Why Make This Recipe
Maple Pecan Bites are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their rich maple flavor and crunchy pecans, they bring a warm and inviting taste to your dessert table. These bites are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or given as gifts during the holiday season. Plus, they are a hit with both kids and adults, making them a family favorite!
How to Make Maple Pecan Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pecans, finely chopped
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup (the natural kind for that rich maple flavor)
- 2 tablespoons light Karo syrup
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ¾ teaspoon rum extract
- 12 ounces chocolate melting discs (white, dark, or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)
- Holiday-themed sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar. Stir well to evenly mix the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, Karo syrup, melted butter, almond extract, and rum extract. Once combined, pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. You should have a sticky, crumbly dough.
Step 4: Shape the Bites
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture (about a tablespoon per bite) and roll them into small balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the pecan bites in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly firm. They will harden a bit more as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when they come out of the oven.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
While the bites are cooling, melt your chocolate discs. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or by using a double boiler method on the stovetop. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Step 7: Coat the Bites
Once the pecan bites have cooled, dip them halfway into the melted chocolate, then place them back onto the baking sheet. If you like, add some holiday-themed sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft. This adds a pop of festive color and extra charm!
Step 8: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or you can speed up the process by refrigerating them for about 15 minutes.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Once the chocolate has set, your Maple Pecan Bites are ready to serve. Arrange them on a plate for your cookie tray, or pack them into little gift boxes as holiday gifts!
How to Serve Maple Pecan Bites
These bites can be served on a festive platter, perfect for sharing during gatherings or parties. They make wonderful additions to dessert tables, cookie trays, or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. You can also present them in gift boxes for a charming homemade gift.
How to Store Maple Pecan Bites
To keep your Maple Pecan Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For best results, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other to prevent the chocolate from smudging.
Tips to Make Maple Pecan Bites
- Make sure the pecans are finely chopped for a better texture.
- Keep an eye on the bites as they bake; you want them golden but not overcooked.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate depending on your preference.
- For a fruity twist, you can add dried cranberries or cherries to the mixture!
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding different types of nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. Additionally, try using flavored chocolate melts or drizzling caramel over the bites for an extra special treat.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Maple Pecan Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! Make sure they are well-sealed in an airtight container and they should keep for about a month.
2. What if I don’t have almond or rum extract?
You can leave them out or substitute with vanilla extract for a different flavor.
3. Can I make these bites vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter and non-dairy chocolate melts to make this recipe dairy-free.
