Delectable Southern Pecan Crisps Recipe
Howdy y’all! Welcome to my kitchen, where the scent of Southern Pecans fills the air. I’m excited to share with you my favorite Southern Pecan Crisps recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Growing up in the South, pecan pie was a staple dessert at every family gathering. But, I wanted to put a modern twist on this classic recipe by creating bite-sized, buttery and crispy delights – Southern Pecan Crisps.
Trust me when I say that these crisps will give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings of a comforting slice of pecan pie. The combination of aromatic pecans, flaky puff pastry and rich brown sugar butter will take you on a ride down memory lane – back to your grandma’s kitchen in the heart of Southern hospitality country.
My recipe is easy-peasy even for beginner bakers or a good day activity for you and the family (even “daddy” who can’t bake). In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a plate full of crisp and crunchy bites that are sure to impress all your friends and family.
So grab that apron and preheat your oven- we’re about to create some magic in the kitchen with my Southern Pecan Crisp recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Y’all, let me tell you about the Southern Pecan Crisps recipe! This is not your ordinary dessert. It’s a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
First of all, let’s talk about the main ingredient: pecans. Southerners sure do love their pecans, and for good reason. Packed with flavor and crunch, these nuts add just the right touch of sweetness to any dish. In this recipe, we’re giving pecans the star treatment they deserve.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the use of puff pastry. If you’ve never worked with puff pastry before, don’t worry – it’s easier than it sounds. This versatile pastry dough puffs up in the oven to create a light, flaky texture that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the pecan filling.
And speaking of that filling – oh my goodness. We’re talking about a buttery combination of brown sugar, corn syrup, and chopped pecans that just melts in your mouth. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a Southern kitchen filled with warmth and love.
But why should you love this recipe? Well, besides the fact that it tastes absolutely amazing, it’s also incredibly easy to make. All you need are a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills – no fancy equipment required.
Plus, these Southern Pecan Crisps are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to end a holiday meal or a delicious snack to share with friends and family, this recipe has got you covered.
So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t regret it. Trust me, once you taste these Southern Pecan Crisps, there’s no turning back.
Ingredient List
Let’s gather the southern pecan crisp ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
- 2 cups of pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 package (17 3/4 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets
- 3 ounces or around 2 cups of chopped pecans for garnishing
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Make sure to use only unsalted butter in this recipe because we already have enough salt to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and corn syrup. The combination of these two ingredients gives the southern pecan pie its distinctive flavor, and we are using it for our crispy confectionery. Pecan nuts are the star ingredient here; these nuts have a satisfying crunch with a naturally nutty and buttery taste that blends well with the brown sugar-butter mixture. Also, we’ll be using Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets; it has many layers that deliver a crispy texture after baking. You will love how easy-to-make and really good this southern pecan crisps recipe is.
The Recipe How-To
Ready to make some delicious Southern Pecan Crisps? Let’s dive into the recipe below!
Ingredients:
- 1 package Pepperidge Farm puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. This will ensure your crisps cook evenly and have that perfectly crispy texture.
Step 2: Roll Out Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the first pastry sheet into a 13×10-inch rectangle. Repeat with the second pastry sheet.
Step 3: Prepare Pecan Mixture
In a large bowl, mix brown sugar, chopped pecans, melted butter, corn syrup and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Add Pecan Mixture to Pastry
Spread half of the pecan mixture over each pastry sheet. Roll up each sheet tightly from one short end to the other. Cut each roll into about sixteen (1/2-inch) slices.
Step 5: Bake and Serve!
Place slices cut-side down about an inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
And that’s it! Now you can impress all your friends with this Southern Pecan Crisps Recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
Hey y’all, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations for this Southern Pecan Crisps recipe. Now, I know some of y’all might have particular tastes or dietary needs, but don’t you worry none because we’ve got some options that can fit just about anyone’s preferences.
First up, if you’re looking to cut back on the sugar intake, you can try using a sugar substitute in place of the brown sugar in this recipe. Alternatively, you can use confectioners’ sugar or a blend of honey and maple syrup to sweeten things up. Experiment with different ratios to find what works best for you.
Now, for all my gluten-free friends out there, we’ve got a solution that will make your mouth water! Simply swap out the puff pastry sheets with a gluten-free option (such as rice flour or almond flour) and follow the rest of the recipe as directed. You’ll still get that flaky, buttery goodness without any gluten-induced discomfort.
If pecans ain’t your thing (though I must say, they’re mighty tasty), then feel free to swap them out for different nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews. The flavor profile will be a little different, but it’ll still be delicious.
And finally, if you’re feeling like getting real creative in the kitchen, try mixing things up with some different serving options. For example, why not try making mini pecan tarts by cutting the puff pastry squares into smaller portions and filling them with the pecan mixture? Or how about topping an apple crisp with this Southern Pecan Crisp mixture for a crunchy twist? The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!
Remember y’all, cooking is all about trying new things and finding what works best for you. So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with these substitutions and variations. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a new favorite recipe that’s now uniquely yours.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Southern Pecan Crisps are perfectly baked and ready, it’s time to think about serving and pairing options.
These sweet, buttery crisps are perfect for a warm and cozy evening at home with your loved ones, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can serve them with a scoop of butter pecan or pecan gelato on top – it’s the perfect way to take your dessert game to the next level.
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering or dinner party, these pecan crisps can make a beautiful addition to a perfect dessert platter, alongside other Southern classics like apple crisp and pecan pie muffins.
