Pecan Crunch Glazed Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Pecan Crunch Glazed Bites are a delightful snack combining the crunch of pecans and crispy rice cereal with a sweet glaze. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they hold their shape without crumbling, thanks to a simple but crucial boiling step.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (or non-dairy alternative, for the glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a very large heatproof bowl, combine the rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, and chopped pecans. Set aside for quick use.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a full, rolling boil.
- Step 3: Boil the mixture vigorously for exactly 1 minute, stirring continuously. This step is key to creating a firm binder that prevents crumbling.
- Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract immediately. Pour the hot sugar mixture over the oats, rice cereal, and pecans. Quickly stir to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape them into mounds if desired. Work fast as the mixture will start to set.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch.
- Step 7: While chilling, whisk together powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust with more milk by 1/2 teaspoon increments to reach a thick, pourable glaze.
- Step 8: Once bites are firm, drizzle or spoon the glaze evenly over each one. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes at room temperature or refrigerate briefly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- The precise 1-minute rolling boil is essential for a stable binder that keeps bites from crumbling.
- Substitute non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the binder for added flavor depth.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred, or add mini chocolate chips to the glaze for a sweet twist.
Storage
Store the glazed bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to one month. Reheat briefly at room temperature if needed before serving to soften the glaze slightly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide better texture and hold up well in this recipe. Using quick oats may result in a softer, less crunchy bite.
What if my glaze is too runny?
If the glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it. Add small amounts at a time to avoid making it too thick to drizzle.
Print
Pecan Crunch Glazed Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Yield: 24 – 30 bites 1x
Description
These Pecan Crunch Glazed Bites are perfectly sweet and crunchy no-bake treats, featuring a stable binder that ensures they hold their shape without crumbling. Rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, and chopped pecans combine for a delightful texture, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds an extra layer of indulgent flavor. Ideal for snack time or casual gatherings, they come together quickly and require minimal cooking time.
Ingredients
For the Bites:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep Your Station: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a very large heatproof bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, and chopped pecans. Have this bowl ready and waiting as you’ll need to work quickly in the next step.
- Mastering the Binder (The “Never Crumbles!” Secret): In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling vigorously, allow it to boil for exactly 1 minute while continuing to stir. This precise boiling time is critical for creating a stable binder that prevents crumbling.
- Combine Quickly: Immediately remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the hot sugar mixture over the oats, rice cereal, and pecans in the large bowl. Quickly stir to thoroughly and evenly coat all dry ingredients with the binder.
- Form and Chill: Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded spoonfuls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently shape them into mounds if desired. Work swiftly as the mixture will begin to set while cooling.
- Set Firmly: Refrigerate the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes until the bites are completely firm and hold their shape.
- Whip Up the Glaze: While the bites chill, whisk together powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk in 1/2 teaspoon increments until a thick yet pourable consistency is reached.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the firm bites from the refrigerator. Drizzle or spoon the glaze generously over each bite. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes at room temperature, or chill briefly to speed up setting before serving.
Notes
- The precise 1-minute boiling time for the binder is essential to avoid crumbling and ensure the bites hold their shape.
- Work quickly when mixing and forming the bites as the mixture sets rapidly upon cooling.
- You can use any non-dairy milk alternative if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain firmness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan bites, glazed snacks, crunchy snacks, no-bake treats, pecan desserts, quick snacks
