20 Pecan Desserts That Feel Rich And Homemade

Pecans add a satisfying crunch and warm, nutty depth to everything from classic pies to cupcakes, cookies and cheesecakes. They pair well with chocolate, maple, bourbon, and seasonal fruits, making them a staple in fall and winter baking, but they’re just as good year-round. This list brings together rich brownies, soft cookies, layered cakes and gooey bars that all lean into the buttery flavor of pecans. Some are dressed up with spices or praline topping, while others keep things simple and homey, offering up sweet comfort in every bite.

Pecan Pie Coffee Cake

Layers of soft, moist cake meet a sticky pecan filling in this sweet breakfast-style bake. A crumbly pecan topping adds extra crunch. It holds together well when sliced and works for brunch or dessert. Serve it with a strong cup of coffee to cut the sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Coffee Cake

Pecan Pie Cookies

These cookies mimic the flavor of pecan pie with a buttery base and a sticky pecan center. Each one is shaped like a mini tart, holding just enough filling in the middle. The edges stay crisp while the center stays soft and chewy. They’re great for holiday trays or parties.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cookies

Butter Pecan Meltaways

These cookies are tender, buttery and lightly sweet, with finely chopped pecans baked into every bite. They get rolled in powdered sugar for a soft, snowy finish. The texture is light but rich, almost like shortbread. They’re great with coffee or packed into cookie tins.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Meltaways

Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie

Large chunks of dark chocolate melt into the classic pecan pie filling, creating rich pockets throughout. The contrast between sweet filling and slightly bitter chocolate adds depth. The pecans provide a crunchy top that balances the softness. A twist on tradition that’s still easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie

Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

Tart cranberries and soft apples bake down beneath a pecan-studded crumble topping. Brown sugar and cinnamon give the dish a cozy warmth. The pecans toast up nicely in the oven, adding contrast to the fruit filling. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are soft in the middle and slightly crisp at the edges. Toasted pecans and browned butter give them a nutty, caramel-like flavor. They bake up quickly and keep well. Great for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Chocolate Pecan Tart

This tart uses a pastry crust filled with smooth chocolate ganache and glazed pecans arranged on top. The glossy finish makes it look bakery-worthy. It slices cleanly and holds its shape well. Great for holidays or dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Tart

Pecan Pie Cobbler

This cobbler combines the gooey filling of pecan pie with a soft, biscuit-like topping. As it bakes, the brown sugar mixture bubbles up and caramelizes. The pecans stay crunchy, making each bite layered and rich. It’s best served warm with a scoop of something cold.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies feature a small well in the center filled with pecan pie-style filling. The dough around the edges bakes up buttery and tender. Each bite gives a mix of soft cookie and gooey filling. They’re small but packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Pecan Pie Muffins

These muffins are rich and dense, almost like a cross between cake and pie. Chopped pecans are folded into the batter, which rises just enough to form a soft crust. They’re slightly sticky on top and best served warm. A batch disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Muffins

Chocolate Pecan Fudge

This dense, rich fudge includes chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. It sets into neat squares that hold up well at room temperature. The chocolate is smooth and deeply flavored, making each piece satisfying. It’s a great make-ahead treat for gifting or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Fudge

Bourbon Pecan Pie

This pie adds a splash of bourbon to deepen the caramel flavor of the filling. The alcohol bakes off, leaving warmth and complexity behind. The pecans stay toasty and crisp, offering texture in every bite. A flaky crust keeps it all together.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

This cheesecake blends pumpkin puree with warm spices for a smooth, seasonal filling. Chopped pecans add texture to both the crust and the topping. A swirl of whipped cream or caramel sauce finishes it off. It’s a festive dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

Double Chocolate Pecan Blondies

These bars combine white and dark chocolate chunks with toasted pecans for extra richness. The base is chewy and golden, with just a hint of vanilla. Pecans add a nutty crunch that cuts through the sweetness. A great option for dessert platters.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Pecan Blondies

Pecan Praline Brownies

These brownies feature a thick praline topping made with brown sugar, butter and pecans. The topping hardens slightly as it cools, adding a toffee-like bite. The brownie base stays soft and rich underneath. They’re sweet, sticky and full of contrast.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Praline Brownies

Maple Pecan Bars

These bars have a buttery shortbread base topped with maple syrup and chopped pecans. The topping bakes into a chewy, sweet layer that sets up cleanly when cooled. Maple adds a hint of earthiness that balances the richness. Slice them small, they’re packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Bars

Pecan Pie Cake

A brown sugar cake forms the base, with a rich pecan filling layered in the middle and on top. The filling seeps into the cake, keeping it moist and flavorful. It’s an impressive dessert that serves a crowd. A drizzle of glaze or whipped topping finishes the look.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cake

Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Starting with a boxed cake mix keeps prep simple, while maple syrup and toasted pecans add homemade flavor. The cupcakes bake up moist and slightly dense, with pecan pieces folded throughout. A maple glaze or frosting on top ties it all together. They’re easy to make in batches for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A cheesecake base sits on a pecan crust and gets topped with a sticky layer of pecan pie filling. The result is creamy, rich, and textured all at once. The contrast between the smooth middle and crunchy top works beautifully. Chill fully before slicing for best results.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Pecan Pie Brownies

A brownie base is topped with a sticky pecan mixture for the best of both desserts. The bottom stays dense and fudgy while the top becomes glossy and crisp. Each square gives you a mix of soft chocolate and sweet crunch. Chill before slicing for clean cuts.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies