20 Pecan Desserts to Bake and Try

Pecans bring a deep, toasty richness to baked goods, and this lineup puts that flavor front and center. From gooey bars to crisp cookies and rich cheesecakes, these desserts highlight everything people love about pecans.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

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These classic cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture with plenty of buttery richness. Chopped pecans provide a subtle crunch in every bite. Rolled in powdered sugar, they look festive and inviting. They’re small but big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

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 missing the mark on flavor. Maple syrup sweetens the filling, creating depth alongside the pecans. A swirl of maple dulce de leche cream adds richness. It’s a creative take that still feels classic.
Get the Recipe: Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream

Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

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

Apples and cranberries bring tartness that balances the sweet, nutty crumble topping. Pecans in the crumble give it a satisfying crunch. It bakes up bubbly and golden. Serve it warm with a scoop of something cold.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

Pecan Pie Brownies

Two favorite desserts combine in these fudgy brownies topped with a sticky pecan layer. The chocolate base is dense and moist, while the topping adds crunch and caramel-like flavor. They cut beautifully into squares. A rich treat for chocolate and nut lovers.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies

Southern Pecan Pie

A deep-dish version of this dessert staple with a glossy, nut-filled filling. The crust is flaky, balancing out the rich center. Toasted pecans float on top for a beautiful finish. It’s a time-tested favorite that always draws compliments.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Pie

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies have a nutty base and are finished with a dollop of jam or caramel in the center. The pecans add crunch while the filling gives a pop of flavor. Each one is unique depending on what goes in the middle. Great for cookie trays and gifting.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Pecan Praline Brownies

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

Sweet praline topping takes these brownies to the next level. It adds a candy-like crunch over the fudgy base. The contrast in textures makes every bite interesting. Perfect for those who want something rich and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Praline Brownies

Butter Pecan Meltaways

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

Delicate and crumbly, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar and packed with finely chopped pecans. They offer a soft, sandy texture that melts in your mouth. Their bite-sized form makes them great for gatherings or gifting. Each cookie brings a warm, buttery flavor that lingers.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Meltaways

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.

These cupcakes combine the ease of cake mix with the richness of maple syrup and pecans. The pecans provide crunch while the maple brings a deep sweetness. They’re finished with a swirl of frosting that complements the warm flavors. A simple upgrade to classic cupcakes with a fall twist.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

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 to make serving a breeze. The crust holds firm under a generous layer of gooey pecan filling. They’re easy to cut and transport, making them great for gatherings. A simplified way to enjoy the flavors of pie.
Get the Recipe: Slab Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Unlike a traditional fruit cobbler, this dessert has a buttery cake layer that rises through a syrupy pecan mixture. The top becomes golden and crisp while the bottom stays gooey. Best served warm with something cool on top. It’s rich, rustic, and deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

This moist cake has notes of citrus that lift the nutty pecan flavor. A glaze over the top adds shine and a hint of sweetness. Each slice is speckled with pecan pieces for texture. It’s a lovely dessert for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

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.

Using cake mix as a base makes these cookies chewy with minimal effort. Chopped pecans add texture and a toasted flavor to the soft centers. They’re quick to whip up for a sweet fix or last-minute dessert. The butter pecan flavor stands out in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies

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.

Layers of apple, bourbon, and pecan meet in a rich, creamy cheesecake. The crust adds a crisp contrast to the velvety filling. Each slice delivers bold flavor with hints of spice and sweetness. It’s a showy dessert that’s still comforting and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Chocolate Pecan Fudge

This dense fudge is packed with toasted pecans for extra crunch. Each square delivers a deep cocoa flavor with nutty notes. It sets firm but stays creamy inside. A great make-ahead treat for holidays.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Fudge

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

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

Creamy cheesecake meets the sticky sweetness of pecan pie topping. The crust holds up under the rich filling and nut-studded layer. It’s a dessert with layers of texture and taste. Great for special dinners or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Pecan Pie Magic Cookie Bars with Chocolate Shortbread Crust

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

A rich chocolate crust adds depth to these layered cookie bars. Sweetened condensed milk binds pecans, coconut, and chocolate chips into a gooey filling. They bake up thick and satisfying with crisp edges. Great for slicing and sharing during any get-together.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Magic Cookie Bars with Chocolate Shortbread Crust

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 cookies blend peanut butter and oatmeal for a chewy texture, then throw in pecans for crunch. The combination makes each bite hearty and flavorful. They’re easy to pack in lunches or serve with coffee. A balance of salty, nutty, and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: With Oatmeal

Pecan Tassies

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

These mini tartlets pack all the flavor of a full pecan pie into bite-sized form. The crust is tender and buttery, cupping a rich, sweet filling. Toasted pecans on top make them as pretty as they are tasty. Ideal for dessert tables or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies

Pecan Pie Bars

With a shortbread base and gooey pecan topping, these bars bring all the flavor of pecan pie in handheld form. The filling sets just enough to slice cleanly without losing the rich texture. Great for feeding a crowd or packing up for later. They’re satisfying without needing a fork.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Bars