Celebrate National Pecan Month With Pecan Pie:The Official Slice of Texas

If you love Texas pecans, you now have an excuse to over-indulge. It is National Pecan Month!

Texas Celebrates the Legacy of the Pecan During National Pecan Month

The Texas Department of Agriculture has designated April as National Pecan Month, shining a spotlight on the growers, processors, and multi-generational farming families, making Texas a global leader in pecan production.

A Multi-Million Dollar Agricultural Powerhouse

When we think of pecans, we think of how great they taste, but the fact of the matter is pecan production a massive driver for the Texas economy. Currently, Texas ranks third in the United States for pecan production. Texas is home to close to 200,000 acres of pecan groves statewide. The total economic impact of Texas pecans is about $380 million.

Deep Roots in Texas History

The Pecan tree has a long history in the Lone Star State. It was under the shade of a pecan tree in Palo Pinto County that legendary cattlemen Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving mapped out their first historic drive. The tree held such significance to Governor James Hogg that he requested a pecan tree be planted at his gravesite in lieu of a traditional headstone. In 2013, the pecan pie was officially named the state dessert, joining other cultural icons like Texas sheet cake and pralines.

Pecan Desserts to Die For

Whether you're looking to celebrate National Pecan Month or just want to highlight the official state tree of Texas, these five desserts will remind you why Pecans rule!

Classic Texas Pecan Pie

This is the gold standard of Texas desserts. The key is to toast the pecans slightly before adding them to the filling to enhance their earthy flavor.

The Vibe: Rich, syrupy, and buttery.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of bourbon or a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling to cut through the sweetness.

Old-Fashioned Texas Pralines

A cross between a cookie and a candy, these "creamy" pralines are a staple in Southern confectionery. Unlike the chewy New Orleans style, Texas pralines tend to be a bit more crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth.

The Vibe: A sweet, fudge-like treat packed with mammoth pecan halves.

Pro Tip: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the sugar from scorching while reaching the "soft ball" stage.

Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies

For those who prefer a dessert that isn't overly sugary, these cookies rely on the natural oils of the nut. Finely chopped pecans are folded into a high-quality butter dough and baked until golden.

The Vibe: Sophisticated, salty-sweet, and perfectly crisp.

Pro Tip: Brown your butter before mixing it into the dough for a deeper, nuttier profile that mimics the flavor of the pecans.

Texas Sheet Cake with Boiled Pecan Frosting

This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The chocolate cake is thin and moist, but the star is the warm, poured frosting that sets with a generous amount of chopped pecans on top.

The Vibe: Moist chocolate goodness with a distinct "snap" from the nuts.

Pro Tip: Pour the frosting over the cake while it is still warm from the oven, so it seeps slightly into the top layer.

Pecan Cobbler

This dessert is perfect for you if you love crust and pecans. The best of both worlds!

The Vibe: This recipe has gooey sweet pecan pie filling with a buttery pastry biscuit top crust.

Pro Tip: Do not use margarine in place of the butter.