Recipes and Cooking Desserts & Baking Other Desserts 7 Mouthwatering Pecan Desserts that Aren't Pie Skip the pie and make a pecan dessert everyone will go nuts for with these easy holiday treats like pecan cakes, candies, and ice cream-based pecan treats. By Karla Walsh Updated on August 28, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email 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. Con Poulos 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. Get the Recipe Alison Miksch 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!). Get the Recipe Jason Donnelly 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. Get the Recipe Karla Conrad 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. Get the Recipe Blaine Moats 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! Get the Recipe Andy Lyons 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. Get the Recipe Blaine Moats 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. Get the Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit