There’s something truly special about a classic pecan pie, isn’t there? It whispers of cherished family gatherings and comforting traditions. Delve into the rich heritage of this beloved dessert by exploring its origins. The earliest known recipe for pecan pie dates back to the late 19th century. But let’s be honest, making a full pie can be a labor of love that not everyone has time for.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this simplified Pecan Pie Crescent recipe with you! It captures all that beloved flavor in a quick, fuss-free form. These delightful rolls are perfect for any occasion, bringing that classic taste to your table with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Crescent Recipe
This delightful Pecan Pie Crescent recipe is a true gem for busy bakers and dessert lovers alike. It transforms a traditional favorite into something remarkably accessible and fun.
- Super Quick and Simple: Forget complex pastry work. These rolls come together with surprising speed.
- No Difficult Pie Crust: We use convenient canned crescent dough, eliminating any intimidation factor.
- Ideal for Parties and Holidays: They are easily transportable and a guaranteed crowd-pl for any festive event.
- Authentic Pecan Pie Taste: Every bite delivers the rich, buttery, and nutty flavors you adore from a classic pecan pie.
- Fun and Engaging: Even beginners will find joy in creating these beautiful little pastries.
- Less Mess: Rolling individual crescents means fewer crumbs and spills than slicing a whole pie.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for these Pecan Pie Crescent rolls is straightforward, using common pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role in building that familiar, comforting flavor profile we all love. You’ll need just a few simple items to bring this wonderful treat to life.
- 1 can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (or similar brand)
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Notes & Substitutions
- Crescent Rolls: Feel free to use your preferred brand of canned crescent dough; they all work wonderfully.
- Pecans: For an even deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry pan before adding them to the mixture.
- Corn Syrup: If light corn syrup isn’t available, pure maple syrup or honey can be used as a sweet alternative.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness of your sweet filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract; its rich aroma makes a noticeable difference in baked goods.
- Egg: The egg is crucial for binding the filling together, ensuring it sets properly inside your crescent rolls.
Equipment
Having the right tools ready makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. You don’t need anything fancy for these delightful crescent rolls, just a few kitchen basics.
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How To Make Pecan Pie Crescent
Creating these delightful Pecan Pie Crescent rolls is a joyful experience, perfect for sharing with family. Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of warm, gooey goodness that will fill your home with a comforting aroma. This recipe is designed to be approachable and fun, even if you are new to baking.
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
- Mix the Filling Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
- Add the Egg and Reserve: Crack the large egg into the sugar mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. Set aside two tablespoons of this mixture in a separate small bowl. This reserved portion will be used later for brushing.
- Fold in the Pecans: Stir the 3/4 cup of chopped pecans into the remaining sugar and egg mixture in the large bowl. Make sure the pecans are evenly coated with the rich, sweet filling.
- Unroll the Dough: Carefully unroll the can of crescent dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Separate the dough along the perforations into eight individual crescent triangles. Gently lay them flat.
- Fill the Crescents: Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pecan filling onto the widest end of each crescent dough triangle. Distribute the filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll Them Up: Starting from the widest end, carefully roll up each crescent triangle towards the narrow tip. Make sure the filling is tucked securely inside as you roll.
- Initial Bake: Place the rolled Pecan Pie Crescent rolls onto the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes.
- Brush and Finish Baking: Remove the crescent rolls from the oven. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the tops of each roll with the two tablespoons of reserved sugar mixture. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Pecan Pie Crescent rolls from the oven. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, you can top them with more chopped pecans while they are still warm, if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Crescents
Creating these comforting treats can be even easier with a few insights. These tips will help ensure your Pecan Pie Crescent rolls turn out beautifully every time.
- Prevent Oozing: Avoid overfilling each crescent triangle. Leave a small margin around the edges of the dough to help seal in the delicious pecan filling.
- Even Distribution: Use a spoon to spread the pecan mixture evenly across the widest part of the dough. This ensures every bite has a good balance of flavor.
- Golden Crust: Keep a close eye on your oven during the final minutes of baking. The reserved egg wash helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust, but ovens vary.
- Parchment for Cleanup: Always use parchment paper on your baking sheet. Many culinary resources, such as King Arthur Baking, highlight the benefits of parchment paper for easier release and cleanup in baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Sticking to the recommended 2-3 tablespoons of filling per crescent is key. Too much filling makes rolling difficult and increases the chance of leaks.
- Serve Warm: While delicious at any temperature, these pecan crescent pastries truly shine when served warm, allowing the gooey filling to be at its best.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These delightful Pecan Pie Crescent rolls are incredibly versatile, perfect for sharing and adapting to your family’s tastes. They make wonderful additions to any gathering, bringing warmth and cheer.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy them fresh from the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat. The contrast of warm pastry and cold ice cream is heavenly.
- Drizzle Toppings: Elevate your pecan crescent pastries by drizzling them with warm caramel sauce, a touch of chocolate syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Room Temperature Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They will still be wonderfully soft and flavorful.
- Refrigerate for Longer: For extended freshness, refrigerate your baked Pecan Pie Crescent rolls for up to 3-4 days. Warm them briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing Baked Rolls: You can freeze baked pecan crescent rolls for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a delightful chocolatey twist.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling can add a cozy, aromatic depth that complements the pecans beautifully.
- Walnut Option: If pecans aren’t your preference or readily available, substitute with chopped walnuts for a similar nutty flavor profile.
- Bite-Sized Treats: For smaller gatherings or as part of a dessert platter, cut your crescent dough into smaller triangles before filling to create adorable mini versions.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutrition information provided is an estimate. Calorie and macronutrient content can vary significantly based on specific ingredients, brands used, and portion sizes. For precise nutritional values for your Pecan Pie Crescent rolls, we recommend using an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Making these Pecan Pie Crescent rolls should be a joyful experience, and I’m here to help with any common questions you might have. Don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe!
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, you can! Puff pastry will create a flakier, crispier texture, but the baking time might need slight adjustment.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can mix the pecan filling a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
How do I stop the filling from leaking out?
Ensure you don’t overfill the crescent dough and firmly pinch the seams closed after rolling. The parchment paper also helps contain any minor drips.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute a plant-based butter alternative for the unsalted butter in the recipe. Ensure your crescent rolls are also dairy-free.
What if my crescent rolls burn?
Ovens can vary. If your rolls are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Easy Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls is an invitation to bring warmth and joy into your home, especially during busy times. This recipe offers a wonderful shortcut to a beloved classic, making it approachable for every home cook. Imagine the delight of serving these golden, flaky pastries, filled with that irresistible pecan pie goodness, to your family and friends.
It’s a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert that truly celebrates the comfort of simple cooking. I genuinely hope you try this recipe and make it a cherished part of your own family’s traditions. Please share your experiences; I love hearing about the memories you create!
Easy Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg, reserving 2 tablespoons of the mixture; then stir in the chopped pecans.
- Unroll crescent rolls, separate them on the prepared baking sheet, and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the pecan mixture onto each before rolling them up.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then brush with the reserved sugar mixture, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until lightly browned; optionally, garnish with more pecans.
Notes
Diabetes Nutrition Specialist | Healthy Diet Advocate | Founder of GoldFoodie.
My passion for nutrition began with a deeply personal journey supporting my father through his battle with diabetes. Watching his daily struggles made me realize how powerful the right food choices can be in improving quality of life. That experience drove me to dedicate my career to helping others live healthier, more balanced lives.
- Rocco Fuhrman
- Rocco Fuhrman
- Rocco Fuhrman
- Rocco Fuhrman
