Discover the rich, buttery goodness of Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls, an irresistible twist on a classic dessert everyone will love. These flaky, golden rolls combine the sweet, nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie with the light, tender texture of crescent dough, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply craving a delightful homemade dessert, Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are sure to impress with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Unique: Combines the nostalgic flavors of pecan pie with the buttery flakiness of crescent rolls for a fresh take on dessert.
- Quick and Easy: Simple preparation using store-bought crescent dough makes this recipe perfect for busy cooks and beginners.
- Perfectly Portable: Individually wrapped rolls make them ideal for potlucks, lunchboxes, or on-the-go treats.
- Customizable Flavor: Easily adapts to suit your taste by adjusting nuts, sweetness, or adding extras like chocolate chips.
- Impressive Presentation: Golden crescent rolls filled with gooey pecan pie filling make a visually stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this recipe feels indulgent, it relies on simple, essential ingredients you can find in most kitchens. Each component contributes to the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and rich flavor.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Pre-made packs add convenience with flaky, buttery layers that bake beautifully.
- Chopped Pecans: Toasted nuts provide crunch and authentic pecan pie flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness unlike regular white sugar.
- Butter: Melted butter binds the filling and lends richness and moisture.
- Corn Syrup or Honey: Creates the sticky, glossy texture typical of pecan pie filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness with a warm, aromatic note.
- Cinnamon and Salt: A hint of spice balances sweetness and intensifies flavor layers.
Variations for Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
Feel free to make Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls your own! This recipe is incredibly flexible, letting you tweak the ingredients or add new ones to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, melty addition.
- Maple Pecan: Substitute corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crescent dough available at specialty stores to keep everyone happy.
- Spiced Up: Increase cinnamon or sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer, more autumnal flavor profile.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and a vegan crescent roll dough for a cruelty-free dessert.
How to Make Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chopped toasted pecans, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined and sticky.
Step 2: Unroll the Crescent Dough
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and separate it into individual triangles as marked on the package.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Spread a spoonful of the pecan filling evenly near the wide end of each crescent triangle, avoiding overflow to ensure neat rolling.
Step 4: Roll Up the Crescent Rolls
Starting from the wide end, gently roll each triangle toward the narrow tip, encasing the filling securely inside.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the filled rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set, enhancing flavor and making them easier to handle.
Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting nuts intensifies their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Don’t Overfill: Use modest amounts of filling to prevent leaks and messy baking.
- Use Fresh Dough: For best flakiness, ensure your crescent dough is fresh or properly thawed before use.
- Brush with Butter: After rolling, brush the top with melted butter for an extra glossy and golden finish.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven as crescent rolls bake quickly; avoid overbaking to maintain tenderness.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the rolls to add a pretty finishing touch and a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience, or serve with fresh berries for a vibrant contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board with pecan halves scattered around or slice them into bite-size pinwheels to serve as festive party appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but for best texture, refrigeration is recommended if keeping longer.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked crescent rolls filled with the pecan pie mixture by wrapping them tightly in plastic and placing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to regain crispiness; microwave reheating is quicker but may soften the crust.
FAQs
Can I make Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls from scratch?
Absolutely, though using pre-made crescent dough simplifies the process, you can prepare homemade crescent dough to personalize texture and flavor.
Are Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use wheat-based crescent dough, but gluten-free dough alternatives are available for those with dietary restrictions.
How long do Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls stay fresh?
They are best enjoyed fresh but will keep up to 2 days at room temperature or 4–5 days refrigerated.
Can these rolls be made vegan?
Yes, by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives and selecting vegan crescent dough, you can easily make a vegan-friendly version.
What can I use instead of corn syrup in the filling?
Honey or maple syrup can be substituted for corn syrup for a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a delightful dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh, you can’t go wrong with Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls. Their buttery layers and rich, nutty filling come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy sharing a sweet moment that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.
Related Posts
- Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cream Puffs
- Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake
- Best Simple Churro Cheesecake Bars
Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls 1x
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free and Vegan
Description
Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls merge the buttery flakiness of crescent roll dough with the rich, sweet, and nutty flavors of classic pecan pie. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any sweet craving. Using simple ingredients and quick preparation, these golden rolls deliver a delightful combination of textures and tastes that impress every time.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough
- 1 pack of pre-made crescent roll dough (8 oz / 226 g)
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, 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 as indicated on the package.
- Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the pecan pie filling near the wide end of each crescent triangle, taking care not to overfill to avoid leaks during baking.
- Roll Up the Crescent Rolls: Begin rolling each triangle from the wide end toward the narrow tip, encasing the filling securely inside.
- Bake Until Golden: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the filled rolls on it. 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: Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly before serving so the filling sets, ensuring easier handling and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Avoid overfilling the crescents to prevent leaks during baking.
- Use fresh or properly thawed crescent dough for the best flaky texture.
- Brush the tops of rolled crescents with melted butter before baking for a shiny, golden finish.
- Monitor baking time closely to avoid overbaking and ensure tender rolls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
