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pecan-pie-cheese-ball-topped-with-caramel-and-pecans-served-with-apple-slices

Pecan Pie Cheese Ball Recipe

This decadent Pecan Pie Cheese Ball is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors with a gooey caramel center. Ideal for holiday spreads or party platters, it’s a fun twist on classic pecan pie—served with crunchy dippers and ready to impress.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 324 kcal

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula or mixing spoon
  • Plastic wrap
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife (for dippers, if needed)
  • Serving platter

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp finely chopped toasted pecans
  • apple slices, graham crackers, and pretzel chips for dipping
  • 2 packages of caramel dip singles
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • ⅔ cup finely chopped pecans, divided
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Stir together the caramel dip and 1 tablespoon of chopped pecans in a small bowl; refrigerate until needed.
    This image shows caramel being stirred together with chopped pecans, forming a sweet and nutty mixture that will go inside the cheese ball.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the cream cheese and butter on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute, scraping down sides as needed.
    mixing-cream-cheese-and-butter-until-fluffy-and-smooth-in-a-bowl
  • Add powdered sugar and brown sugar; mix on low just until combined, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until smooth, about 30 seconds.
    adding-pudding-mix-cinnamon-salt-and-pecans-into-the-cream-cheese-blend
  • Add dry pudding mix, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and 1/3 cup of chopped pecans; mix just until combined, about 10 seconds.
    pressing-sweet-cheese-mixture-into-a-plastic-lined-bowl-for-shaping
  • Line a medium bowl with plastic wrap, letting it overhang by about 2 inches, and press the cream cheese mixture into it, packing it firmly.
    forming-a-deep-well-in-the-cheese-mixture-to-hold-caramel-center
  • Use your hands or a spoon to make a 3-inch wide and 2-inch deep well in the center, then refrigerate uncovered for 45 minutes or until just firm.
  • Spoon the chilled caramel mixture into the well, then use the plastic wrap to help fold and seal the cheese over the caramel, forming a smooth ball.
    spooning-cold-caramel-and-pecan-mix-into-the-center-of-cheese-well
  • Transfer the sealed cheese ball onto a fresh piece of plastic wrap and wrap it tightly, shaping it into a 5-inch ball; place in a medium bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours until fully firm.
    This image shows the cheese ball wrapped in plastic and placed in the refrigerator, allowing it to chill until firm.
  • Place the remaining 1/3 cup chopped pecans on a plate, unwrap the cheese ball, and roll it gently in the nuts until fully coated.
  • Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with extra caramel dip if desired, and serve with apple slices, graham crackers, pretzel chips, or your favorite dippers.
    This image shows the chilled cheese ball being rolled in chopped pecans, creating a crunchy outer layer ready to be served.

Notes

  • Toast your pecans lightly in a skillet or oven before chopping to boost their flavor and crunch.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and stability—reduced-fat versions may turn out too soft.