Pecans bring a deep, nutty flavor that works just as well in gooey pies as it does in soft cookies, rich cakes, and crumbly bars. They can be candied, chopped, or folded into batters to add crunch and depth to almost any dessert. This list pulls together a variety of pecan-packed treats ranging from classic pies and cheesecakes to melt-in-your-mouth cookies and fudgy brownies. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a gift, or a quiet night at home, these desserts highlight everything there is to love about pecans.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
These little round cookies are coated in powdered sugar and packed with finely chopped pecans. They crumble easily and melt in your mouth with each bite. The buttery dough has a subtle richness that balances the sweetness. They’re often served around holidays but work year-round.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Chocolate Pecan Pie
This variation on the traditional pie adds rich chocolate to the filling for a deeper, more decadent slice. The chocolate melts into the gooey pecan center, giving it a fudge-like consistency. A crisp crust holds everything together with just the right bite. Best served slightly warm with a spoonful of cream.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Pie
Pecan Caramel Brownies
These brownies are swirled with caramel and topped with chopped pecans for extra texture. The sweet and salty contrast pairs perfectly with the rich, fudgy base. Each bite gives you a mix of chew, crunch and goo. They’re ideal for cutting into squares and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Caramel Brownies
Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble
Apples and tart cranberries bake beneath a crumbly pecan topping. The nuts toast up in the oven, adding crunch to every spoonful. Cinnamon and brown sugar round out the fall flavors. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for best effect.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble
Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
This layered dessert starts with a bourbon-kissed pecan crust and ends with apple slices baked right into the top. The cheesecake layer is smooth and creamy, with just enough tang to balance the sweet fruit. A drizzle of caramel sauce ties everything together. It’s indulgent and full of texture.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
Chocolate Pecan Fudge
This no-bake treat combines melted chocolate and condensed milk with chunks of pecan stirred in. It sets firm but remains creamy and smooth when you bite into it. The pecans add contrast and crunch throughout. Slice it small—it’s rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Fudge
Butter Pecan Cookies
Browned butter and toasted pecans give these cookies a deep, nutty flavor. They’re soft in the center with crisp edges that hold their shape. A sprinkle of flaky salt on top enhances each bite. These cookies never last long on a tray.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies
Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
Larger pieces of chocolate and pecans give this pie extra bite and texture. The filling stays soft and rich while the chunks melt slightly, creating pockets of gooey chocolate. It’s less uniform than traditional versions but far more interesting. A scoop of vanilla ice cream goes great on top.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie Coffee Cake
This cake has a buttery crumb base and a layer of gooey pecan filling swirled through the center. A pecan streusel topping gives it crunch and sweetness. It works well for breakfast, dessert or anywhere in between. Each bite gives soft cake and sticky filling in one.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Coffee Cake
Maple Pecan Bars
These bars layer a crisp shortbread crust with a rich, maple-infused pecan topping. The edges bake up golden while the center stays soft and chewy. Maple syrup brings a deeper sweetness than sugar alone. Slice into squares for a portable treat.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Bars
Chocolate Pecan Tart
This tart has a flaky shell filled with rich chocolate ganache and topped with glazed pecans. The nuts are arranged in a neat pattern that looks great on any dessert table. It’s glossy, elegant, and has a nice snap when sliced. The balance of sweet and bitter works beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Tart
Pecan Pie Cake
This cake stacks layers of moist brown sugar cake with pecan pie filling in between. It’s rich, sticky, and sliced like a layer cake but tastes like pie. A whipped topping or light glaze helps balance the richness. Ideal for holidays or big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cake
Butter Pecan Meltaways
Similar to snowball cookies, these treats have a tender, shortbread-like texture. Pecans are finely chopped and mixed into the dough for a nutty bite throughout. They get dusted in powdered sugar after baking. They’re light but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Meltaways
Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies bring the familiar comfort of chocolate chip dough with the added crunch of toasted pecans. The nuts add depth and cut through the sweetness of the chocolate. The dough stays chewy in the center while crisping at the edges. A sprinkle of salt finishes them nicely.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pecan Pie Brownies
Brownies and pecan pie filling come together in a stacked dessert that’s chewy on the bottom and gooey on top. The nutty layer bakes into the fudgy base, creating distinct textures in one bite. They cut neatly and hold together well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
This dessert starts with a pecan graham crust, then adds a creamy cheesecake center and a glossy pecan topping. The layers contrast in flavor and texture, cool, smooth, and crunchy. It looks impressive and slices beautifully. A drizzle of caramel adds the final touch.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Pecan Tassies
These bite-sized tarts have a flaky pastry crust and a soft pecan filling. They’re often made in mini muffin tins and served at parties or on cookie trays. Each one is like a mini pie you can eat in two bites. The filling stays rich and chewy.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies
Pecan Sugar Cookies
These simple cookies are soft in the center with a sugary, crackly top. Finely chopped pecans add crunch and a buttery flavor throughout. They’re easy to shape and bake quickly. Good with tea, coffee or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Sugar Cookies
Pecan Cobbler
This cobbler bakes up with a soft, cake-like topping and a gooey pecan filling underneath. Brown sugar and butter create a caramel-like sauce as it bakes. It’s rich, sweet, and best served warm. Add ice cream for a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Cobbler
