If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts delightfully easy and decadently delicious, you absolutely must try this Pecan Pie Crescents Recipe. Imagine the warm, gooey sweetness of classic pecan pie tucked inside buttery, flaky crescent roll dough that bakes to golden perfection. It’s a wonderful twist on tradition that brings all the familiar flavors you love in a portable, bite-sized treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a wonderfully textured filling wrapped in soft, golden dough. Each component plays an essential role in making sure the final crescents are bursting with flavor and irresistible crunch.
- Pre-made crescent roll dough: This convenient dough ensures flaky, buttery rolls without any fuss or mess.
- Chopped pecans, toasted: Toasting brings out their nutty aroma and adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Brown sugar, packed: Provides rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the filling ingredients for perfect consistency.
- Corn syrup or honey: These sticky sweeteners create that classic pecan pie chew and sheen inside the crescents.
- Vanilla extract: Introduces warm, fragrant notes that elevate the pecan pie flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice that perfectly complements the nuts and sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Pecan Pie Crescents Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the brown sugar, toasted chopped pecans, melted butter, corn syrup or honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly until the filling is well combined and sticky. This mixture captures the essence of pecan pie in a luscious, spreadable form perfect for filling your crescents.
Step 2: Unroll the Crescent Dough
Carefully unroll your pack of crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Separate it into individual triangles along the perforated lines. This dough serves as the buttery canvas that will encase your irresistible pecan filling.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Place a generous spoonful of your pecan pie filling near the wide end of each crescent triangle. Be mindful not to overfill, as this can cause leaks during baking, but don’t be shy—there should be enough filling to guarantee a perfect bite every time.
Step 4: Roll Up the Crescent Rolls
Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle tightly toward the narrow tip, making sure to encase the filling securely inside. This rolling technique helps lock in the gooey filling and ensures a beautifully shaped crescent when baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully place your filled crescents spaced evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown. The aroma during baking will fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth and sweetness.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your pecan pie crescents cool slightly on a wire rack. Allowing them to set a bit makes handling easier and helps the filling thicken up beautifully, so each bite melts in your mouth with perfect texture.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Crescents Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the warm rolls just before serving. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream elevates these treats to heavenly indulgence, making them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These crescents pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The warm, nutty sweetness balances beautifully with creamy or slightly bitter companions, creating a harmonious dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pecan pie crescents on a festive platter lined with autumn leaves or colorful napkins for a seasonal touch. You might also arrange them in a circle like little pies for a delightful visual impact. Adding fresh pecan halves or cinnamon sticks as decor makes your serving table extra inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pecan pie crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay wonderfully soft and maintain their nutty filling, perfect for snacking later or packing for lunchbox treats.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unbaked crescents. Simply roll them up with filling, place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To warm your crescents, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes. This refreshes the flaky dough and gently softens the filling for a fresh-from-the-oven taste any time you want.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of pre-made?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can be just as delicious. Just make sure it’s rolled out and cut into triangles similar in size to the pre-made dough for even baking.
What can I substitute for corn syrup in the filling?
Honey is a great natural alternative that provides similar sweetness and stickiness. Maple syrup can also work but will add its own unique flavor to the filling.
Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Yes! A handful of mini chocolate chips folded into the pecan mixture adds a delightful surprise and pairs beautifully with the buttery crescent dough.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Be careful not to overfill each crescent triangle. Also, pressing the edges firmly when rolling can help seal in the filling and reduce leaks.
Are these crescent rolls suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, once fully baked and cooled, pecan pie crescents freeze well. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months, then reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Crescents Recipe is a total game-changer when you want to enjoy all the luscious flavors of pecan pie but with minimal effort and maximum smiles. Perfect for holidays, casual gatherings, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these treats are sure to become a beloved favorite. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing them as I do every time I bake them!
Print
Pecan Pie Crescents Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously flaky pecan pie crescent rolls made with pre-made crescent dough and a rich, sticky pecan pie filling. These rolls are perfect for a quick dessert or a sweet snack, combining the buttery, nutty flavors of pecan pie in a convenient crescent roll format. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful blend of textures and warm, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls
- 1 pack of pre-made crescent roll dough (8 oz / 226 g)
Pecan Pie Filling
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup corn syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped toasted pecans, melted butter, corn syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well combined and sticky.
- Unroll the Crescent Dough: Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Separate it into individual triangles according to the package markings.
- Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the pecan pie filling near the wide end of each crescent triangle, ensuring not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking.
- Roll Up the Crescent Rolls: Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle towards the narrow tip, fully enclosing the filling inside.
- Bake Until Golden: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the filled rolls spaced evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked rolls cool slightly to allow the filling to set, making them easier to handle and enhancing their flavor before serving.
Notes
- Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Use corn syrup or honey based on preference; corn syrup gives a traditional pecan pie sweetness while honey adds a natural floral note.
- Do not overfill crescent triangles to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns from hot filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
