Festive Coconut Pecan Chocolate Delights
These delightful candies are a cherished tradition during the holiday season, offering a delightful blend of rich coconut, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate. Reminiscent of a luxurious Almond Joy, these treats make perfect holiday gifts when presented in decorative tins. The combination of sweetened coconut with creamy chocolate gives every bite a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors, making them a holiday favorite for both giving and savoring.
144
Servings
205
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 cup (Softened)
Sweetened Condensed Milk
8 ounces (None)
Confectioners' Sugar
2 lbs (None)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Pecans
2 cups (Finely chopped)
Sweetened Flaked Coconut
24 ounces (None)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
48 ounces (Melted)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, finely chopped pecans, and sweetened flaked coconut. Mix until well blended.
2
Cover the mixture and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape.
3
After refrigerating, shape the coconut mixture into balls approximately the size of a walnut and set them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
4
Place the shaped balls in the freezer until they become firm, which should take about 30 minutes.
5
Using a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
6
Using a toothpick or wooden skewer, dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate and ensure it's evenly coated.
7
Place the chocolate-dipped balls back onto the wax paper-lined tray and let them set in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
8
Once set, store the candies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
26g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Coconut Pecan Chocolate Delights?
They are a holiday candy tradition featuring a blend of rich coconut, crunchy pecans, and smooth semi-sweet chocolate, similar to an Almond Joy.
How many candies does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 144 servings or individual candies.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each candy contains approximately 205 calories.
What type of coconut is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of sweetened flaked coconut.
Do I need to bake these candies?
No, these are no-bake candies that rely on refrigeration and freezing to set.
How long should the coconut mixture be refrigerated?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up for shaping.
Why do the coconut balls need to be frozen before dipping?
Freezing them for 30 minutes ensures they are firm enough to hold their shape when dipped into the warm melted chocolate.
What is the best way to melt the chocolate chips?
The instructions recommend using a double boiler and stirring frequently to prevent the chocolate from burning.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Yes, while the recipe calls for finely chopped pecans, you could use walnuts or almonds as a substitute.
How should I store the finished candies?
Once the chocolate has hardened, store the candies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
What size should I make the coconut balls?
The coconut mixture should be shaped into balls approximately the size of a walnut.
What kind of sugar is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of confectioners' sugar (also known as powdered sugar).
Is there butter in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 cup of softened butter.
How much sweetened condensed milk is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of sweetened condensed milk.
What is the technique for dipping the balls into chocolate?
Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to dip each ball into the chocolate to ensure it is evenly coated without making a mess.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can substitute the 48 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer.
Are these candies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely, they make perfect holiday gifts when presented in decorative tins.
What is the texture of these treats?
They offer a satisfying contrast of textures with a creamy coconut center, crunchy pecans, and a crisp chocolate shell.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each candy contains approximately 10.5g of fat.
How much protein is in one candy?
There are approximately 2g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains approximately 26g of carbohydrates.
Do I need to use vanilla extract?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used to flavor the coconut mixture.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The 2 cups of pecans should be finely chopped before being mixed into the other ingredients.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, because they require overnight refrigeration and have a long shelf life in the fridge, they are ideal for making in advance.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, wax paper, a double boiler, and toothpicks or skewers.
Is the coconut mixture sticky?
The mixture is initially soft and sticky, which is why overnight refrigeration is a critical step for easier handling.
How long does the chocolate take to set?
The candies should be refrigerated until the chocolate hardens completely, which usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
The recipe specifies sweetened flaked coconut; using unsweetened will significantly reduce the sweetness and alter the intended flavor.
Can I add other flavors to the mixture?
While the recipe uses vanilla, some people like to add a drop of almond extract to enhance the Almond Joy-like flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard ingredients listed are generally gluten-free, but always check your specific brands of chocolate chips and condensed milk to be sure.