Pecans are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, known for their rich, buttery flavour and versatility in sweet and savoury dishes. Whether you want to enhance your desserts or add a nutty twist to your delicious meals, pecans can elevate any recipe to a new level of deliciousness.
What Do Pecans Taste Like?
Pecans have a sweet, buttery flavour with a mildly floral, earthy aroma. The outer skin is slightly bitter, while the inner flesh is sweet, rich, and almost creamy.
What Are Pecans, And How Are They Used?
Pecans come from a type of hickory tree native to North America. They are mainly produced in New Mexico, Texas, Georgia, and Mexico. Pecans taste sweet and nutty and are used in various dishes, especially pecan pie. They can be eaten fresh, roasted, or incorporated into recipes.
What Are Pecans?
Pecans are nuts from hickory trees, primarily grown in the U.S. and Mexico. Historically, pecans have been a significant food source for Indigenous peoples and have been commercially farmed since the 1880s. They are versatile, with a sweet, buttery flavour for fresh eating, roasting, and baking.
Pecans Vs. Walnuts
Pecans are sweeter and more delicate than walnuts, which can be slightly bitter. Pecan kernels are smoother and straighter, while walnut kernels are more curly. Pecan shells are thinner, softer, and easier to crack than the ridged, bulbous shells of walnuts. Walnuts are a common substitute for pecans, as are peanuts, almonds, pistachios, and macadamia nuts.
7 Pecan Recipe Ideas
Add pecans to quick bread, muffins, or cakes to enhance flavour and texture. Add them to salads or roasted vegetables for a delightful crunch. Additionally, pecans can be used as a coating for cheese balls. Explore seven kitchendance pecan-focused recipes to elevate your culinary creations.
Kentucky Bourbon Balls
These no-bake candies combine the richness of bourbon with the crunch of pecans, making them perfect for Mother's Day gifts or dessert buffets.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 5 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
Instructions
- Mix pecans and bourbon; let sit for 30 minutes.
- Combine crushed wafers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Stir in corn syrup and pecan mixture.
- Roll into 1-inch balls; coat with powdered sugar.
- Chill before serving.
Fudgy Flourless Chocolate-Pecan Cookies
These flourless cookies have a brownie-like texture with a crispy exterior featuring toasted pecans and gooey chocolate.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Mix powdered sugar, cocoa, and salt.
- Add egg whites and vanilla; stir until smooth.
- Fold in pecans.
- Drop by tablespoons onto sheets.
- Bake chocolate cookies for 12-14 minutes until the tops are cracked.
Homemade Turtles
Easy to make with foolproof caramel, these pecan candies are a delicious treat for any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 14 ounces caramel candies
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Arrange pecans in clusters on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Melt caramel with cream; spoon over pecans.
- Chill until set.
- Melt chocolate and spoon over caramel.
- Let set before serving.
Butter Pecan Scones
Wake up to the delightful aroma of butter pecan with these simple and delicious breakfast scones.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in pecans.
- Add cream and vanilla; mix until just combined.
- Pat dough into a circle; cut into wedges.
- Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Rosemary-Brown Butter Pecans
Brown butter and rosemary combine to make these pecans an elegant snack perfect for cocktails or road trips.
Ingredients
- 4 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt butter and cook until browned.
- Toss pecans with browned butter, rosemary, and salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet; bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Chocolate-Pecan Chess Pie
A twist on the classic pecan pie, this version uses a chess pie custard base for a sticky, sweet filling.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Fit crust into pie plate.
- Whisk butter, chocolate, sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt.
- Add milk, vanilla, and eggs; whisk until smooth.
- Stir in pecans.
- Pour into pie pan; bake for 50-55 minutes.
Praline-Pecan French Toast
Perfect for holidays, this decadent French toast combines maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and toasted pecans. These toasts can also be paired with caramelized bananas for breakfast.
Ingredient
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced
Instructions
- Melt brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup; pour into baking dish.
- Sprinkle with pecans.
- Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt.
- Arrange bread slices in the dish; pour the egg mixture over.
- Chill overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
Conclusion
Pecans offer a delightful nutty flavour that can transform both sweet and savoury dishes. Whether baking cookies, preparing a breakfast treat or creating a tasty snack, these recipes highlight pecans' versatility and rich taste. Try these recipes to bring a touch of Southern charm to your table!