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If you love rich, nutty, buttery desserts, this pecan dessert roundup is about to become your new favorite bookmark. From gooey pecan pies and crunchy pralines to cheesecake bars and fall-inspired sweet potato treats, this collection brings together the best pecan recipes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and cozy fall baking.
Whether you’re planning your holiday dessert table or simply craving something warm and nostalgic, these recipes highlight everything pecans do best, sweet, crunchy, caramelized, and impossible to resist.
Let’s Talk Pecans!
Pecans truly feel like the flavor of the holidays to me. The second I smell toasted pecans and brown sugar bubbling in the oven, my brain immediately jumps to cozy sweaters, oversized mugs of coffee, and dessert (cookie) plates piled too high.
And I honestly don’t think pecans should be limited to November and December. There’s something so comforting and luxurious about them, whether they’re folded or topped on cheesecake, layered over sweet potatoes, or turned into pralines you snack on straight from the pan.
This list is my love letter to pecans, the kind of desserts that make people hover near your kitchen just waiting for the timer to go off.
A timeless Thanksgiving staple, this classic pecan pie features a silky custard filling packed with toasted pecans and baked inside a crisp homemade crust. Sweet, nutty, and perfectly set, it’s the kind of dessert everyone expects on the holiday table.
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Maple Pecan Pie
This maple pecan pie is rich, sticky, and deeply flavorful thanks to pure maple syrup that adds warmth and depth to the classic filling. It bakes up gooey in the center with perfectly caramelized pecans on top and a buttery, flaky crust underneath.
These adorable mini pecan pies are made in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned bite-sized treats. Each mini pie delivers gooey pecan filling, buttery crust, and big holiday flavor in the cutest individual serving.
Creamy cheesecake meets gooey pecan pie topping in these decadent pecan pie cheesecake bars. With layers of graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake, and caramel pecan topping, they’re luxurious, rich, and perfect for entertaining.
These individual pecan pie cheesecakes combine silky cheesecake filling with a sweet and sticky pecan topping for a show-stopping dessert. Perfect for parties, they offer all the indulgence of pecan pie in a creamy mini format.
A delicious spin on traditional pecan pie, these chocolate pecan pie bars pair buttery shortbread with rich chocolate and caramelized pecans. Each bite balances nutty crunch with fudgy sweetness for the ultimate holiday dessert bar.
These classic pecan pie bars deliver everything you love about traditional pecan pie but in an easy-to-slice dessert bar. They feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey brown sugar pecan filling that sets perfectly while staying soft and luscious in the center. Sweet, nutty, and ultra-indulgent, they’re a foolproof crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or whenever pecan cravings hit.
These twice-baked sweet potatoes are filled with creamy maple mashed sweet potato and topped with a pecan streusel that tastes like pecan pie. A cozy hybrid dessert or side dish that screams fall comfort.
This sweet potato casserole is smooth, fluffy, and topped with crunchy toasted pecans for the perfect holiday balance of creamy and crisp. A must-have side for Thanksgiving and fall gatherings.
Pumpkin crunch cake is a gooey pumpkin base topped with a buttery pecan crumble that bakes into a crisp, golden topping. It’s warm, spiced, and perfect for fall dessert tables.
Moist banana bread filled with chopped pecans and topped with a buttery streusel crunch. This loaf is tender, sweet, and packed with nutty texture in every slice.
Thick, ultra-chewy cookie bars loaded with chocolate chips and crunchy pecans, baked into a soft-centered, golden-edged slab perfect for slicing and sharing.
Rich chocolate cookies rolled in pecans and finished with caramel drizzle, melted chocolate, and chopped pecans for the ultimate sweet-and-nutty flavor combo.
These sweet-and-salty treats combine pretzels, Rolos, and toasted pecans into irresistible bite-sized candies. Perfect for holiday snack trays and edible gifts.
Classic Southern pralines made with butter, sugar, cream, and pecans for a chewy, candy-like texture. Rich, nostalgic, and perfect for anyone who loves traditional pecan sweets.
These melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies are buttery, crumbly, and filled with chopped pecans, then coated in powdered sugar for a festive holiday finish.
Soft, thick cookies stuffed with cinnamon sugar and topped with gooey butterscotch glaze and crunchy toasted pecans for an indulgent sticky-bun-inspired treat.
A creamy caramel cheesecake dip topped with crunchy pecans that pairs perfectly with apple slices or crackers. An easy no-bake fall dessert that’s always a crowd favorite.
How should I store pecan treats so they stay fresh?
Store these nutty holiday treats in an airtight container.
Freezer: most holiday pecan bakes freeze well for up to 2–3 months
Room temperature: cookies, pralines, and bars (2–3 days)
Refrigerator: pies, cheesecakes, and custard-based desserts (up to 5 days)
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQS
What are the best pecan dessert recipes for Thanksgiving?
The most popular pecan desserts for Thanksgiving include classic pecan pie, pecan pie bars, pecan cheesecake, pecan sweet potato casserole, pralines, and pecan-studded cookies. These desserts balance rich sweetness with buttery crunch and are crowd favorites for holiday tables.
Can pecan recipes be made ahead of time?
Yes! Most pecan-based desserts are perfect for make-ahead baking. Pecan pies, bars, cookies, and cheesecake-based desserts can usually be prepared 1–3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Many can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can you freeze these pecan treats?
Absolutely. Pecan pies, bars, brownies, blondies, and cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Are pecan sweets good for gifting?
Yes! Pecan cookies, pralines, pecan bark, and bars make excellent edible gifts. Their firm texture and rich flavor make them ideal for packaging, holiday boxes, and festive sharing.
Do pecans need to be toasted before baking?
Toasting pecans is optional but highly recommended. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making desserts richer and more aromatic.
What’s the difference between pecan pie and pecan bars?
Pecan pie has a flaky crust and custard-style filling, while pecan bars usually have a shortbread base and a denser topping. Both deliver rich pecan flavor, just in different textures.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, pecans can be replaced with walnuts or almonds, but pecans offer a sweeter, buttery flavor that works best in traditional holiday desserts.
Are pecan treats overly sweet?
Not necessarily! Many recipes balance sweetness with salt, spices, and rich buttery notes. You can also reduce sugar slightly or use maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
What pecan sweet treats are best for holiday dessert tables?
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, planning a holiday dessert table, or simply craving something rich and cozy, these pecan desserts bring all the warmth, crunch, and caramelized goodness pecans are known for. From timeless pies to creative twists, there’s truly a pecan treat here for every sweet tooth.
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15 Of The Best Pecan Recipes
Here are some of my favorite pecan recipes that you can recreate in the comfort of your own home during the holidays and throughout the year!
Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!
