7 Mouthwatering Pecan Desserts that Aren't Pie

We're nutty for nearly any sweet recipe spiked with pecans. But we don't always have the time (or energy, to be honest!) to make a pecan pie from scratch. Enter: these easy pecan desserts that aren't pie. As Thanksgiving pecan desserts, small family gatherings, or birthday treats, these pecan dessert recipes will inspire you to think beyond the slice. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and prepare to upgrade your pecan dessert recipe repertoire.

Vanilla Bean Cake with Pecan-Praline Glaze

Pecan pralines are a traditional Southern confection jam-packed with rich, sweet flavor. Instead of pie this holiday season, try this equally showy bundt cake as your Thanksgiving pecan dessert. A splash of almond extract in the buttermilk-vanilla bean cake batter really amplifies the nutty qualities of the praline topping.

Brown Sugar and Pecan Air-Fryer Apples

This healthy-ish pecan treat is remarkably versatile, plus it's gluten-free and can be vegan (just sub in plant-based butter), so it's one of our favorite air-fryer ($120, Target) desserts to share with a crowd. Take 20 minutes to assemble and "bake" the air-fryer desserts, then spoon the apples atop a bowl of yogurt, ice cream, or shortcake. Enjoy à la mode, if you like (we sure do!).

Pecan-Crusted Mojito Bars

For a refreshing twist on the concept of pecan desserts that aren't pie, take some inspiration from a classic cocktail. Although these dessert bars don't actually include any alcohol, the generous amounts of lime and fresh mint sure make you feel like you're sipping on the tropical drink. A just-salty-enough pecan-based crust pairs surprisingly well with the sweet-tart topping.

Chocolate, Caramel, and Pecan Cupcakes

Turtle candies meet moist chocolate cupcakes. The result? One of the most kid-friendly pecan desserts that aren't pie. This classic recipe will teach you how to make cupcakes from scratch, then take them over the top with a DIY chocolate ganache, toasted pecans, and caramel ice cream topping.

Caramel-Pecan-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

These mini muffin tin ($15, Bed Bath & Beyond) treats pack big flavor. That's because the easy pecan dessert recipe combines three fall flavors in one bite-size package. Canned pumpkin, toasted pecans (in the dough and on top), and caramel sauce team up for one cozy autumnal delight. Bet you can't eat just one!

Browned Butter Pecan Sandies

We'll let BH&G home baker Sandy J. explain why you should consider baking these sandies. "These cookies are amazing. Browning the butter gives delicious flavor," she says of these pecan cookies. "Five stars aren't enough!" For a showy finish, garnish the pecan-laced cookies with coarse sugar and a whole pecan "glued" on with a stroke of maple syrup.

Pecan-Orange Chocolate Chunk Cookies

We can't be the only ones who enjoyed chocolate oranges during childhood. This easy pecan dessert recipe takes that concept and turns it into crowd-pleasing chocolate cookie form, then adds toasted pecans to the cocoa party. With both melted chocolate and chopped chocolate in the dough, these pecan cookies will steal the show on the dessert table.