Best Pecans for Baking: A Pecan Grower's Guide

What are the Best Pecans for Baking?

The best pecans for baking are Elliot Pecans. The Elliot variety of pecan is popular for its natural high oil content, uniform size, and rich buttery flavor. Elliot pecans are a smaller pecan variety characterized by its plump kernel. Elliot pecans are ideal for cookies, pecan pie, and cakes. Sunnyland Farms’ Junior Pecan Halves are Elliot pecans.

Larger pecan varieties like Pawnee or Desirable are better suited for decorating or gifting. Pawnee and Desirable pecans are characterized by their bright color and large oval kernel. Sunnyland Farms’ Mammoth Pecan Halves are Pawnee and Desirable pecans.

The quality of a pecan determines how well suited it is for baking. Raw and toasted pecans should be stored in cold storage to preserve their freshness and flavor. Storing pecans in cold storage is not a standard practice for big box retailers. Purchasing pecans directly from a pecan grower is ideal for sourcing fresh pecans for baking. 

Why are Halves Better than Pre-Chopped Pieces?

Better Flavor: Pecan halves retain more oil content than pre-chopped pieces. The higher the oil content of a pecan, the better a pecan retains its rich, buttery flavor.

Easier to Toast: Toasting whole pecan halves is easier than pre-chopped pieces. Toasting pre-chopped pecan pieces can lead to uneven burning or browning. 

Customize to Recipe: Whole pecan halves are easy to cut to the exact size you need for each recipe that calls for pecans and pecan pieces.

Why Should I Toast Pecans Before Baking?

Pecans should be toasted before baking to enhance their rich, aromatic flavor. Toasting pecans improves their texture, giving each pecan the perfect crunch.

Toasting pecans is as simple as placing raw pecans on a baking sheet and baking at 275 degrees. Bake pecans between 25 and 35 minutes, stirring every 10 to 12 minutes for an even toast. Allow pecans to cool before storing, chopping, or adding to a recipe.

Find 15 recipes for toasting, frying, and making candied pecans by visiting our What to Do with Pecans page.