Pecans

Carya illinoinensis Nut

Pecans Nut

At a Glance

  • Category Nut

The Forktionary Angle

"The Southern Gem: Celebrate the rich heritage and unparalleled buttery crunch of pecans, a versatile ingredient from appetizer to dessert."

Definition

A rich, buttery-flavored nut with a distinct sweet and earthy taste, native to North America, widely used in desserts and savory dishes.

Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC) Very High (highest among tree nuts)
Global Production (2020) ~180,000 metric tons
Unsaturated Fat Content ~90% (monounsaturated)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pecans are:

Buttery Rich Sweet Earthy Slightly Woody

Chef’s Secret

To enhance their flavor and crunch, lightly toast pecans in a dry pan or oven before using them in recipes. Watch carefully, as nuts burn quickly!

Best Substitutes

Walnuts

slightly more bitter
Ratio 1:1

Hazelnuts

rounder flavor
Ratio 1:1

Cashews

softer texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Purchase shelled pecans from stores with high turnover. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 9 months or freeze for up to 2 years to prevent rancidity.

Recipes Using Pecans

Preparation Low Protein Dietary Preparation

3 Layered Chocolate Delight Dessert

Indulge in this decadent 3-layered chocolate dessert! A surprisingly easy recipe perfect for impressing guests at your next party or enjoying a special treat at home. This unique combination of textures and flavors will leave you wanting more!

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Carrots 60 Minutes Or Less Oven Cakes

32K Caramel Cake

Indulge in the decadent 32K Caramel Carrot Cake! This irresistible layered cake boasts a moist carrot cake infused with rich caramel notes, topped with a creamy caramel frosting and a drizzled butterscotch-chocolate glaze. Is it a carrot cake with a caramel twist, or a caramel cake with a hidden carrot surprise? The answer is deliciously both! Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.

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Desserts 4 Hours Or Less Holiday Event Occasion

7 Layer Jello

Get ready for a burst of fruity flavor with this stunning 7-Layer Jello recipe! Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any special occasion, this vibrant dessert is easy to customize with your favorite jello flavors and colors. Each layer is a delicious surprise, culminating in a creamy Cool Whip topping and crunchy pecans. Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is sure to impress! (Adaptable for sugar-free and low-fat options)

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Nuts Main Ingredient Dietary Fruit

Alaska Salmon Bake With Pecan Crunch Coating

This Alaskan salmon recipe is a crowd-pleaser! A flaky salmon fillet is coated in a sweet and savory pecan crunch, then baked to perfection. Inspired by rave reviews from a popular grocery website, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Get ready for tender, juicy salmon with a delightfully crispy topping – it's the perfect weeknight dinner or impressive special occasion dish.

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Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Pies And Tarts

Ancho Chili Fudge Pie

Indulge in this decadent Ancho Chili Fudge Pie, a z-tejas family favorite! The perfect blend of rich chocolate, spicy ancho chilies, and a hint of sweetness creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and will impress your family and friends.

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Dinner Party Preparation Equipment Salads

Annie's Scrumptious Maple Pecan Spinach Salad W Maple Dressing

Experience the heavenly flavors of autumn with Annie's Scrumptious Maple Pecan Spinach Salad! This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the crunch of pecans and the freshness of spinach. The unique maple dressing, inspired by "What's Cooking America," perfectly complements the medley of ingredients. Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor, while chilling the jicama intensifies its crisp sweetness. This recipe is easy to customize; adjust ingredient quantities to your liking. Each bite offers a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, making it a perfect light meal or side dish. Prepare to be amazed!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Vegetables Cuisine

Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

Delight your taste buds with this autumnal masterpiece! Sweet and tart apples mingle with zesty orange and juicy cranberries inside tender acorn squash. A touch of maple syrup and crunchy pecans create a flavor explosion that's both comforting and sophisticated. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday side dish.

