1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Pecan Pie Cheese Ball

Pecan Pie Dessert Cheese Ball

Featured in Sweet Treats for Every Occasion.

Let me share this incredible dessert cheese ball that tastes exactly like pecan pie but in this amazing creamy, dippable form! The cream cheese base gets blended with all those classic pecan pie flavors - think brown sugar, vanilla, and tons of toasted pecans - creating this perfect balance of sweet and tangy. As it chills, all those flavors meld together beautifully, and rolling it in extra chopped pecans adds the perfect crunch. It's become my secret weapon for holiday parties because it's so unexpected but absolutely irresistible. Everyone always asks for the recipe!
A smiling woman in an apron poses for a selfie in a professional kitchen.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:00:21 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A close-up of a cheese ball rolled in nuts, showcasing a creamy, nut-filled interior. Pin it
A close-up of a cheese ball rolled in nuts, showcasing a creamy, nut-filled interior. | tastygusto.com

I stumbled upon this Pecan Pie Dessert Cheese Ball recipe when looking for something unique to bring to my holiday gatherings. Now it's become my signature party treat that everyone begs me to make. Imagine the most luxurious cream cheese mixed with warm pecan pie flavors all rolled into a beautiful ball that's perfect for dipping. When I set this out with fresh apple slices and cookies it disappears in minutes.

A Sweet Little Miracle

What happens when pecan pie meets cheesecake? Pure magic in my kitchen. The cream cheese gets infused with hints of cinnamon and vanilla then wrapped in toasty pecans. Every bite brings you that perfect balance of sweet creamy and nutty that makes your eyes close in pure joy.

Everything You Need

  • Cream Cheese: Get the good stuff and let it soften properly.
  • Pecans: Toast them yourself the aroma is worth every minute.
  • Powdered Sugar: Makes everything silky smooth.
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla makes such a difference.
  • Cinnamon: Just enough to make the flavors sing.
  • Pecan Pie Filling: Homemade takes it over the top but store-bought works too.

Let's Make It

The Perfect Base
Start by beating your room temperature cream cheese butter and powdered sugar until it's cloud-like then add those warm spices.
The Sweet Filling
You can bake up a quick crustless pecan pie filling or use the jarred kind I won't tell.
Bringing It Together
Swirl that filling through your cream cheese mixture then shape it into a ball. Pop it in the fridge to firm up.
The Final Touch
Roll your chilled ball in those fragrant toasted pecans until it's completely covered in nutty goodness.

My Best Tips

Your cream cheese and butter need to be perfectly soft otherwise you'll end up with lumps trust me I learned this the hard way. When you're shaping the ball slightly damp hands work like magic to prevent sticking. Give it plenty of time to chill in the fridge this makes rolling it in pecans so much easier.

Ways to Serve

I love setting this out with crisp apple slices and buttery shortbread cookies. Sometimes I'll create a whole dessert board around it with fresh berries a little dish of caramel sauce and some chocolate covered pretzels. The combinations are endless and everyone loves discovering their favorite way to enjoy it.

A close-up view of a skillet filled with glazed pecans, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, alongside a bowl of cream. Pin it
A close-up view of a skillet filled with glazed pecans, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, alongside a bowl of cream. | tastygusto.com

Make Life Easier

This is my secret weapon for stress-free entertaining. I make it two days before my party wrap it up tight and keep it in the fridge. Just before guests arrive I roll it in freshly toasted pecans. The hardest part is keeping my family from sneaking bites before the party.

Mix It Up

Some nights I toss in mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence. A drizzle of warm caramel takes it over the top. Making it for someone with nut allergies? Crushed graham crackers make an amazing coating too.

Why Everyone Loves It

This cheese ball isn't just dessert it's a conversation starter. People gather around it sharing stories and laughs while they discover new favorite combinations. The way it looks on the table all golden and nutty makes everyone feel special even before they take their first bite.

Saving The Last Bits

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers wrap them up tight and pop them in the fridge. They'll stay perfect for three days though in my house they never last that long. Keep the dippers separate so everything stays fresh and crisp.

Freezer Magic

Sometimes I make an extra ball for the freezer. Double wrap it first in plastic then in foil and it'll keep beautifully for a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge then give it a fresh coat of toasted pecans. No one will ever know it wasn't made that day.

Perfect For Any Time

While I originally created this for holiday parties it's become my go-to for everything from book club meetings to family movie nights. There's something about a sweet cheese ball that makes any gathering feel special.

More Than Just Dessert

The moment this beauty hits the table eyes light up. Its festive appearance with that coating of golden pecans brings instant joy. Best part? It's so simple to make yet looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

A close-up of a round cheese ball coated in finely chopped nuts, surrounded by green apple slices and pecans. Pin it
A close-up of a round cheese ball coated in finely chopped nuts, surrounded by green apple slices and pecans. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, make up to 2 days ahead and keep refrigerated. Let stand 20 minutes before serving for easier spreading.
→ Why wet hands when shaping?
Wetting your hands prevents the mixture from sticking and makes it easier to shape into a smooth ball.
→ Why toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances the nuts' flavor and ensures they stay crispy when coating the cheese ball.
→ What do I serve this with?
Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, apple slices, or any sturdy cookie that can hold up to spreading.
→ Why does it flatten while soft?
The soft cream cheese mixture naturally settles but can be reshaped once chilled. The final chill time is crucial for maintaining shape.

Pecan Pie Cheese Ball

A sweet twist on a cheese ball that transforms classic pecan pie flavors into a creamy, spreadable dessert perfect for parties.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
75 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 cheese ball)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans for coating.
02 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
03 1/4 cup butter, softened.
04 1/4 cup powdered sugar.
05 1 egg.
06 1/4 cup melted butter.
07 2 teaspoons flour.
08 1/2 cup brown sugar.
09 1/2 cup corn syrup.
10 1 tablespoon milk.
11 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
12 2/3 cup chopped pecans.

Instructions

Step 01

Beat cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Spread on plastic wrap and chill.

Step 02

Whisk filling ingredients except pecans. Add nuts, bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until set.

Step 03

Spread cooled filling over chilled cream cheese mixture, leaving border.

Step 04

Fold sides to center, form into ball with wet hands. Wrap and chill 2 hours.

Step 05

Toast and chop remaining pecans for coating.

Step 06

Roll chilled ball in toasted pecans. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Can be made 2 days ahead.
  2. Use room temp cream cheese.
  3. Wet hands for easier shaping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Hand mixer.
  • Small baking dish.
  • Non-stick pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.
  • Tree Nuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 291
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 3 g