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

Comfort Food Beginner Cook Taste Mood Easy

5 Ingredient Dump Cake

Craving a ridiculously easy dessert? This 5-ingredient pineapple cherry dump cake is your answer! No mixing, no bowls, just pure deliciousness. Sweet pineapple, tart cherries, and buttery cake mix combine for a stunningly simple dessert that's ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining!

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Preparation Preparation Desserts Number Of Servings

A Different Kind Of Pistachio Ambrosia

Elevate your holiday dessert game with this unique twist on classic ambrosia! Bursting with fresh fruit, creamy pudding, and a delightful crunch of pistachios, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Easy to make ahead, it's the perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Occasion Cakes Taste Mood Time To Make

Amish Apple Cake With Hot Caramel Sauce

Indulge in this irresistible Amish Apple Cake, a comforting classic with a luscious hot caramel sauce! Adapted from Marcia Adams' "Cooking from Quilt Country," this recipe features a moist, spiced apple cake perfectly complemented by a rich and decadent caramel sauce – we've even increased the amount for extra indulgence! Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this cake is incredibly easy to make and gets even better with age. Reheat a slice in the microwave for a warm, comforting treat, or enjoy it cold. The extra caramel sauce is divine over ice cream!

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Main Ingredient Preparation Equipment Time To Make

Apple And Pecan Cake

Indulge in this moist and delicious Apple & Pecan Cake, a guilt-free treat perfect for those watching their sugar intake! Adapted from the Australian Diabetes Cookbook, this recipe uses wholesome ingredients and is surprisingly easy to make. The warm spices and crunchy pecans complement the sweet apples beautifully, creating a delightful autumnal flavor that everyone will love. Enjoy a slice (or two!) of this healthier, diabetic-friendly cake.

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Main Ingredient Fruit Low In Something Course

Apple Mystery

A warm, comforting dessert with a surprising twist! This recipe, originally from a Plains, GA cookbook, features a delicious combination of apples, pineapple, and cake mix, baked to golden perfection. Topped with pecans and a buttery crumble, it's the perfect cozy autumn dessert or unexpected dinner party treat. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable finish.

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Fruit Fruit Apples Nuts

Apple Pecan Pancakes

Start your day with the irresistible taste of our Apple Pecan Pancakes! This recipe combines juicy apples, sweet raisins, crunchy pecans, and a zesty hint of lemon for a breakfast that's both delicious and surprisingly healthy. Imagine fluffy pancakes bursting with flavor, perfectly paired with a steaming cup of coffee. These pancakes are so good, no one will guess how nutritious they are! Make a big batch – they're fantastic reheated or enjoyed cold on the go.

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Time To Make Breads Presentation Dietary

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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Brunch Course Dietary Low Protein

Arugula Tomato And Corn Salad

Capture the taste of summer with this vibrant arugula, tomato, and corn salad, inspired by Atlanta's renowned Mi Spia Ristorante! Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, peppery arugula, and crunchy pecans come together in a light and zesty vinaigrette. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or summer BBQ. Elevate your meal with the fresh flavors of Italy!

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Low Carb Occasion Low Carb Course

Baked Brie With Pear Topping

This elegant and easy baked brie recipe is ready in just 15 minutes! A sophisticated twist on a classic appetizer, featuring sweet pears, crunchy pecans, and a touch of brown sugar. Impress your guests with this simple yet delicious recipe, perfect for parties or a cozy night in.

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Fruit Refrigerator Presentation Nuts

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.

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American Time To Make Small Appliance Easy

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!

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For Large Groups Tropical Fruit Breakfast Main Ingredient

Banana Maple Pecan Bread Muffins Gluten Free

Transform overripe bananas into heavenly gluten-free muffins! This recipe, born from a 20lb Kroger banana haul (yes, really!), delivers unbelievably moist and flavorful muffins. Choose between a classic maple pecan topping or a decadent cream cheese swirl – both are divine! This recipe easily doubles (yielding approximately 39 muffins!), making it perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. Made with Bette Hagman's gluten-free flour blend (2 parts garfava bean flour, 1 part sorghum flour, 3 parts cornstarch, 3 parts tapioca flour), this is your new go-to banana bread recipe – muffin form!

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3 Steps Or Less Low In Something Low Protein Preparation

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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High In Something Course High Calcium Equipment

Berry Nice Honey Pecan Pancakes

Indulge in these decadent Berry Nice Honey Pecan Pancakes, a sweet treat that won rave reviews at the Ready Steady Cook #11 contest! These light and fluffy pancakes feature a subtly sweet batter, crunchy pecans, juicy strawberries, and a luscious raspberry honey drizzle. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a pancake experience like no other!

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Breads Course Berries Time To Make

Best Of Show Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake

This award-winning Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe, a State Fair champion from the Dallas Morning News, is guaranteed to impress! Its tender crumb, juicy blueberries, and crunchy pecan streusel topping create a symphony of flavors. This decadent coffee cake is perfect for brunch, dessert, or any occasion where you want to share a truly special treat. Get ready to bake the best coffee cake you've ever tasted!

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Pitted Fruit 60 Minutes Or Less Oven Cookies And Brownies

Cherry Nut Bars

Indulge in these heavenly Cherry Nut Bars, a unique twist on a classic recipe! From the Land O' Lakes region, these bars feature a buttery oat crust, juicy cherries, crunchy pecans, and a surprising secret ingredient: marshmallows! You won't even taste them, but they add an incredibly creamy texture that perfectly complements the sweet cherries. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful and unexpectedly delicious treat.

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Coconut Fruit Occasion Equipment

Coconut Pecan Frosting

Indulge your senses with this decadent Coconut Pecan Frosting, a rich German buttercream that's the perfect topping for your favorite chocolate cake! This easy recipe, originally shared in 2005, creates a luscious, nutty frosting that's guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a taste of pure heaven!

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Preparation 3 Steps Or Less Inexpensive Christmas

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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