Pecans have a way of making any dessert feel a little more special, especially around Thanksgiving when rich, nutty flavors are front and center. While pecan pie is the classic choice, there are plenty of other ways to work pecans into your holiday spread, from bars and cookies to cheesecakes, brownies, and crumbles. This list pulls together a range of options, both traditional and creative, that showcase pecans’ buttery crunch in all kinds of textures and flavors. Whether you’re building a full dessert table or just want something sweet with a little depth, these recipes offer everything from chocolate-stuffed bites to caramel drizzles and spiced, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, all with that unmistakable pecan finish.
Pecan Pie Bars
All the richness of classic pecan pie, baked into portable bars with a shortbread crust. The filling is gooey, sweet, and loaded with toasted pecans. They’re easier to cut and serve than a full pie. Great for gatherings when you want something that’s easy to grab.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Bars
Southern Pecan Pie
This traditional version features a buttery crust and a thick, syrupy filling topped with crisp pecans. Each slice delivers deep caramel flavor with a nutty crunch. It’s rich, dense, and always feels right at home on a Thanksgiving table. A must-have for the dessert lineup.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Pie
Chocolate Pecan Fudge
This rich, creamy fudge is packed with toasted pecans for a balance of smooth and crunchy. The chocolate base is thick and sets up well for slicing. Every bite is dense and satisfying. Perfect for making ahead and cutting into small squares for the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Fudge
Pecan Caramel Brownies
Layers of dark chocolate brownie and ribbons of caramel are topped with a sprinkle of pecans. The result is gooey, chewy, and full of bold flavor. The pecans add just enough crunch to break up the richness. A great choice for those who want more than pie.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Caramel Brownies
Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies
These soft cookies start with a cake mix and are filled with buttery flavor and crunchy pecans. They bake up quickly with a chewy center and crisp edge. Easy to make in batches for sharing. A simple way to add something sweet to your holiday tray.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies
Pecan Tassies
Tiny tartlets filled with gooey pecan filling and baked in a buttery crust. They look like mini pecan pies but are easier to serve and eat by hand. The crust is tender and the filling is sweet and nutty. Great for dessert tables where guests want variety.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies
Double Chocolate Pecan Blondies
Thick, chewy blondies loaded with brown sugar, chocolate chips, and toasted pecans. They have the softness of a cookie with the density of a brownie. Each square is rich and slightly crisp at the edges. A solid alternative for those skipping pie.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Pecan Blondies
Pecan Sugar Cookies
Soft sugar cookies get an upgrade with the addition of chopped pecans baked right in. They’re simple, sweet, and lightly nutty. The texture is soft in the center with a little crunch on the outside. A great choice for filling out a Thanksgiving cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Sugar Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies
These cookies combine butter, brown sugar, and toasted pecans for a rich, warm flavor. They’re soft but structured, with a mellow sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm. Great for stacking, gifting, or snacking. They hold their own next to fancier desserts.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies
Chocolate Pecan Tart
A smooth chocolate filling is poured into a tart shell and topped with a layer of glossy, toasted pecans. The crust is crisp and buttery, balancing out the richness of the filling. It’s an elegant dessert with just enough crunch. Serve in thin slices after a heavy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Tart
Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Tender cookies rolled in chopped pecans and filled with jam or caramel in the center. The nuts add texture while the filling gives each bite a burst of sweetness. They’re pretty, balanced, and easy to make ahead. Great for variety on the dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Butter Pecan Meltaways
These bite-sized cookies are coated in powdered sugar and crumble with every bite. The pecans give them a little texture while the butter makes them rich and soft. They melt in your mouth, living up to their name. A light finish to a heavy Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Meltaways
Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Classic chocolate chip cookies with the added crunch of chopped pecans. The nuts bring a nutty twist to the gooey chocolate and chewy dough. They’re familiar but feel upgraded. A sure hit with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
This layered dessert includes spiced apples, a creamy cheesecake center, and a glossy bourbon pecan topping. The crust is buttery, and the filling is smooth and rich. It’s bold, seasonal, and full of texture. A showstopper that feels just right for a Thanksgiving finale.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
Pecan Sandies
Shortbread-style cookies with chopped pecans baked into the dough. They’re crumbly, not too sweet, and lightly toasty. Each bite is soft but holds its shape well. A simple cookie that fits in with heavier fall desserts.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Sandies
Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake
Pumpkin and spice are blended into a creamy cheesecake base, with toasted pecans either mixed in or layered on top. The crust can be classic graham or something bolder like gingersnap. It’s smooth, spiced, and just the right amount of sweet. A good pick when you want something rich but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake
Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes
Maple-flavored cake mix makes the base of these sweet and nutty cupcakes. Chopped pecans give them texture and crunch. The frosting can be simple or dressed up with maple glaze. Easy, fall-flavored, and great in a batch.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes
Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
Large chocolate chunks are mixed into the classic pecan pie filling for a deeper, more decadent bite. The chocolate melts into the caramel layer, adding richness without overtaking the nuts. It’s gooey, crisp on top, and easy to love. A chocolate-forward option for pie lovers.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