Another popular option is to serve these crisps as part of an appetizer spread with cheddar cheese wafers and cranberry pepperidge farm puff pastry bites. The combination of savory and sweet will create a balance that your guests will love.
For an easy mini pecan tarts, you can use puff pastry squares filled with brown sugar-butter pecans. These tarts are easy to make and feature the same puff pastry goodness as the bigger crisps – making them the perfect bite-size treat for parties or gatherings.
No matter how you serve them, one thing is for sure – these Southern Pecan Crisps recipe’s really good. With their flaky puff pastry crust and rich brown sugar-butter-pecan filling, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Southern Pecan Crisps are an excellent make-ahead treat that you can have on hand for those unexpected guests, celebrations, or as a quick snack. To make these ahead of time, simply prepare as directed and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked Southern Pecan Crisps by assembling them as directed, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. To bake from frozen, add a few minutes of extra baking time.
When it’s time to reheat your frozen or stored Southern Pecan Crisps, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and place the crisps on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until they’re warm and crisp again. Be sure to keep an eye on them while reheating to prevent over-baking.
For added flavor and texture, dust the Southern Pecan Crisps with some confectioners’ sugar before serving. This will also help absorb any moisture that may have accumulated during storage.
Overall, Southern Pecan Crisps are so easy to make ahead of time and can be conveniently stored in your pantry or freezer for your next craving.
Tips for Perfect Results
My experience as a chef has taught me that southern pecans create exceptional desserts that combine a balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is no exception. Here are some tips to ensure that your Southern Pecan Crisps are a success.
Firstly, be mindful when handling puff pastry sheets. These sheets are delicate and require care during thawing, cutting, and shaping. The trick to working with puff pastry sheets is to handle them gently and use extra flour to prevent sticking when rolling them out.
Secondly, when measuring the chopped pecans, be sure to chop them uniformly. This helps in even distribution of pecan flavor throughout each bite. I find it helpful to use a food processor or a sharp knife for finely minced texture.
Thirdly, use high-quality ingredients like butter and farm-fresh pecans for an authentic Southern taste. Cheap imitation ingredients will yield substandard results. And while sugar is important in this recipe, do not let it overpower the flavor of pecans.
Fourthly, consider using different forms of pecans available in your market for variation in texture and flavor. Chopped or sliced pecans work excellently in this recipe; however, you could try whole pecan halves or candied pecans for a twist on the classic recipe.
Lastly, pay close attention to the oven temperature and cooking time to avoid overcooking or undercooking your pecan crisps. Always preheat your oven to 400°F before baking and carefully monitor the baking time until you achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
By following these tips,and being patient throughout the baking process, you can expect perfect results every time you make Southern Pecan Crisps.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions that come up as you read through the instructions. That’s why I’ve included this FAQ section to answer some of the most common questions I receive about making Southern Pecan Crisps. It’s important to me that you have all the information you need to create a delicious dish that will leave your taste buds dancing. So, let’s dive in and get started!
Which corn syrup is best for pecan pie?
When preparing this southern-style pie, it’s essential to avoid baking it for too long as over-baking can ruin its texture and taste. Once you take the pie out of the oven, don’t worry if it still appears slightly jiggly as this is quite normal. The secret to the delectable flavor of this recipe is the dark corn syrup that contains molasses, which adds a unique depth to the taste.
How is pecan pie made?
It’s time to whip up a classic southern treat: pecan pie. First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and let it preheat. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine a few key ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and cornstarch. Stir everything together until it creates a smooth liquid.
In a separate large bowl, whisk some eggs until they’re frothy. Then, pour in the pecan mixture from the saucepan and stir until everything is evenly combined. Grab your pie shell and pour in the mixture, making sure it’s spread out evenly.
Pop the pie in the oven and let it bake for around 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set. Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a bit. Now, it’s time to enjoy a slice of delicious pecan pie!
Bottom Line
:
It’s hard to resist the sweet aroma of freshly baked Pecan Crisps right out of the oven! My Southern Pecan Crisps Recipe is a delicious twist on traditional pecan pie that will undoubtedly satisfy your sweet tooth. These flaky, buttery pastries filled with a luscious mixture of sugar, butter, and crunchy pecans are sure to impress everyone at the table, including discerning pastry lovers and picky eaters alike.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a special dessert for your next dinner party, this recipe is a must-try! And don’t forget to add your own spin on this recipe, experiment by adding some fruit or chocolate chips or try incorporating different varieties of nuts. The possibilities are endless when it comes to baking!
Not only is this recipe easy to follow and prepare, but it’s also an affordable and accessible dessert that doesn’t require a lot of complicated ingredients or kitchen gadgets. All you need are some simple pantry staples and Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets!
So go ahead and give this Southern Pecan Crisps recipe a try; I guarantee that it will soon become one of your go-to recipes in no time! Thank you for joining me today as we explored the world of southern-style cuisine. Until next time, happy baking!
Southern Pecan Crisps Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 0.5 (17 1/3 ounce) package pepperidge farm puff pastry sheets, thawed according to package directions (1 sheet)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F Stir the brown sugar, butter and pecans in a small bowl.
- Unfold the pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry into a 15 x 12-inch rectangle. Cut the rectangle into 20 (3-inch) squares. Press the squares into the bottoms of 20 (3-inch) muffin-pan cups. Place 1 heaping teaspoon pecan mixture in the center of each cup.
- Bake the pastries for 12 minutes or until they're golden brown. Remove the pastries from the pans and let cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle the pastries with confectioners' sugar, if desired.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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