.
- Adjust bourbon or apple juice quantity based on desired moisture level, ensuring the mixture holds together without becoming too wet.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg