Pecan Crisp Recipe That’s Easy, Delicious, and Irresistible

Updated On: October 15, 2025

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, crunchy pecan crisp fresh from the oven. This classic dessert combines the nutty richness of pecans with a buttery, golden oat topping that crumbles perfectly with every bite.

Whether you’re serving it after a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this pecan crisp recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, uses wholesome ingredients, and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Perfect for fall but delicious any time of year, this dessert brings out the natural sweetness of the pecans and the subtle warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar. If you love desserts that are both rustic and refined, this pecan crisp will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan crisp offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors — crunchy, buttery, nutty, and sweet. Unlike heavy pies, this crisp is lighter but still satisfying, making it perfect for those who want a comforting dessert without the fuss.

This recipe is straightforward and uses pantry staples, so you can whip it up even on short notice. The topping crisps up beautifully while the pecan filling remains luscious and flavorful.

It’s also versatile — you can easily add other nuts, fruits, or spices to customize it to your liking.

If you enjoy other wholesome dishes, be sure to check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a savory meal option, or refresh your palate with the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • Optional: scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  • 9-inch square baking dish or equivalent
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Oven mitts
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  3. Pour the melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are moist and crumbly.
  4. Fold in the toasted pecans, reserving a handful for topping if desired. This ensures some nuts remain on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
  5. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Press lightly to even out the top but do not compact it too much — you want a crumbly texture.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. You may want to rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
  7. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This allows the crisp to set and makes it easier to serve.
  8. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired. Enjoy every buttery, nutty bite!

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples to the pecan mixture before baking.

Use vegan butter and maple syrup instead of honey to make this crisp completely vegan-friendly.

Experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or almonds, or mix them together for a nutty medley.

To ensure a perfectly crisp topping, avoid overmixing once you add the butter. The texture should remain crumbly rather than doughy.

If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more oats or flour to balance it out.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Fat 24 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Carbohydrates 25 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 15 g
Protein 4 g
Cholesterol 15 mg
Sodium 85 mg

Serving Suggestions

Pecan crisp is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level. The warm, crunchy topping contrasts beautifully with cold, creamy ice cream, creating a perfect harmony of textures.

You can also serve it with freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch. For a lighter option, a dollop of coconut yogurt or a splash of almond milk cream adds subtle richness without overwhelming the dish.

This crisp pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a great dessert for afternoon gatherings or cozy evenings. If you’re looking for other delicious treats, try our Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy or the Chocolate Banana Smoothie Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Conclusion

Making a pecan crisp from scratch is a rewarding experience that doesn’t require hours of prep or complicated techniques. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunchy, nutty, and sweet flavors that will impress family and friends alike.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a homemade dessert, this pecan crisp is a reliable go-to that never disappoints.

With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite nuts or add-ins, making it a versatile addition to your dessert collection.

For more wholesome and delicious recipes to complement your baking, explore our collection of Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals and Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Enjoy the warm, nutty goodness of pecan crisp, and happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Pecan Crisp Recipe

Description: A crunchy, sweet pecan topping baked to golden perfection over tender fruit. Perfect for dessert or a special treat.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups sliced apples
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place sliced apples in a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, combine pecans, oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until mixture is crumbly.
  5. Sprinkle pecan mixture evenly over the apples.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 38g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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