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Pecan Pie Cheese Ball Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

This Pecan Pie Cheese Ball is a decadent dessert that combines creamy cream cheese, rich caramel, and toasted pecans to create a delightful treat perfect for parties and gatherings. With a luscious caramel center encased in a smooth cream cheese mixture and coated with crunchy pecans, it offers the flavors of pecan pie in a fun, bite-sized form that’s easy to serve with apple slices, graham crackers, or pretzel chips.

Ingredients

Caramel Pecan Mixture

  • 2 packages caramel dip singles (such as Marzetti), plus more for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped toasted pecans

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 (3.2 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For Serving

  • Apple slices
  • Graham crackers
  • Pretzel chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare Caramel Pecan Mixture: Stir together the caramel dip and 1 tablespoon of the finely chopped toasted pecans in a small bowl. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  2. Beat Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Stop and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Add Sugars and Mix: Add the powdered sugar and light brown sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed for about 5 seconds until just combined, then increase to medium-high speed and beat until smooth, approximately 30 seconds, scraping the bowl as needed.
  4. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add the instant vanilla pudding mix, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and 1/3 cup of finely chopped pecans to the bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined, about 10 seconds.
  5. Shape Cheese Ball Base: Line a medium bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a 2-inch overhang. Press the cream cheese mixture firmly into the bowl, creating a well in the center about 3 inches wide and 2 inches deep. Refrigerate uncovered until just firm, approximately 45 minutes.
  6. Add Caramel Center: Spoon the chilled caramel pecan mixture into the well of the cream cheese base. Use the edges of the plastic wrap to carefully pull and spread the cream cheese mixture over the caramel, enclosing it completely and sealing the edges to form a ball.
  7. Smooth and Chill: Unwrap the cheese ball and use clean fingers or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface until no cracks remain. Wrap the ball tightly in fresh plastic wrap, reforming into a roughly 5-inch diameter ball. Place it in a bowl and refrigerate until fully firm, 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
  8. Coat with Pecans: On a small plate, spread the remaining 1/3 cup of finely chopped pecans. Unwrap the firm cheese ball and roll it in the pecans to coat the outside evenly.
  9. Serve: Transfer the pecan-coated cheese ball to a serving platter. Drizzle additional caramel dip over the top. Serve with apple slices, graham crackers, pretzel chips, or your favorite dippers.

Notes

  • Allow cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor balance and brightness.
  • To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
  • The cheese ball can be made up to 12 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • For variation, substitute caramel dip with homemade caramel sauce, but adjust sweetness accordingly.
  • If you prefer a firmer cheese ball, refrigerate overnight before serving.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/pecan-pie-cheese-ball-recipe/