Nut | Gluten Free Low Carb Vegetarian

Pecans

Carya illinoinensis Allergens: Tree Nuts
pecans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Juglandaceae
  • Primary Cuisine North American
  • Seasonality Late Fall to Winter (Peak); Year-Round (Processed)
  • Source Pecan tree

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 type of edible nut, native to the Americas, known for its buttery flavor and rich, crunchy texture, widely used in baking and savory dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteButtery, earthy, slightly sweet
TextureCrunchy, oily, firm
AromaNutty, woody
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC)

Very High (highest among tree nuts)

Global Production (2020)

~180,000 metric tons

Unsaturated Fat Content

~90% (monounsaturated)

Nutrition Facts

Per 28g (1/4 cup)
Calories691 kcal
Total Fat71.97g
Saturated Fat6.18g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein9.17g
Total Carbohydrate13.86g
Dietary Fiber9.6g
Total Sugars3.97g
Calcium70mg
Iron2.53mg
Potassium410mg

Chef’s Secret

Toasting pecans briefly enhances their natural oils and deepens their buttery, nutty flavor, crucial for pies and garnishes.

Substitutions

Best Match

Walnuts

1:1

Similar texture and fat content, good for baking and savory dishes.

Macadamia Nuts

1:1

Higher fat, very buttery, excellent for richness in desserts.

Almonds (sliced)

1:1

Good textural substitute for crunch, though less buttery flavor.

Cashews

1:1

Softer texture, but offers a rich, creamy note in some applications.

Buying Guide

Choose pecans that are plump, unbroken, and free from cracks. Store in the refrigerator or freezer for freshness.

Flavor Pairings

Maple syrup brown sugar chocolate bourbon sweet potato chicken salads.

Recipes Using Pecans

Condiments Etc Condiments Etc Low Sodium Main Ingredient

2Bleu's No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Fuel your day with these delicious and healthy No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars! A perfect low-calorie breakfast or afternoon snack, these 'big' bars are packed with oats, crunchy cereal, and your favorite fruits and nuts. Quick and easy to make (ready in under 15 minutes!), they're the perfect grab-and-go treat. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins for a truly satisfying and customizable snack!

See Complete Recipe
Gelatin Occasion Course Dietary

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)

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Cakes Preparation Low Protein

Allegra's New Favorite Cocacola Cake

Get ready for a gooey, chocolatey explosion! This Coca-Cola cake is a kid-approved, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. My 5-year-old helped make this from-scratch, and it's become a family favorite. The fudge-like icing is the perfect complement to the incredibly moist and delicious cake. Perfect for picnics, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests. This recipe includes a secret ingredient that will have everyone guessing! Prepare to be amazed.

See Complete Recipe
Low Protein Easy Breakfast Course

Apple Cheese Danish

Award-winning Scandinavian recipe! These easy Apple Cheese Danish pastries are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy. Flaky biscuits are topped with a creamy cream cheese mixture, juicy apple pieces, crunchy pecans, and a sweet glaze. A perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

See Complete Recipe
15 Minutes Or Less Vegetarian Seasonal Dietary

Apple Nut Pancakes Vegan

Warm up your mornings with these fluffy Apple Nut Vegan Pancakes! Perfect for fall and winter breakfasts, or anytime you crave a cozy, delicious treat. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with autumnal flavors, these pancakes are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of vegan whipped cream!

See Complete Recipe
Occasion Kid Friendly Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less

Apple Gingerbread Cobbler

Warm up your autumn with this irresistible Apple Gingerbread Cobbler! A simple yet decadent dessert, perfect for cozy nights and fall gatherings. This recipe combines the comforting spice of gingerbread with the sweetness of apples for a truly unforgettable treat. Easy to make and even easier to devour!

See Complete Recipe
Occasion Finger Food Kid Friendly Dinner Party

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.

