Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of pecans with these 20 Decadent Pecan Dessert Recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic Southern pecan pie to innovative creations like bourbon pecan bread pudding and pecan caramel chocolate tart, there’s something for every level of baking expertise and taste bud preference.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional desserts or looking to mix things up with new flavor combinations, these pecan dessert recipes are sure to impress. With a range of textures, from crunchy pralines to gooey caramel, and an array of flavors, including maple, cinnamon, and coconut, there’s no excuse not to get baking.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of pecan desserts, highlighting some of the most irresistible recipes that will make your taste buds sing. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get started!
Classic Southern Pecan Pie
This iconic pie is a staple of Southern hospitality, with its rich, nutty flavor and gooey filling. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Stir in pecan halves until well coated with the sugar mixture.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Pour pecan mixture into pie crust.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pecan Praline Cheesecake
This creamy cheesecake gets a boost of flavor from the nutty goodness of pecans and the rich sweetness of pralines. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup praline syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar and beat until combined.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in chopped pecans and praline syrup.
6. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared crust.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
8. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Maple Pecan Blondies
These chewy blondies are infused with the warmth of maple syrup and the crunch of toasted pecans, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in maple syrup and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in the flour mixture and pecans until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pecan Butter Cookies
Rich and buttery cookies filled with the warm flavor of pecans.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in chopped pecans.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pecan Caramel Chocolate Tart
Experience the perfect blend of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate in this decadent tart.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
2. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
3. Press mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
6. Stir caramel sauce and heavy cream into melted chocolate until smooth.
7. Pour chocolate-caramel mixture over cooled tart crust.
8. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly across the top.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust
Elevate your dessert game with these rich and gooey Pecan Pie Bars featuring a buttery Shortbread Crust. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup pecan halves
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Shortbread Crust: Whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add softened butter; mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare Pecan Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in pecan halves.
4. Pour Pecan Filling over Shortbread Crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until filling is set and crust is lightly golden.
5. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding
This bourbon-infused bread pudding is a perfect dessert for special occasions or cozy nights in. The combination of caramelized pecans, toasted bread, and rich bourbon creates a deep and indulgent flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, and bourbon whiskey.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the bread mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans and season with salt to taste.
6. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake
A sweet and satisfying breakfast or brunch treat, this Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake is loaded with crunchy pecans and a buttery streusel topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Streusel topping (see below)
Streusel Topping:
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Fold in chopped pecans.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Top with streusel topping (mix all ingredients together until crumbly).
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pecan Coconut Macaroons
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these chewy and nutty macaroons, infused with the rich flavors of pecans and coconut.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut, confectioners’ sugar, and granulated sugar.
3. In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to egg mixture, beating until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pecan Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pecan Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: A sweet and indulgent treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the crunch of pecans, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Cream cheese frosting (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
3. Add warm water and melted butter; mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead for 5 minutes, then roll out to 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon and pecans evenly over the dough.
6. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Spread over cooled rolls.
Pecan Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
This recipe yields a gooey, indulgent cookie that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With the combination of crunchy pecans and rich chocolate chips, this skillet cookie is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until well combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Whisk in flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Fold in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
6. Pour mixture into a 10-inch oven-safe skillet.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pecan Honey Baklava
This Pecan Honey Baklava recipe combines the rich flavors of honey and pecans with the classic Mediterranean pastry, creating a deliciously unique dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 package phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut into 4 equal pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix together sugar, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, and cardamom.
4. Layer phyllo dough with pecans and honey mixture, repeating this process 5-6 times.
5. Brush top layer of phyllo with melted butter.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and pecans, perfectly balanced by the warmth of spices. It’s a perfect treat for a cozy fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin puree and mix well.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in flour mixture, pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pecan Toffee Fudge
Sweet and nutty, this Pecan Toffee Fudge is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
– 1 cup toffee bits
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in pecans and toffee bits until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Allow the fudge to cool and set at room temperature for about 45 minutes.
6. Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the baking dish and cut it into desired size pieces.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pecan Apple Crisp
This Pecan Apple Crisp recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the nutty goodness of pecans, topped with a crunchy oat mixture. It’s an ideal dessert for any season, perfect for serving warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped pecans, rolled oats, and melted butter.
5. Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the apple filling.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pecan Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Glaze
Pecan Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Glaze: A moist and flavorful bread packed with ripe bananas, crunchy pecans, and a sweet brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 large eggs
– Brown Sugar Glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Brown Sugar Glaze:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm bread before serving.
Pecan Peach Cobbler
Pecan Peach Cobbler Recipe
Sweet and tangy peaches paired with crunchy pecans make this cobbler a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peaches, sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 1/2 cups biscuit or cobbler dough (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together peaches, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Pour in melted butter and stir until combined.
4. Arrange pecans on top of the peach mixture.
5. Roll out biscuit dough to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Place the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
7. Brush egg wash over the crust for a golden brown finish.
Cooking Time:
– Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the fruit is bubbly.
Pecan Caramel Apple Pie
This classic apple pie gets a luxurious twist with a layer of gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. The combination is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out one pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Arrange apple slices on the crust, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; sprinkle over apples.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
6. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
7. Roll out second pie crust and place on top of filling.
8. Crimp edges to seal.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pecan Stuffed Dates with Dark Chocolate
Pecan Stuffed Dates with Dark Chocolate: A Sweet and Savory Treat
Elevate your snacking game with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the natural sweetness of dates, the richness of dark chocolate, and the crunch of pecans. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 12 pitted dates
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), broken into small pieces
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Stuff each date with a tablespoon of chopped pecans.
3. Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle the softened butter over the dates and sprinkle with salt.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the dates are slightly caramelized.
6. Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7. Remove the dates from the oven and drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Pecan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
A classic cookie recipe with a twist, these Pecan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies combine the warmth of oatmeal and pecans with the natural sweetness of raisins.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup raisins
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in pecans and raisins.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with these 20 decadent pecan desserts. From classic Southern Pecan Pie to innovative treats like Pecan Praline Cheesecake and Maple Pecan Blondies, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Other highlights include Pecan Butter Cookies, Pecan Caramel Chocolate Tart, and Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pie or a unique dessert, these irresistible recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.