5 of Our Favorite Fall Pecan Sweet Treats
As the weather cools and fall settles in, it’s the perfect time to embrace comforting, sweet treats that feature one of our favorite ingredients: pecans! Pecans add a rich, buttery flavor and a delightful crunch to desserts, making them an ideal addition to fall baking. Whether you're looking for something indulgent to enjoy with a cup of coffee or a show-stopping dessert for a family gathering, these recipes have something for everyone. From brownies to French toast, here are five pecan-infused recipes that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth this fall.
Bourbon Pecan Brownies
Nothing says fall quite like the combination of bourbon and pecans. These Bourbon Pecan Brownies take the classic fudgy treat to the next level with a splash of bourbon and crunchy toasted pecans. The rich chocolate base pairs beautifully with the warm, nutty flavors of pecans, while the hint of bourbon adds depth and warmth. These brownies are perfect for cozy evenings or as a decadent dessert to share with friends and family.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup bourbon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
½ tsp salt
Instructions:
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
Step Two
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Step Three
Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
These Bourbon Pecan Brownies are rich, fudgy, and full of fall flavors. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Pecan pie and cheesecake are two of the most beloved fall desserts, and this Pecan Pie Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds. A creamy, tangy cheesecake sits atop a buttery pecan pie filling, with even more pecans scattered on top for a truly indulgent dessert. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as the centerpiece for a fall feast.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
3 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pecan halves
¾ cup light corn syrup
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to create the crust.
Step Two
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Step Three
While the cheesecake bakes, prepare the pecan pie topping. In a saucepan, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, then stir in the pecans and vanilla. Pour the topping over the cooled cheesecake and refrigerate.
The combination of creamy cheesecake and gooey pecan pie filling makes this dessert irresistible. It’s sure to be a hit at any fall gathering!
Chocolate Pecan Scones
For a fall breakfast or afternoon snack, Chocolate Pecan Scones are a delicious and comforting option. These scones are buttery and tender, with rich chocolate chips and crunchy pecans scattered throughout. Serve them warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got the perfect start to a cozy fall day.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
¾ cup heavy cream
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup pecans, chopped
½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the pecans and chocolate chips.
Step Three
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Cut the disk into wedges and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
These scones are tender, buttery, and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack, they’re sure to become a fall favorite.
Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Pecan Turtles
Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Pecan Turtles are the perfect bite-sized treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of rich dark chocolate, gooey salted caramel, and crunchy pecans creates a flavor explosion in every bite. These turtles make a great gift or a delicious treat to have on hand during the fall months.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups pecan halves
1 cup soft caramels
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
Step One
Arrange the pecan halves in small clusters on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a saucepan, melt the caramels and heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Step Two
Spoon a small amount of caramel onto each pecan cluster. Let the caramel set for a few minutes, then melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel and sprinkle with sea salt.
These Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Pecan Turtles are an indulgent treat that combines sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in perfect harmony. They’re quick and easy to make, yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Overnight Pecan Pie French Toast
Make breakfast the highlight of your day with this Overnight Pecan Pie French Toast. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of pecan pie with the ease of an overnight casserole. Simply prep the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a decadent breakfast that will leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread, cubed
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, chopped
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup butter, melted
¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions:
Step One
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Grease a baking dish and arrange the cubed bread in an even layer. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and press down to ensure it’s fully coated.
Step Two
Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and maple syrup in a bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the French toast. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden and set.
Overnight Pecan Pie French Toast is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. The crunchy pecan topping paired with the soft, custardy bread creates a dish that’s sure to impress any crowd.
Fall is the perfect time to embrace the warm, nutty flavors of pecans. Whether you’re in the mood for brownies, cheesecake, or French toast, these recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of pecans. They’re perfect for cozy fall mornings, special occasions, or simply indulging in something sweet and comforting. So, grab your apron and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!