A bit of protein, a delicate cocoa crunch, and a treat suitable for snacking – chocolate covered pecans are the ideal afternoon pick-me-up! Bake a whole batch in just 30 minutes!
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Fall is the season for so much of our favorite produce, and that includes nuts! Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds…. My personal favorite? Pecans!
Pecans have a lovely buttery flavor and a floral sweetness. Once roasted, they become wonderfully robust with just a slight soft crunch.
When you pair that with rich, velvety chocolate, you have a heart healthy snack that you can munch on all season long!
I personally like to make this recipe with rich dark chocolate, balanced with just a pinch of flakey sea salt, but you can make milk chocolate covered pecans too!
Switch things up here and there to make this recipe just the way you like it.
A satisfying snack with a perfect balance of salty and sweet, an appetizing crunch, and the rich, mouthwatering taste of bitter dark chocolate. One handful will fill you right up!
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Allow your oven to preheat 350 degrees F while lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP TWO: Scatter the pecan halves across the parchment paper in a single layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the nuts become nice and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
STEP THREE: Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate. Transfer the chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for just 30 seconds. Give it a stir and microwave for 30 seconds more. Repeat until the chips are totally melted.
STEP FOUR: Pour the toasted nuts into the melted chocolate and stir until each is completely coated in the cocoa.
STEP FIVE: Using a fork, lift each pecan half, one at a time, and lay it on the parchment paper. Sprinkle just a pinch of sea salt onto the top and repeat until each nut is transferred and salted.
STEP SIX: Slide the baking sheet into the fridge for 15 minutes or so. Once set, transfer your chocolate covered pecans to an airtight container and keep refrigerated to protect the chocolate from melting.
Keeping in mind that the secret to a healthy diet is moderation, you can be confident in the fact that you’re making a relatively healthy snack.
The fats in a pecan nut are monounsaturated, which is the technical term for the healthy fats found in seeds, nuts, and olive oil.
The same can be said for the fatty acids found in dark chocolate.
These nuts make you feel nice and full, preventing you from overeating – which would otherwise be really easy to do with such a tasty snack!
This snack is also heart healthy! Both dark chocolate and pecans contain a good bit of magnesium and potassium, and the two combined provide plenty of fiber, iron, and calcium.
If you keep them refrigerated, they’re best eaten within a week.
They’re technically safe to eat for a number of months, but I find the texture, moisture, and flavor isn’t near the same quality after a week has passed.
If you’re looking to make these last as long as possible, you’ll want to keep them in the freezer.
Go with a freezer bag or similar airtight container to keep them fresh! Freeze for up to 6 months.
We’ve really highlighted the flavor, texture, and health benefits of pecans, but most other nuts are a great substitute in this recipe!
The top two recommended replacements are cashews and almonds, but you have plenty of other options — macadamias and walnuts, for example!
Speaking of substitutions, don’t feel limited to dark or milk chocolate covered pecans. Dairy free or other vegan chocolate alternatives will melt and coat the nuts just fine.
Feel free to also substitute the flakey sea salt with pink Himalayan, kosher, or other large-grained salt — just not table salt!
Most produce, including nuts, will last longer in the fridge.
However, unshelled pecans can last for up to 3 months at room temperature – about a month longer if you keep them in their shells.
Refrigerated, you’ll maintain freshness, texture, and flavor for 6 months. They’ll keep for a couple of years in the freezer if stored properly!
Chocolate Covered Pecans are a sweet treat that makes your mouth water! Rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in every bite.
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
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I’m Samantha, a stay-at-home-mom of 2. I’m here to make cooking easier for your whole family and help you find new recipes to put in your regular rotation!
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