Five Pecan Dessert Recipes Right In Time For Fall

1. Classic Pecan Pumpkin Pie

Combine the best of fall flavors with this pecan pumpkin pie. A silky pumpkin filling is layered with toasted pecans for the ultimate autumn dessert. The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves pair beautifully with the nutty crunch of pecans, making it a show-stopping addition to any holiday table.

Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert, especially popular during the holiday season. Here's a traditional recipe to help you create this rich, nutty treat at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup light or dark corn syrup
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1½ cups pecan halves
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons bourbon or rye whiskey for added depth of flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. If using, add the bourbon or rye whiskey at this stage. Mix until well combined.
3. Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves, ensuring they're evenly coated with the filling mixture.
4. Assemble Pie: Pour the pecan mixture into the unbaked pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
5. Bake: Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until the filling is set and reaches an internal temperature of 200°F (95°C). To prevent the crust from over-browning, consider covering the edges with foil halfway through baking.
6. Cool: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set correctly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the pie at room temperature or slightly warmed.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Tips:

• Prevent Over-Browning: If the pie crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie crust shield during baking.
• Flavor Variations: For a unique twist, culinary expert Alton Brown suggests using rye whiskey instead of bourbon to complement the pie's sweetness.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. They should be brought to room temperature or gently warmed before serving.

Enjoy baking and savoring this timeless pecan pie!

Pro Tip: Use fresh pecans from Natchitoches Pecans for a more robust flavor.

2. Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Pecans

Cinnamon-sugar roasted pecans are a delightful treat, perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a sweet crunch to salads and desserts. Here's a simple recipe to make them at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (approximately 4 cups) pecan halves
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk the egg white and water until frothy in a large bowl.
3. Coat Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the egg white mixture, stirring to ensure all pecans are well coated.
4. Add Sugar Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the coated pecans, stirring to ensure even coverage.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated pecans on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even roasting and prevent sticking.
7. Cool and Store: After baking, remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Tips:

• To ensure Frothy Egg Whites, Whisk the egg whites and water until frothy but not stiff. This helps the sugar mixture adhere to the pecans.
• Even Coating: Stir the pecans thoroughly with the sugar mixture to ensure each piece is well coated.
• Regular Stirring: Stirring every 15 minutes during baking prevents the pecans from sticking together and promotes even roasting.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor.

This recipe is adapted from Sweets & Thank You's Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans.

Enjoy these delicious cinnamon-sugar roasted pecans as a snack, or use them to enhance your favorite dishes!

These sweet, crunchy roasted pecans are perfect as a snack or a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they bring warmth and a touch of spice to your fall gatherings.

Why Choose This Recipe? It’s a quick, versatile treat that makes your home smell like autumn bliss.

3. Pecan Pie Muffins

Start your crisp fall mornings with these delightful pecan pie muffins. They’re packed with the flavors of classic pecan pie but come in a portable, muffin-sized package. These are perfect for busy mornings or a leisurely weekend brunch.

Highlight: These muffins have a moist, chewy texture and are loaded with pecan pieces, which provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Pecan Pie Muffins combine the rich, nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie with the convenience of a muffin, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert. Here's a straightforward recipe to create these indulgent muffins at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans together until well combined.
3. Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and eggs together until smooth and well blended.
4. Mix Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Prevent Sticking: Ensure the muffin tin is well-greased, as these muffins can be sticky due to their rich, sugary content. Using paper liners can also help.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined to prevent the muffins from becoming dense.
• Serving Suggestions: These muffins are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert-like experience.

This recipe is adapted from Allrecipes' Pecan Pie Muffins.

Enjoy baking and savoring these delectable Pecan Pie Muffins!

4. Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Truffles

For a touch of Southern charm, try these bourbon chocolate pecan truffles. Decadent dark chocolate, a hint of bourbon, and crushed pecans come together to create a luxurious treat. These make an elegant addition to any dessert spread.

Quick Tip: Coat your truffles with finely chopped pecans from Natchitoches Pecans for added texture and flavor.

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Truffles are a decadent treat that blends the rich flavors of chocolate and pecans with a hint of bourbon. Here's how you can make them at home:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pecans

Instructions:

1. Melt the Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl.
2. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to boil.
3. Combine Cream and Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir once to combine, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
4. Stir Until Smooth: Uncover the bowl and whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth and shiny. If there are any unmelted lumps of chocolate, microwave the mixture in 10-second increments, stirring after each, until thoroughly melted.
5. Add Bourbon: Stir in the bourbon until fully incorporated.
6. Chill the Mixture: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the chocolate mixture to prevent skin from forming. Set aside in a cool place until the mixture is thick and firm enough to hold its shape when rolled, about 2 hours.
7. Prepare for Rolling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. To form truffles, use two spoons and drop small mounds of the chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Roll each mound between your palms with cold hands to form smooth, round balls. If the mixture becomes too soft to handle, refrigerate it briefly until it firms up again.
9. Coat with Pecans: Place the finely chopped toasted pecans on a plate. Roll each truffle in the pecans until well coated.
10. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the truffles until they are very cold and firm, at least 1 hour.

Tips:

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate significantly affects the truffles' flavor. For the best results, choose high-quality semisweet chocolate.
• Keep Hands Cool: Rolling the truffles with cold hands helps prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly. Rinse your hands under cold water and dry them thoroughly before shaping the truffles.
• Storage: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

This recipe is adapted from Food Network's Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Truffles.

Enjoy these indulgent treats as a delightful finish to a meal or as a special homemade gift for friends and family.

5. Maple Pecan Bars

These kid-friendly bars are a hit with both children and adults. The chewy maple-infused base is topped with a generous layer of pecans, creating a dessert that’s perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

Bonus: This recipe is gluten-free and easy to make, so it’s great for families with dietary restrictions.

Maple Pecan Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and pecans atop a buttery shortbread crust. Here's how you can make them at home:

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1¼ cups (156g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (67g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes

For the Maple Pecan Filling:

• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• ⅔ cup (133g) packed light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups (226g) coarsely chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
   • Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.
   • Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
   • Bake for 14 to 17 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, and the top feels firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Prepare the Maple Pecan Filling:
   • Combine the butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
   • Remove from heat and immediately stir in the heavy cream, followed by the chopped pecans. Mix until the pecans are evenly coated.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   • Pour the hot pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and set.
   • Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Slice and Serve:
   • Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
   • Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares of your desired size.
   • Serve at room temperature.

Tips:

• Use Pure Maple Syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor rather than imitation varieties.
• Chill Before Cutting: After cooling to room temperature, chill the bars in the refrigerator to make slicing easier and result in cleaner edges.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

This recipe is adapted from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen's Maple Pecan Bars.

Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious Maple Pecan Bars!

Why Pecans Are a Fall Favorite

Pecans are a quintessential ingredient for fall recipes, adding depth and richness to both savory and sweet dishes—their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, apples, and maple syrup. Plus, pecans are packed with nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a wholesome choice for autumn desserts.

When it comes to baking, the quality of your pecans matters. At Natchitoches Pecans, we offer premium pecans that are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for all your recipes. From halves to pieces, our selection ensures you have the ideal pecans for any culinary creation.

Shop Pecans Online and Start Baking!

Ready to bring these recipes to life? Visit our online store to browse our selection of fresh pecans. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, our pecans will make every recipe shine. Stock up today and let the baking begin!

Happy Fall Baking!