See Complete Recipe
3 Steps Or Less Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less Easy

Arctic Wastes Smoothie

Escape the summer heat with this refreshing Arctic Wastes Smoothie! Blended from frozen fruits, berries, and nuts, this icy treat is packed with flavor and nutrients. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a hot day's cool-down. #smoothierecipe #summerrecipe #healthyrecipe #arcticsmoothie #frozenfruit

See Complete Recipe
Healthy 3 Steps Or Less Course Easy

Aunt Meda's Cranberry Salad

A family favorite, this cranberry salad recipe from Aunt Meda is bursting with tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, this easy-to-make salad requires minimal prep and chills overnight to develop its signature flavor profile. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Cakes Weeknight Time To Make Dietary

Baby Food Cake

This Baby Food Cake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic bundt cake! Using pureed fruits or vegetables as a base, this recipe creates a surprisingly moist and flavorful cake that's perfect for both adults and children. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, but yields a stunningly beautiful and delicious result. Try it with sweet potato, pumpkin, or even applesauce for unique and tasty variations!

See Complete Recipe
Desserts Time To Make Desserts 4 Hours Or Less

Bahama Mama Banana Rum Cake

Escape to paradise with this decadent Bahama Mama Banana Rum Cake! A blissful fusion of a classic rum cake and pound cake, infused with the irresistible flavors of banana and spiced dark rum. This moist and dense cake isn't heavy; instead, it delivers a delightful, spicy molasses kick that perfectly complements the rich banana flavor. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Choose light or dark brown sugar to customize your sweetness!

See Complete Recipe
Brunch Time To Make Blueberries Main Ingredient

Baked Blueberry Pecan French Toast With Blueberry Syrup

Start your day with this incredible Baked Blueberry Pecan French Toast! This make-ahead recipe is perfect for busy mornings. Soak the French toast overnight – it's like a delicious bread pudding – then bake until golden brown and bubbly. The crunchy pecans and sweet blueberry syrup make it an unforgettable breakfast treat. Serve with coffee, juice, and fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.

See Complete Recipe
Course Healthy Served Hot Main Ingredient

Baked Pecan French Toast

Skip the weekday morning stovetop scramble! This Baked Pecan French Toast Casserole lets you prep ahead the night before, then bake to golden perfection. Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of sweet, pecan-studded French toast, ready in minutes. This make-ahead recipe is perfect for busy mornings, offering a delicious and convenient breakfast treat.

See Complete Recipe
Desserts Equipment Comfort Food Brunch

Banana Cake

Say goodbye to dry banana bread! This unbelievably moist banana cake recipe uses super ripe bananas for maximum flavor and texture. Perfect on its own or topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting (recipe not included). Get ready for the most delicious banana cake you've ever tasted!

See Complete Recipe
Healthy Time To Make Comfort Food Preparation

Banana Caramel Pudding Cake

Indulge in this irresistible Banana Caramel Pudding Cake! This moist banana cake magically creates its own luscious caramel sauce as it bakes. A delightful dessert, perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Get ready for a taste sensation!

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Cuisine Occasion Taste Mood

Banana Layer Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in this unbelievably moist banana layer cake, where mashed bananas create a luxuriously tender crumb. A dreamy cream cheese frosting elevates this classic dessert to new heights. This recipe, originally discovered on AOL, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Customize it with pecans, coconut, or chocolate curls – or enjoy its simple elegance. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Breakfast Eggs Dairy Healthy

Bananas Foster French Toast

Indulge in breakfast bliss with this decadent Bananas Foster French Toast recipe! Imagine buttery, golden-brown French toast infused with the rich flavors of caramelized bananas, brown sugar, and a hint of rum. This recipe, inspired by Cuisine magazine, elevates a classic breakfast staple into a sophisticated and unforgettable treat. Perfect for weekend brunches or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Easy Preparation Chicken

Chicken Rolls In Praline Glaze

Indulge in these stunning Chicken Rolls in Decadent Praline Glaze! This show-stopping recipe, passed down from a dear online friend, is surprisingly easy to make and tastes absolutely divine. Perfectly tender chicken breasts are rolled, coated in a sweet and savory praline glaze, and baked to golden perfection. Impress your family and friends with this elegant yet effortless dish – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

See Complete Recipe