16 Best Pecan Desserts for Fall

The Iconic Nut Is Great in More Than Pies

Written by
Mackenzie Stratton
Mackenzie Stratton is a food writer who covers global cooking techniques and culture. She's currently working on a local foods cookbook about Mexican cuisine.
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Mackenzie Stratton
Updated 03/26/20
Pecan Pie Cookies

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck 

As shutters open and ceiling fans whir during the hazy, humid summers in the American South, the great pecan trees native to the region thrive. Reaching heights of 130 feet, the behemoths release their harvest during the fall months from October to November. The rich flavor and buttery texture of pecans channel fall, so adding them to your morning scones or cozy casseroles is a no-brainer.

You’ll want to select your pecans whole and fresh, storing them in airtight containers upon purchase. When you’re good and ready, you can savor the nuts any way you please, though roasting truly enhances their flavor. To achieve a perfectly golden-brown batch, preheat your oven to 300 F and arrange your pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. The trickiest part is to avoid burning them, so check on them every 10 minutes, shaking them each time to ensure they roast evenly.

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  • 01 of 16

    Chocolate Pecan Pie

    Chocolate Pecan Pie

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    This recipe for chocolate pecan pie reminds us of a good jazz song—unconventional, melodic, and irresistible. From the cocoa-infused pie crust to the gooey chocolate filling, this is a dessert for those who want to break out of their baking rut.

  • 02 of 16

    Sweet and Sticky Pecan Rolls

    Sweet and Sticky Pecan Rolls

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

    Sweet and sticky pecan rolls… need we say more? This pastry makes for a great sidekick to a hot buttered rum or a sweet complement to a salty side of bacon in the morning. After licking your sticky fingers clean, you can chop up any leftover pecans and roll together this cheese ball to bring as an hors d’oeuvre to any holiday gathering.

  • 03 of 16

    Basic Pecan Pralines

    Basic Pecan Pralines

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    These pecan pralines are a cinch to make and even easier to eat, which can be good or bad, depending on your willpower. A tip on timing: stir your melted praline mixture until the sugar crystals begin to stick to the sides of your pot. Then, and only then, should you add your pecans, as this encourages the coating to stick.

  • 04 of 16

    Pecan Pie Bars

    Pecan Pie Bars

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    Imagine a world in which you can have an entire pecan pie all to yourself. This recipe for pecan pie bars transforms that dream into a reality. These sweet treats are the perfect addition to a holiday party as they are cut, cooled, and ready for tasting without any need for plates and forks.

    Continue to 5 of 16 below.
  • 05 of 16

    Simple Pecan Butter Cookies

    Simple Pecan Butterball Cookies

    The Spruce 

    Pecan butterball cookies are as lovely to look at as they are to eat. You can follow the recipe as is or swap the confectioner’s sugar for this butter pecan drizzle.

  • 06 of 16

    Pecan Pie Muffins

    Pecan Pie Muffins

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    Who doesn’t love popping open the oven to see a batch of fluffy just-risen muffins? This perfect-for-fall treat is crusted with a pecan-butter crunch, so they’re as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

  • 07 of 16

    Maple Pecan Latte

    Maple-Pecan-Latte

    The Spruce Eats / Jennifer Perillo

    For your after-dinner coffee, it's hard to beat a maple pecan latte. Pecan butter adds a delicious flavor to the homemade maple pecan syrup. Make the sweetener ahead of time, then mix it with fresh-brewed espresso and steamed milk when dinner's done.

  • 08 of 16

    Pecan Pie Cookies

    Pecan Pie Cookies

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    If cookies are your sweet of choice, then pecan pie cookies are your fix. They’re just as tasty as any fancy fall-time dessert, but easy to make and to save—simply store any leftovers in the freezer for up to one month.

    Continue to 9 of 16 below.
  • 09 of 16

    Sweet Potato Casserole With Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

    Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

    The Spruce Eats / Katarina Zunic

    Few dishes sum up fall more than a casserole, and if the classic green bean bake is already a part of your dinner plans, why not make this sweet potato casserole for dessert? A hearty layer of pecans acts as the perfect complement for its otherwise silky texture. This recipe calls for heaps of butter to tie its flavors together, so consider buying a high-quality brand.

  • 10 of 16

    Brown Sugar Pecan Pie

    Brown Sugar Pecan Pie

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    It’s no wonder that pecan pie is a gift from the South where comfort food reigns supreme. This recipe fully embraces what it means to bake like a Southern belle or gent—with gobs of butter and a dose of corn syrup! Some bakers swear by halving or chopping the pecans to make slicing and plating it easier, while others prefer using molasses instead of corn syrup for the filling.

  • 11 of 16

    Pecan Pie Cheesecake

    pecan-pie-cheesecake-4767663-16

     The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

    Two favorite desserts are combined into one decadent treat in this pecan pie cheesecake. A rich and creamy baked cheesecake gets a topping of brown sugar caramel pecans. It's a dessert worthy of special occasion.

  • 12 of 16

    Chocolate Chip and Pecan Scones

    Chocolate Chip and Pecan Scones

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray 

    Nothing beats a scone and a cup of tea or coffee in the morning. This chocolate chip and pecan variety breaks from the usual combination, making them just unique enough for you to crave them all season long. If you’re not yet confident in your scone-making skills, read our tips and troubleshooting guide first.

    Continue to 13 of 16 below.
  • 13 of 16

    Easy Butter Pecan Bread

    Easy Butter Pecan Bread

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    If you enjoy sweets for breakfast, this butter pecan bread will delight you time and again. The recipe can also easily be tweaked to fit your preferences—if you like extra crunch, just top your loaf with brown sugar-sweetened pecans before baking.

  • 14 of 16

    Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Pudding With Pecan Butterscotch Sauce

    Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Pudding With Pecan Butterscotch Sauce

    The Spruce / Katarina Zunic 

    This bread pudding serves up all of your favorite seasonal flavors, plus it’s completely dairy-free. You can use challah as prescribed or day-old French bread, just as long as it’s sturdy and able to absorb the decadent sauce.

  • 15 of 16

    Butter Pecan Fudge

    Butter Pecan Fudge

    The Spruce / Elizabeth LaBau

    For those of us who simply don’t understand the words “it’s too rich,” this recipe for butter pecan fudge is a winner. Making fudge requires close attention and timing—although it’s not necessary to use a candy thermometer, it will guarantee the best results time and time again.

  • 16 of 16

    Pumpkin Pecan Pie

    Pumpkin Pecan Pie

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    The pumpkin pie just got a new addition and dare we say, it’s changed how we look at the classic version. Adding a top layer of pecans gives this classic Thanksgiving dessert a more complex flavor and texture. You can use a ready-made crust or go all out and make your own.