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Breads 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Apple Cherry Pie Loaves

Delight your friends and family this holiday season with these irresistible Apple Cherry Pie Loaves! This quick bread recipe, discovered in a trove of vintage recipe clippings, combines the comforting flavors of apple and cherry in a delightful mini loaf format – perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. Get ready to bake up a batch of warm, spiced goodness!

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Number Of Servings Gluten Free Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

Apple Chocolate Salad

Relive the magic of a Parisian bistro with this elegant yet easy Apple Chocolate Pecan Salad! This simple dessert recipe, inspired by a cherished movie memory, combines thinly sliced apples with rich 70% dark chocolate, crunchy pecans (toasted or raw), tart cranberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup. A sophisticated and surprisingly quick treat perfect for any occasion.

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Course Preparation Finger Food 60 Minutes Or Less

Apricot Gorgonzola Crescent Appetizers

These elegant Apricot Gorgonzola Crescent Appetizers are the perfect party starter! Sweet apricot preserves and creamy Gorgonzola cheese create a delightful flavor combination, baked to golden perfection in flaky crescent roll dough. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, these appetizers are ideal for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or a simple weeknight treat.

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Squash Main Ingredient Beginner Cook Equipment

Baked Butternut Squash And Parmesan Cheese Gratin

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Baked Butternut Squash and Parmesan Gratin! Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a stunning side dish, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Prepare it ahead of time, pop it in the fridge, and bake when ready. The crunchy pecan topping (or walnut, if you prefer!) adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth squash. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends!

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Occasion Nuts Pears Low Sodium

Baked Pears With Maple Nut Sauce

Relive the retro charm of a 1970s Sunset cookbook with this elegant yet surprisingly simple recipe for Baked Pears with Maple Pecan Sauce! Perfectly tender pears baked to golden perfection, then drizzled with a rich and nutty maple sauce. This dessert is perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner party. Get ready to savor the nostalgia!

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Preparation Technique Main Ingredient Fruit

Banana Cream Supreme

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Banana Cream Supreme! Layers of buttery graham cracker crust, luscious banana pudding filling, and crunchy pecans create a dessert that's both elegant and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a special weeknight treat.

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Preparation Main Ingredient Beginner Cook Dietary

Banana Pecan Pancakes Served With Berries

Indulge in these fluffy, potassium-packed banana pecan pancakes! A delightful blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and orange zest creates a warm, inviting flavor profile. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light supper, these pancakes are topped with a medley of fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries – your choice!) or our decadent dancer's banana lemon sauce (recipe #80841). Even first-time pancake makers will succeed with our detailed instructions! Get ready for a taste of sunshine on a plate.

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Dietary Desserts 3 Steps Or Less Time To Make

Bananas Foster Sundaes

Indulge in a guilt-free dessert sensation! This lightened-up Bananas Foster Sundae recipe, inspired by Lisa Varner's June/July 2009 Healthy Cooking magazine, is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a burst of flavor. We've reduced the calories and used Splenda brown sugar substitute for a healthier twist. Get ready for caramelized bananas, warm spices, and creamy ice cream – the perfect ending to any meal!

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Low Sodium 4 Hours Or Less Cakes Chocolate

Beetroot Chocolate Cake

This unbelievably moist and delicious beetroot chocolate cake is a guilt-free indulgence! The secret ingredient, beetroot, adds incredible richness and natural sweetness, making this a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate cake. This foolproof recipe is perfect for baking enthusiasts of all levels and guarantees a decadent dessert that will impress your friends and family. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Sweet Occasion Easy Low In Something

Berry Dump Cake

This ridiculously easy Berry Dump Cake is ready in under 70 minutes! Bursting with juicy berries and a buttery, crunchy crumble topping, it's the perfect dessert for any occasion. Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

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3 Steps Or Less Inexpensive Easy 15 Minutes Or Less

Toasted Pecans In The Microwave

Forget the oven! This is the easiest, fastest way to toast pecans to crunchy perfection in your microwave. Get perfectly nutty, aromatic pecans in just minutes – ideal for salads, desserts, or snacking!

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