Ever stare into your pantry, hoping something magical jumps out—something that’s sweet, crunchy, easy, and just a little indulgent? We’ve all been there. You want a treat, but nothing too complicated or messy. That’s where these Chocolate Covered Pecans come in. They’re simple, fun to make, and totally satisfying. First, you only need a few ingredients—like pecan halves, milk chocolate, and a baking sheet—and boom, dessert is served. Plus, it’s a feel-good snack without needing to turn your kitchen into a war zone.
Now here’s the best part: you can totally make these your own. Want to go fancy? Try a swirl of dark chocolate. Craving crunch? Use roasted pecans. It’s like edible crafting! Next, grab your recipe card, heat up that melted chocolate, and let’s get dipping. You’re going to love this—especially when you see how fast they disappear. So keep reading, because this pecans recipe might just be your new go-to favorite!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Covered Pecans
- You only need simple ingredients like pecan halves, melted chocolate, and a baking sheet—super easy to prep!
- You can choose between milk chocolate or dark chocolate to match your flavor mood.
- Toasted roasted pecans give a rich, crunchy base that pairs perfectly with sweet coating.
- Once you remove the pecans from the chocolate, they set fast and look like gourmet treats.
- This pecans recipe is perfect for gifts, party snacks, or just a cozy homemade sweet.
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Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Covered Pecans
This chocolate covered pecans recipe is quick and easy. You’ll dip crunchy pecan halves into smooth melted chocolate and let them cool on a baking sheet. Use milk chocolate for a sweet touch or dark chocolate for a bold flavor. Toasted pecan halves become roasted pecans for extra crunch. Once you remove the pecans from the chocolate, let them set. Save this pecans recipe to your recipe card—these covered pecans are too good to make just once!
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups pecan halves (raw or lightly toasted)
How to Make Chocolate Covered Pecans
Start by melting your chocolate slowly to avoid clumping or burning. The easiest way to do this is with a double boiler, which gently heats the bowl from underneath using steam. Stir the chocolate and cream until it turns into a smooth, shiny mix.
- Prepare your baking sheet
Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Set it aside—you’ll use it to cool the chocolate covered pecans. - Melt the chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, combine ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons of cream. You can use milk chocolate for sweetness or dark chocolate for a deeper flavor. - Use a double boiler
Place the bowl over simmering water. Stir gently until it becomes smooth melted chocolate. - Stir in the pecans
Add 2 cups of pecan halves or roasted pecans to the bowl. Stir until fully coated. - Remove the pecans
Use a slotted spoon to remove the pecans one by one. Let extra chocolate drip off. - Place on baking sheet
Lay the covered pecans on the prepared baking sheet. Keep them spaced apart. - Chill and set
Put the chocolate pecans in the fridge for 10 minutes, or until firm.
Tips for Success
Making chocolate covered pecans is easy, but a few simple tips can help you get the best results every time. First, always use fresh pecan halves. If you want more flavor, toast them first to create roasted pecans—it brings out their rich, nutty taste. Next, choose good quality chocolate. You can use milk chocolate for a sweet finish or dark chocolate for a richer bite. When melting, stir often and keep the heat low to avoid burning your melted chocolate.
Make sure the baking sheet is lined with parchment paper so the pecans don’t stick. After you remove the pecans from the bowl, let the extra chocolate drip off before placing them on the tray. And don’t rush—chill them until fully set. Want to save time later? Keep this pecans recipe on a recipe card for next time. These chocolate pecans are simple to make and even easier to enjoy!
Quick Tips:
- Use dry, room-temperature pecans
- Melt chocolate slowly
- Space covered pecans apart on the tray
- Chill on a flat surface for even setting
- Store in a cool, dry spot
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this chocolate covered pecans recipe is how easy it is to change it up. You can start by switching the type of chocolate. Use milk chocolate for a creamy, sweet flavor or dark chocolate if you like something richer. Want something extra special? Mix both for a swirl effect! You can also add toppings after you remove the pecans from the melted chocolate—just sprinkle while they’re still wet.
