If you’re drawn to desserts with a nutty crunch and rich sweetness, these pecan treats are worth baking. From gooey pies and chewy bars to crumbly cookies and decadent cheesecakes, this collection has something for every baking mood. Pecan lovers will enjoy the range of textures and flavors, including warm spices, maple undertones, and chocolatey swirls. These recipes are sure to satisfy any craving for something sweet with a buttery, nut-filled bite.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Three powdered sugar-covered cookies are displayed on a wooden board, with one broken in half to reveal a nutty interior—an inviting take on classic pecan desserts. In the blurred background, a tree and cup add warmth to the scene.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These cookies are delicate and crumbly, coated in powdered sugar with a rich pecan flavor. The texture is melt-in-your-mouth soft with a slight crunch from the finely chopped nuts. They’re quick to prepare and make a lovely treat for gifting or gatherings. Serve them with coffee or tea for a cozy touch.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Southern Pecan Pie

A slice of pecan pie sits on a decorative white plate with a golden-brown crust and nut filling visible—a timeless choice for fans of classic pecan desserts.
Southern Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This classic dessert features a flaky crust filled with a glossy, syrupy mix of pecans and brown sugar. It’s sweet, rich, and deeply flavorful with a hint of vanilla. The pecans float to the top as it bakes, forming a golden crust. Serve chilled or slightly warm with whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie Bars

Three dessert bars with a nut topping are stacked on a white plate, showcasing a dense, layered texture with visible chopped nuts—perfect for classic pecan desserts or anyone seeking new pecan dessert ideas.
Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

All the sticky sweetness of pecan pie in a handheld form, these bars layer a buttery crust under a dense, caramel-like filling. The pecans toast up beautifully in the oven for added depth. They’re great for potlucks or sharing. Slice them small—they’re rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Praline Brownies

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

Fudgy brownies are topped with a praline glaze and chopped pecans. The topping hardens slightly to form a candy-like shell. Each bite is sweet, chocolatey, and nutty. Great for gifting or freezing for later.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Praline Brownies

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.

Maple syrup adds warmth and depth to these moist cupcakes. The pecans provide texture and a toasty element. Using cake mix speeds up prep time without sacrificing flavor. Frost with maple or cream cheese icing for extra indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

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 cookies use cake mix as a shortcut, making them soft and chewy with minimal effort. Chopped pecans give crunch, while the base is sweet and buttery. They’re quick to bake and great for busy days. You can also customize them with chocolate chips or drizzles.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

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

This dessert layers a creamy cheesecake on top of a buttery crust and finishes with a sweet pecan topping. The textures are rich and varied, from smooth to crunchy. It’s decadent and ideal for celebrations. Chill well before slicing for clean layers.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Chocolate Pecan Fudge

Chocolate Pecan Fudge. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Dense and rich, this fudge combines smooth chocolate with crunchy pecans. It’s deeply chocolaty with just the right amount of sweetness. Each bite has a balanced contrast of creamy and nutty. It’s a great make-ahead treat for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Fudge

Butter Pecan Meltaways

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

These small round cookies are tender and sandy, coated in powdered sugar. They’re filled with finely chopped pecans and have a buttery, nutty flavor. Ideal for holiday trays or gifting. They practically dissolve on your tongue with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Meltaways

Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Pecan Cobbler Recipe. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This dessert features a buttery batter that bakes up soft and golden under a gooey pecan topping. As it bakes, the topping sinks slightly and creates layers of flavor. It’s best served warm, straight from the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements it beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Pecan Tassies

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

Miniature tarts filled with a pecan pie filling in a buttery crust. They’re bite-sized and easy to eat. The filling is sticky and rich with a caramel flavor. These are popular on cookie trays during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies

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.

These chewy cookies combine oats, creamy peanut butter, and chopped pecans. Each bite is hearty and satisfying with just enough sweetness. They store well and are easy to pack for snacks. The texture is rustic and chewy.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: With Oatmeal

Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

A bowl of crumble with oats and pecans with a spoon.
Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Tart cranberries and sweet apples form the base, topped with a buttery pecan-studded crumble. The topping bakes to a golden crunch that contrasts with the soft fruit. It’s an easy dessert to throw together and makes the house smell amazing. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

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.

Creamy cheesecake meets spiced apples and toasted pecans with a touch of bourbon. The crust is often graham cracker or cookie-based, adding another layer of texture. The bourbon gives a smooth warmth that pairs well with the fall flavors. It’s a showstopper dessert with layers of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

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

This bundt cake brings citrus brightness alongside the richness of pecans. The glaze usually includes fresh orange juice for an added punch. It’s moist, lightly sweet, and aromatic. Serve it for brunch or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

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

A chocolate shortbread base holds a gooey pecan and coconut filling. Sweetened condensed milk brings it all together. These bars are chewy, dense, and full of texture. A twist on the classic magic cookie bar with a nutty twist.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Magic Cookie Bars with Chocolate Shortbread Crust

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

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

A buttery cookie dough rolled in chopped pecans, then filled with jam or caramel. They bake into a soft, slightly crisp cookie with a chewy center. The pecans toast nicely on the outside. Fill them with your favorite jam for a custom touch.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Slab Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan dessert squares stack on top of each other.
Slab Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

These bars are baked in a sheet pan, making them great for feeding a crowd. The crust is crisp and supports a thick layer of pecan filling. They slice cleanly and store well. Easier to make than a full pie, with the same flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slab Pecan Pie Bars

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.

This pie skips the gluten without losing any decadence. A rich filling made with maple syrup gives natural sweetness, while the maple cream on top is silky and luxurious. The crust holds together well and adds a slight crunch. It’s great for those avoiding gluten.
Get the Recipe: Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream

Pecan Pie Brownies

Three pieces of pecan pie brownies on slate coasters.
Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

A fudgy brownie base is topped with a sticky pecan pie filling. The contrast between the rich chocolate and sweet crunch is intense and satisfying. They slice cleanly and look great on dessert trays. You’ll want to eat them with a fork.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies

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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