42 Best Pecan Recipes You'll Go Nuts Over
Get all of that crunchy, nutty goodness.
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It doesn't matter if you pronounce pecan as "pea-can" or "puh-con." They have a nutty flavor and heavenly crunch that's full of possibilities no matter how you say it. While you may picture them baked into classic Thanksgiving pies and Christmas cakes, they have so many other applications. You can serve them with breakfast or go savory for dinner, and this roundup of the best pecan recipes will show you how to use the favorite nut every which way.
Looking for a fall dinner idea? Pecans add a nutty flavor and crunchiness in all kinds of salads, pasta dishes, and roasted vegetables. They pair perfectly with sweet potato recipes any time of year! And if you're looking to warm up on a chilly morning, throw them in breakfast casseroles or sprinkle them on waffles for the perfect contrast in texture.
You've also come to the right place for the perfect holiday dessert. Pecans find their way into delicious cheesecake recipes, classic Christmas cookies, and holiday treats galore. Some of the recipes you'll find here like the pecan pralines, candied pecans, and pretzel turtles even make the perfect homemade food gift for Christmas! Of course, these sweets aren't just for the holidays. Whip up Ree Drummond's favorite pecan pie (which she has aptly dubbed, "the Pie That'll Make You Cry") whenever you want. So what are you waiting for? Time to get your crunch on!
Sticky Buns
For a sweet start to the day, whip up sticky buns! The sauce gets poured into the bottom of the pan and the buns are baked on top. Once they're done, the pan is flipped over and all that rich, buttery sauces comes oozing out.
Get the Sticky Buns recipe.
Pecan Tassies
Love pecan pie but wish for it to be faster and easier to make? Go for tassies! They have all the same big flavor but in a mini, bite-sized version.
Get the Pecan Tassies recipe.
Turtle Pie
Make this pie ahead of time and thank yourself later. Fill an Oreo crust with a fluffy, no-bake cream cheese filling swirled with dulce de leche. Then top with fudge, caramel, whipped cream, and of course, toasted pecans.
Get the Turtle Pie recipe.
Turtle Tart
Turtle candy, but make it fancy! This impressive tart has all the same flavors (chocolate, caramel, pecans) but baked in a pretty crust that also has pecans in it for extra flavor.
Get Ree's Turtle Tart recipe.
Cowboy Cookie Bars
You don't need to live on ranch to enjoy these treats loaded with shredded coconut, crunchy pecans, melty chocolate chips, and hearty oats. The secret is to brown the butter first.
Possum Pie
This Arkansas classic has layers of sweetened cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. But hiding underneath is a buttery pecan crust that’s crisp and nutty, almost like pecan sandies.
Get the Possum Pie recipe.
Pecan Pie
Everyone needs a classic pecan pie in their recipe box and this simple version is just that! It's a crowd pleasing addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert table.
Get Ree's Pecan Pie recipe.
Candied Pecans
You won't be able to stop at just one handful of these pecans! Coated in a cinnamon-spiced sugar mixture and baked until crispy, they're irresistible.
Get the Candied Pecans recipe.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Now you don't have to choose between slices of pecan pie or cheesecake—this dessert has both! It makes a show-stopping addition to any holiday menu.
Get the Pecan Pie Cheesecake recipe.
Pecan Sandies
These old-fashioned treats are just as delicious as you remember. Buttery, crumbly, and studded with crunchy pecans, they're a crowd-pleasing cookie to make for holiday cookie swaps.
Get the Pecan Sandies recipe.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
This recipe transforms sweet potatoes by baking them twice and topping them with buttery oat and pecan crumbs. A little hot honey and cayenne pepper add the tiniest bit of spice that helps balance out all that sweetness.
Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Carrot Cake Cheesecake
With carrot cake on the bottom and cheesecake on the top, this dessert is a slice of heaven. The carrot cake is studded with crunchy chopped pecans, but save some to decorate the top too!
Get the Carrot Cake Cheesecake recipe.
Pretzel Turtles
When you need a sweet treat in record time, pull out this recipe. Sweet, salty, and chocolaty, these pretzel turtles require only four ingredients and are ready in 15 minutes!
Get Ree's Pretzel Turtles recipe.
Christmas Rum Cake
It isn't the holidays without this festive rum cake! The pecans baked into the top of the cake are heavenly, but the buttery rum glaze may just be the best party.
Get the Christmas Rum Cake recipe.
Butterscotch-Pecan Mug Cake
You're just ten minutes away from dessert. Seriously! You bake the mug cake right in the microwave, so it's ready in no time. And who wouldn't want a bite of butterscotch and pecans that fast?
Get Ree's Butterscotch-Pecan Mug Cake.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Also known as snowball cookies, these bite-sized beauties are buttery and crumbly like shortbread. Pecans add the nuttiness while the orange zest and cardamom add subtle brightness and warmth.
Get the Mexican Wedding Cookies recipe.
Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole
If you're hosting house guests or just have a hankering for pecan pie for breakfast, try this crowd-favorite breakfast casserole. It comes together in just oven an hour!
The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Ever
While chocolate may be the focus, you can't have a classic Texas-style sheet cake without pecans on top. Ree says "the smaller and crunchier, the better."
Get Ree's Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Ever.
Cinnamon-Pecan Yeasted Waffles
Mornings just got easier thanks to make-ahead waffles! Simply mix up the batter and let it hang out in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just whisk in the eggs and pecans and heat up the waffle iron.
Pecan Pralines
Every holiday dessert table deserves a festive candy, and these Southern pralines will soon be everyone's favorite. They also make a wonderful homemade gift!
Get the Pecan Pralines recipe.
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