Condensed Milk Pecan Balls

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I still remember making these with my grandmother on a rainy afternoon — they’re a no-bake, five-minute assembly kind of treat that always disappears first at parties. Condensed Milk Pecan Balls are creamy, crunchy bites made from sweetened condensed milk, finely chopped pecans, and graham cracker crumbs, rolled in powdered sugar. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, last-minute potlucks, or a sweet after-school snack when you want something rich without turning on the oven. If you like condensed milk desserts, you’ll also enjoy this condensed milk chocolate cream for a similar, silky finish.

Why you’ll love this dish

These little balls deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. No baking, no special equipment, and pantry-friendly ingredients mean you can whip them up in under an hour (most of that is chilling). They’re kid-approved, portable, and count as an elegant bite for guests despite being ridiculously simple.

“I served these at a family reunion and everyone asked for the recipe — crunchy pecans, sweet condensed milk, and the graham crumbs are a perfect trio.” — A happy home baker

Beyond convenience, they’re flexible: swap nuts, change coatings, or make them mini for bite-size snacking. They’re an ideal make-ahead dessert for holidays and travel-friendly for potlucks.

How this recipe comes together

Step-by-step overview before you start:

• Combine the wet binder (sweetened condensed milk) with vanilla.
• Fold in dry elements: chopped pecans and graham cracker crumbs to create a moldable mixture.
• Chill until firm enough to shape.
• Roll into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and chill again to set.
  Expect about 20 minutes hands-on time and about an hour total including chilling. No baking required.

What you’ll need

Ingredients (simple pantry staples):

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups finely chopped pecans (toasted for more flavor, optional)
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Notes and substitutions:

• Want a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free graham crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer. For a chocolate twist, mix 2–3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder into the crumbs.
• For a chewier texture, use slightly fewer crumbs; for drier, add a touch more.

I often think of pecans in bars and brownies — if you like that combo, try a pecan-forward dessert like these Milky Way caramel pecan cheesecake brownies for a different decadent option.

Step-by-step instructions

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1. In a large bowl, pour the sweetened condensed milk and stir in the vanilla.
2. Add the finely chopped pecans and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until everything is evenly combined and you can form a ball without it falling apart.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour to firm up the mixture.
4. Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms into smooth balls.
5. Spread powdered sugar in a shallow dish and roll each ball to coat evenly. Shake off excess.
6. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
7. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature. Enjoy!

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve them on a platter dusted with extra powdered sugar and a few whole pecans for garnish. They pair wonderfully with:

• A strong cup of coffee or espresso to cut the sweetness.
• Hot tea (black or chai) for a cozy afternoon treat.
• As part of a holiday cookie tray alongside shortbread and chocolate cookies.

For a themed dessert table, place them near other condensed-milk treats like this sweet potato pie with condensed milk — the textures and flavors complement each other well.

How to store & freeze

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Food safety: Because these are dairy-based and not cooked after assembly, keep them chilled and discard if left at room temperature longer than 2 hours.

Pro chef tips

• Toast the pecans briefly in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Cool before chopping — it intensifies the nutty flavor.
• Aim for uniform chop size on the pecans so the mixture binds evenly. A food processor pulse works well if you don’t want large chunks.
• If the mixture feels too wet and won’t form balls, add a tablespoon of graham crumbs at a time until it holds. If too dry, add a small drizzle of condensed milk.
• Use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop for consistent ball sizes; it speeds up assembly and looks tidy on the platter.

Creative twists

• Chocolate-dipped: After chilling, dip half the ball in melted dark chocolate and let set on parchment.
• Coconut coating: Roll in sweetened shredded coconut instead of powdered sugar for a tropical note.
• Boozy pecan balls: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon or rum to the mixture for adults-only batches.
• Mini truffles: Make smaller bite-size pieces and use cocoa powder, cinnamon sugar, or chopped pistachios as coatings for variety.
• Vegan swap: Use sweetened condensed coconut milk and a neutral oil to replace dairy condensed milk; test binding and chill longer.

Helpful answers (FAQs)

Q: How long do they take to make?
A: About 20 minutes hands-on and 1–1.5 hours total including chilling time.

Q: Can I make them ahead for a party?
A: Yes. You can prepare and chill them up to 3 days in advance in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: My mixture is crumbly — how do I fix it?
A: Add a teaspoon of condensed milk at a time and mix until it holds together. Don’t overdo it; you want a moldable but not sticky mixture.

Q: Can I use other nuts?
A: Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work. Toast them for better flavor.

Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Not as written — graham crackers typically contain gluten. Use gluten-free graham crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies to make them gluten-free.

Conclusion

If you want extra ideas or slightly different takes on this classic, check out this version from Condensed Milk Pecan Balls – Princess Pinky Girl for another no-bake perspective. For a two-ingredient, no-fuss pecan truffle idea, take a look at No-Bake 2 Ingredient Pecan Truffles – Create Mindfully. And for another home-cook-friendly spin on the recipe, see Condensed Milk Pecan Balls – Spaceships and Laser Beams.