There are strong opinions about putting nuts into dessert. Some say no way, while others raise their hand high (I have both hands raised) for any dessert, including ones with nuts. If you’re like me, I think you’ll go nuts for these pecan desserts.
“Chocolate and coffee go great together,” thinks Barbara Oseland (Two Harbors, MN). “Add a few nuts and you have a great bite-size piece of yumminess!” Barbara incorporates pecans to her Chocolate Pecan Coffee Fudge and it’s a delicious choice.
The fudge itself is one of the easiest, creamiest fudges I’ve made. Espresso gives the chocolate a richer flavor and intensifies it. The pecans mixed throughout add a nice crunch. This fudge is super rich, so a little goes a long way.
Pecan logs are an old-fashioned dessert made famous at roadside travel stops. They are cherry-laced nougat dipped in melted caramel. Then, the nougat is rolled in pecan halves and sprinkled with more caramel. To this day, when I travel and come across one, I always treat myself. Gayla Williams (Tupelo, MS) loves them too and created a Deconstructed Pecan Log Dessert.
When I saw her recipe, I knew I had to test it. It’s very sweet, with a crunchy texture from the nuts. Super easy to make, the outcome is delicious and really tastes like a pecan log!
“These cookies are like the pecan sandies found in your supermarkets,” says Margaret Riley of her Crisp Pecan Slices. “Now you can make your own!” Margaret has created one crisp cookie.
The pecans, lemon peel, and juice give the cookies a unique flavor that I absolutely loved. Pat Duran (Las Vegas, NV) “loved the addition of the lemon to this cookie” too. Margaret’s cookies are easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for the dough to chill.
Annette W.’s Cherry Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cake is an amazing twist on a cinnamon roll recipe. “I took your basic cinnamon roll cake recipe and added a twist,” explains Annette. “What’s better than a glazed cinnamon roll anyway? Adding some sweet, yet tart, dried cherries and pecans to it, that’s what!”
This filled the Test Kitchen with the wonderful cinnamon aroma while baking. Dried cherries and pecans really give this delicate and sweet cake a great texture. Plus, the flavor combination is fabulous. The glaze is the perfect topping.
“It seems pecan pie is a favorite among many any time of the year,” says Sena Wilson (Lake Jackson, TX). “Since I am partial to chocolate, fudge, etc, the combination of both pecans and chocolate is the best of both worlds for me.” Sena’s Pecan Fudge Pie is a chocolate pecan lovers dream. The center is nice gooey and you get a great crunch from the pecans. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream… heavenly!
Christina Dicken’s (Hickory, KY) Cinnamon Swirl Bundt with Pecan Brown Butter is bursting with cinnamon flavor and full of pecans inside and out. “I have made this recipe for years,” reveals Christina. “It never had pecans in it or a glaze until I decided it would be awesome to add the pecans and finish it off with a glaze concoction.”
Brew a pot of coffee because you’re going to want a cup when you enjoy this cake. It is tender and moist inside with a slight crust on the outside. The browned butter glaze is almost like a cinnamon flavored praline glaze. Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
I highly encourage you to get cracking in the kitchen and bake one of these pecan desserts this week. What’s your take on nuts in desserts – yay or nay? Tell us below. Happy Pinching!