20 Delicious Pecan Desserts You Need to Try
I love pecans and always seem to use them more once fall comes around. Obviously pecan pie is the first thing that comes to mind, but there are so many other really good pecan desserts too.
I’ve got 20 pecan desserts here and there’s a bit of everything. There are brownies, cookies, cakes, bars, fudge and breads, as well as a few different takes on pecan pie. I’ve tried to include plenty of easy ones too because I don’t always want a huge baking project when I fancy something sweet.
A lot of these would be perfect for Thanksgiving, especially if you want something a little different from the usual pie. Have a look through and see what takes your fancy. I’m not sure I could pick just one!
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- There are loads of different ways to use pecans here, way beyond the usual pecan pie.
- If you do love pecan pie though, there are plenty of twists on that too!
- I’ve included cookies, cakes, brownies, bars, breads and a few slightly different ideas.
- Lots of these would be perfect for fall baking or for making over Thanksgiving.
- There’s a good mix of really easy recipes and a few that are a bit more special.
- And obviously, there’s plenty of chocolate involved because chocolate and pecans are just too good together.
1. Pecan Pie
This is such a classic and one I always think of around Thanksgiving. The sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecans are so good together, especially with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Pecan Pie Brownies
If you can’t decide between brownies and pie, this gives you the best of both. You get rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a sweet, gooey layer packed with crunchy pecans.
3. Pecan Pie Bars
These are a great one to make when you want all those lovely gooey, nutty flavors but don’t fancy making a whole pie. They’re easy to slice up too, so they’re perfect for sharing or taking along to a holiday get-together.
GET THE RECIPE4. Double Dark Chocolate Pecan Drop Cookies
Chocolate lovers will definitely want to try these! They’re rich and chocolatey with plenty of crunchy pecans mixed in, and they’re really easy to throw together too.
GET THE RECIPE5. Pecan Pie Dip
This is a nice one to put out when you’ve got people over and everyone can just help themselves. It’s creamy underneath with that sticky pecan topping, and I love it with graham crackers or apple slices for dipping.
GET THE RECIPE6. Coconut Pecan Italian Cream Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re after a proper celebration cake, this one is definitely worth a look. It’s packed with coconut and pecans and finished with plenty of cream cheese frosting, which is always a good thing in my opinion.
GET THE RECIPE7. Chocolate Strawberry Pecan Sandies
I love the mix of flavors in these, especially the chocolate and strawberry together. The pecans add a lovely bit of crunch and make them just that little bit different from your usual cookie.
8. Pecan Pie Fudge
Fudge is always good, but adding a gooey pecan topping makes it even better. This would be a lovely one to make for Thanksgiving or to add to a holiday dessert tray.
GET THE RECIPE9. Apricot Pecan Bread
This is a little different from the other desserts on the list and is lovely with a cup of coffee. It’s full of juicy apricots and crunchy pecans, with a soft, moist texture that makes it very hard to stop at one slice.
10. German Chocolate Cookies with Coconut Pecan Frosting
These is another recipe perfect for chocolate fans, with plenty of rich chocolate flavor in every bite. The coconut pecan frosting piled on top makes them feel much more special than an everyday cookie.
GET THE RECIPE11. Hummingbird Poke Cake
I’m a big fan of poke cakes because all those little holes soak up so much flavor. This one has banana, pineapple and pecans, with a creamy topping that brings everything together.
GET THE RECIPE12. Sweet Toasted Pecans and Pecan Syrup
You actually get two treats from this one, and both are really easy to make. The toasted pecans are lovely for snacking, while the syrup is perfect drizzled over pancakes, waffles or ice cream.
GET THE RECIPE13. German Chocolate Bundt Cake
There’s something about a Bundt cake that always looks impressive without needing loads of decorating. This one is rich and chocolatey with that lovely coconut and pecan topping spooned over the top.
GET THE RECIPE14. Carrot Cake Cookies
If you love carrot cake but don’t fancy making a whole cake, these are a much easier option. They’re soft, full of warm spices and crunchy pecans, and you still get that all-important cream cheese frosting.
GET THE RECIPE15. Greek Yogurt Banana Bread with Crunchy Pecan Glaze
Banana bread is always a good way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter. The Greek yogurt keeps it lovely and moist, and that crunchy pecan glaze on top makes it feel much more like a treat.
GET THE RECIPE16. German Chocolate Cupcakes
Cupcakes are always handy when you want something that’s already portioned out and easy to share. These are lovely and chocolatey, with a gooey coconut pecan topping that really makes them.
GET THE RECIPE17. Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies
There are so many good flavors going on in these cookies, but somehow they all work really well together. The brown butter and tahini make them extra rich, while the chocolate chips and pecans add plenty of sweetness and crunch.
GET THE RECIPE18. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole
I love anything I can throw in the slow cooker and pretty much leave to get on with it. This is full of pumpkin and cinnamon, with pecans adding a bit of crunch, and it’s especially good served warm.
GET THE RECIPE19. Apple Crisp with Pecan Topping
This is a good old-fashioned dessert and really easy to make too. I like plenty of pecans in the topping for extra crunch, then I’d serve it warm with ice cream or custard.
GET THE RECIPE20. Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Pecan Pie
Now this one is definitely a bit different, but I had to include it! The sweet caramelized pears work surprisingly well with the blue cheese and pecans, especially if you like that sweet and savory combination.
I could happily work my way through every one of these, although I’d probably start with the brownies! Hopefully there’s something here that’s caught your eye too, whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving or just happen to have a bag of pecans that needs using up.
