Pecan Rolls

24 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: PT0M Total: 20 m Beginner
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Pecan Rolls
An easy and irresistible no-bake dessert with pecans, cherries, raisins, and graham crackers. These pecan rolls are served cold (great for a summer day) and can be prepared in advance—just slice and serve straight from the freezer.

Ingredients

24 servings
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 (8 oz) jar maraschino cherries
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 box graham crackers

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drain the cherries well and mash them in a medium glass bowl. Mix in the chopped pecans, raisins, mashed cherries, and condensed milk until well combined.
  2. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs and divide in half. Add half of the graham cracker crumbs to the fruit/nut mixture and stir until incorporated. Spread the other half of the crumbs in a flat-bottomed dish or on a sheet of parchment paper.
  3. Shape the fruit/nut mixture into a log or tube roll (about 2 inches in diameter). Roll it in the graham cracker crumbs on all sides until completely coated.
  4. Wrap the roll tightly in wax paper or parchment paper and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  5. When ready to serve, remove from freezer and slice the roll about 1/2-inch thick, just like slicing refrigerated cookie dough. Serve immediately while still cold.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my roll falling apart when I try to slice it?

A: Make sure it's frozen solid (at least 4 hours) before slicing. If it's still crumbly, add a bit more condensed milk to the mixture to help bind it together better.

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

A: Maraschino cherries work best because they're already sweet and soft. Fresh cherries would need to be pitted, chopped very fine, and may make the mixture too wet.

Tips and Techniques

For easier slicing, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. You can also customize this recipe by using different dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • maraschino cherries: chopped candied cherries or dried cranberries
  • pecans: walnuts or almonds
  • graham crackers: vanilla wafer cookies or gingersnap crumbs

Equipment Needed

  • medium glass bowl
  • flat-bottomed dish or parchment paper for rolling
  • wax paper or parchment paper for freezer storage
  • sharp knife for slicing