Try adding sea salt, crushed candy, or even shredded coconut on top of your covered pecans. You can also roll them in crushed cookies or drizzle with white chocolate. If you want a seasonal twist, mix in cinnamon or pumpkin spice. Use roasted pecans for a deep, toasty crunch or add dried cranberries for a fruity kick. Don’t forget to write down your favorite combos on your recipe card—this pecans recipe is perfect for experimenting!
Fun Add-Ins:
- Crushed pretzels or nuts
- Sea salt or cinnamon
- White chocolate drizzle
Perfect for turning basic chocolate pecans into something completely new!
Serving Suggestions
Once your chocolate covered pecans are set and ready, it’s time for the fun part—serving them! These sweet little bites are perfect for almost any occasion. First, place your covered pecans in mini cupcake liners to make them look fancy on a dessert tray. You can also fill small jars or treat bags for homemade gifts. Just add a tag and your recipe card, and you’ve got a thoughtful present ready to go.
Next, try adding chocolate pecans to a snack board alongside fruits, cheese, and crackers for a mix of sweet and savory. They also make a tasty topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even oatmeal. Want to go fancier? Serve them in a glass bowl at your next party—just be sure to make a big batch, because they’ll go fast! Whether you use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or roasted pecans, this pecans recipe fits right in anywhere.
Serving Ideas:
- Party trays or snack boards
- Gift bags or jars
- Topped on ice cream or yogurt
Place extras on a baking sheet to refill as needed and keep the treat table full!
Storage and Shelf Life
Storing your chocolate covered pecans the right way keeps them fresh, crunchy, and ready to enjoy anytime. First, after you remove the pecans from the melted chocolate and let them set on the baking sheet, make sure they’re fully cooled. Then, place them in an airtight container to keep out moisture and air. You can leave them at room temperature if your kitchen isn’t too warm, or store them in the fridge for longer freshness.
If you used milk chocolate, room temp is fine for up to one week. For dark chocolate or roasted pecans, the fridge can keep them good for up to two weeks. Just don’t freeze them—the texture gets weird! These covered pecans are great to prep ahead, especially during the holidays. Keep a recipe card handy so you can make more anytime. This simple pecans recipe makes it easy to have a sweet snack ready to go.
Storage Tips:
- Airtight container = best freshness
- Cool, dry place or fridge
- No freezing—pecans don’t like it!
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 5–7 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | Not recommended |
Nutrition Facts
Even though these chocolate covered pecans are a sweet treat, they offer a few benefits too! First, pecan halves are full of healthy fats, fiber, and a bit of protein. When paired with melted chocolate, especially dark chocolate, you get a fun snack with a little nutritional value. Of course, it’s still a treat, so moderation is key. This pecans recipe gives you a rich bite that satisfies quickly, especially when you use high-quality ingredients.
Each small serving of covered pecans (about 5–6 pieces) has a mix of crunch and sweetness. You can also make them a little lighter by using less chocolate or choosing milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Keep your recipe card nearby to adjust portions or ingredients based on your needs. Whether you’re serving these on a baking sheet for a party or stashing them as a snack, these chocolate pecans are tasty and worth every bite!
Estimated Nutrition (per 6-piece serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 2g |
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! You can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate if you like something richer. You can even mix them for a swirl effect.
How do I keep the pecans from sticking together?
After dipping the pecan halves in melted chocolate, make sure to space them apart on the baking sheet. This helps each one set nicely without clumping.
How far in advance can I make them?
These chocolate pecans stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge. Just remove the pecans from the fridge a few minutes before serving so they soften slightly.
Can I toast the pecans first?
Absolutely! Toasting them turns them into roasted pecans, which gives them a deeper flavor. Just be sure to let them cool before dipping.
More Recipes Hungry to Try
If you loved making these chocolate covered pecans, here are two more quick and tasty recipes to try next:
- Rotel Pasta – A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with bold flavors and a spicy twist.
- Ranch Pretzels – Crunchy, savory, and packed with zesty ranch flavor—perfect for snacking or parties.
Both are simple, fun to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends!
