Hey friends! If you love pecan pie but don’t want to deal with all the baking, this recipe is for you. These Pecan Pie Bites recipe are sweet, chewy, and full of that warm, nutty flavor we all love during the holidays. The best part? You only need 4 ingredients, and there’s no baking required! It’s quick, tasty, and fun to make perfect for a cozy afternoon in the kitchen.
Method
Toast the Pecans
Start by toasting your pecans. This step really boosts their flavor and gives the bites a warm, nutty taste. You can toast the pecans in an air fryer for 2 to 4 minutes at 180°C (about 350°F). If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a dry pan on the stove or spread them out on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven. Whichever method you choose, make sure to stir or shake them a bit so they toast evenly. Once they smell toasty and look slightly darker, remove them from the heat and let them cool completely before using them in the recipe. This is important so the heat doesn’t make the dough too soft or oily later on.
Blend the Base
After your pecans have cooled, place them into a food processor along with the pitted Medjool dates, cinnamon, and a few drops of vanilla extract if you’re using it. Blend the mixture until it turns into a sticky dough. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough sticks together easily and starts to form a ball inside the processor. Be careful not to blend it too long or it may turn oily and too soft. If the dough feels a little dry, you can add one more date or a tiny splash of water to help it come together.
Shape the Bites
Once the dough is ready, scoop out small portions using your hands or a small spoon. Shape each one into a ball or press them into little round discs whichever shape you like best. Try to keep them all about the same size so they freeze and set evenly. Place each bite on a freezer-safe tray or plate lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick. When all the bites are shaped, place the tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This will help firm them up and make the next step easier.
Dip in Chocolate
While the bites are freezing, melt your dark chocolate. You can do this in the microwave in short bursts (stirring in between) or melt it gently over low heat on the stove. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, take the bites out of the freezer. Dip either the bottom or the top of each pecan bite into the melted chocolate. You can also use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over them if you prefer. If you want to make them look extra special, press a pecan half on top of each one before the chocolate sets.
Freeze Again
After dipping, return the bites to the tray and place them back in the freezer so the chocolate can harden. It doesn’t take long about 10 minutes should be enough. Once the chocolate is set, they’re ready to eat! You can store them in the fridge, but I personally love the texture straight from the freezer after sitting out for a few minutes.
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer, pan, or oven (to toast pecans)
- Food processor
- Small spoon or scoop
- Mixing bowl
- Freezer-safe tray or plate
- Small pot or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
🥧 Pecan Pie Bites Recipe; A Sweet, Easy Holiday Treat!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes00
minutes40
minutesIngredients
100g toasted pecans*
8 Medjool dates (about 120g, pitted)
40–50g dark chocolate, melted
1 tsp ground cinnamon (Ceylon)
(Optional: A few drops of vanilla extract)
*Toasting the pecans gives them a deeper flavor worth the extra step!
Directions
- Toast the Pecans: Toast your pecans for 2–4 minutes at 180°C (about 350°F) in the air fryer. You can also use a pan or oven. Let them cool completely before using.
- Blend the Base: Add the toasted pecans, pitted dates, cinnamon, and (optional) vanilla into a food processor. Blend until it forms a sticky dough that holds together when pressed.
- Shape the Bites: Use your hands to roll or shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls or discs. Place them on a tray and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Dip in Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate. Dip the bottom or top of each pecan bite into the melted chocolate, then place back on the tray. You can add a pecan on top as decoration.
- Freeze Again: Freeze the finished bites until the chocolate is set then they’re ready to eat!
Notes
- Let the pecans cool completely before blending, or the heat might make the dates too mushy.
- Don’t over-blend the mixture it should be sticky, not oily.
- Make sure the bites are firm before dipping in chocolate so they don’t fall apart.
- Don’t skip the freezer step it helps everything stay in shape and makes dipping easier!
Serving Suggestions
I love keeping these in the freezer and taking them out about 10–15 minutes before serving. They’re perfect for:
- Holiday dessert trays
- After-school snacks
- Party platters
- A quick treat with hot chocolate or tea
You can also drizzle a little more melted chocolate on top if you want to make them look extra fancy!
Fun Fact
Did you know pecans are one of the few nuts native to North America? They’re packed with healthy fats, fiber, and a rich buttery flavor that makes them perfect for sweet treats like this one.
Conclusion
These pecan pie bites are one of my favorite easy treats sweet, simple, and full of holiday flavor. You don’t need a lot of time or fancy tools to make something that tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether you’re making a batch to share or just keeping them all for yourself (I won’t tell!), I hope you enjoy every bite. 💫
