If you’re a fan of the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, you’re in for a treat! From classic pecan pies to creative twists like pecan cakes and cookies, these 17 pecan dessert recipes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, these recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth and showcase the versatility of this beloved nut. 

Pecan Pie Bars

Three pecan bars stacked on a plate, showing a dense, nutty topping and a brown crust—perfect for anyone who loves bake and share pecan desserts.
Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These bars are a handheld twist on the classic pecan pie. Buttery shortbread crust meets gooey pecan filling for a treat that’s easy to enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Bars

Southern Pecan Pie

Southern Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This decadent, rich pecan pie is made the traditional way, delivering that irresistible blend of crisp pecans and silky filling.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Pie

Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bright citrus notes pair beautifully with toasted pecans in this moist bundt cake. Its sweet glaze brings it all together in every flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

Pecan Tassies

A cup of tea next to a plate of cookies with pecans.
Pecan Tassies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These bite-sized treats have a flaky crust and a creamy, nutty filling. They’re adorable, irresistible, and oh-so-satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies

Cream Cheese Muffins With Pecans

Pecan muffin on a white plate.
Cream Cheese Muffins With Pecans. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Soft, fluffy muffins with a creamy, tangy center and pecan crunch sprinkled throughout. Breakfast just got a lot better.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Muffins With Pecans

Pecan bars on a baking sheet.
Pecan Pie Magic Cookie Bars with Chocolate Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecans come together over a buttery shortbread base for an explosion of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Magic Cookie Bars with Chocolate Shortbread Crust

Pecan Praline Brownies

Brownies with pecans and mint on a baking sheet.
Pecan Praline Brownies. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

These brownies are taken up a notch with a topping of rich praline sauce and toasted pecans. They’re pure, sweet indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Praline Brownies

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Spooning apricot jam into pecan thumbprint cookies.
Pecan Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Tender, buttery cookies rolled in crushed pecans and filled with your favorite jam or caramel. They’re as pretty as they are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies

Pecan cookies on a white plate, surrounded by pecan halves.
Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These buttery cookies are a breeze to make with a cake mix base and crunchy pecans baked right in. Simple AND tasty.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies

Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: With Oatmeal

A plate of pecan cookies stacked together, showcasing a rough texture and visible pecan halves on top.
Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: With Oatmeal. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

The nutty trio of peanut butter, pecans, and oatmeal creates hearty cookies bursting with flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: With Oatmeal

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A slice of pecan pie being served on a cake slice.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smooth, creamy cheesecake topped with a layer of gooey pecan pie filling. It’s a dessert lover’s dream come true.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

A bite of pecan pie on a fork.
Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!). Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Love pecan pie but not corn syrup? This version skips it in favor of natural sweeteners for a slightly lighter, still delicious take.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

Butter Pecan Meltaways

A plate of cookies with a bite taken out of them.
Butter Pecan Meltaways. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

These tender cookies with buttery pecans literally melt in your mouth. Classic and impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Meltaways

Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream

Close up of pecan pie with dulce de leche cream.
Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

A gluten-free twist on pecan pie with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and a luscious cream on top.
Get the Recipe: Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A close-up of a sliced cheesecake with a pecan topping on a graham cracker crust, placed on a red-striped cloth.
Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This indulgent cheesecake combines layers of spiced apples, toasted pecans, and a splash of bourbon. A total showstopper.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Creamy Pecan Pie

Slice of pecan pie on a white plate with a fork, placed on a burlap surface. The pie has a pastry crust, creamy filling, and is topped with chopped pecans.
Creamy Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Imagine pecan pie but with a creamy custard-like filling. It’s a luscious upgrade on the classic.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pecan Pie

Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Two cupcakes topped with white frosting and garnished with pecan pieces, displayed close together.
Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Quick and easy cupcakes packed with maple and pecan goodness. They’re topped with a maple glaze for extra sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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