Pecans

Buttery, sweet nuts from the pecan tree, native to North America and used in pecan pie, pralines, cookies and toppings.

Pecans: A ceramic bowl of shelled pecan halves with natural ridged texture, a few whole pecans in their smooth brown shells beside it
  • Baking ingredients and additives

Pecans have a high fat content, about 70%, which makes them rich but also prone to going rancid; they keep best in the freezer. Toasting at about 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 10 minutes, until fragrant, brings out their flavor.

Pecans are used in pecan pie, butter pecan ice cream, sticky buns and streusel toppings.

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Related entries

Sources

Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

  1. Storing Pecans (Guide H-620), New Mexico State University, Cooperative Extension Service
  2. The Pecan Tree (HS982/HS229), University of Florida IFAS Extension (EDIS)
  3. Toasting Nuts and Seeds Using the Microwave, Oven or Stovetop, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Nebraska Extension