Pecans are a big deal in our go-to recipes, but sometimes, picking them up just isn’t happening. We’ve all been there more than once – either the shelf’s empty or our wallets are telling us “Maybe not.”
So, we started experimenting with some alternatives. We were aiming for flavors that pop, not just ones that make do. And guess what? We found some awesome substitutes that we’re actually pumped about.
Each one adds its own special twist. Here’s the lowdown on the best ones. After all, why settle when your food can be equally tasty?
7 Easy Substitutes for Pecans
While nothing can truly replace the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, these alternatives add unique flavors and textures to your recipes. They may not be traditional, but they sure do pack a punch. So don’t be afraid to mix things up and try something new!
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
Walnuts | Earthy, slightly bitter | Crunchy, oily | Baked goods, salads, pesto |
Almonds | Sweet, nutty | Crunchy, firm | Baked goods, granola |
Hazelnuts | Sweet, buttery | Crunchy, oily | Baked goods, chocolate desserts, salads |
Macadamia Nuts | Rich, buttery | Creamy, crunchy | Baked goods, ice cream |
Pine Nuts | Sweet, buttery | Soft, creamy | Pesto, salads, pasta dishes |
Pistachios | Slightly sweet, salty | Crunchy, firm | Baked goods, snacks, salads |
Cashews | Creamy, slightly sweet | Soft, buttery | Baked goods, sauces |
1 – Walnuts
Walnuts? Yep, they’re our backup stars when pecans decide to go MIA. They pack this rich, earthy taste that just takes any recipe up a notch.
We toss them in just like pecans – no need for any fancy math. Ever tried tossing them into your go-to brownie mix? Total game-changer.
If you’re curious about diving deeper into the world of walnut magic, check out this guide to walnut substitutes. And their crunchy vibe?
It’s just what you need to give salads or baked goods that extra oomph. Really, swapping in walnuts? Smooth move, no fuss at all.
2 – Almonds
Almonds are our backup heroes when pecans decide to ditch us. They’ve got this sweet, nutty flavor that’s just unbeatable. We just swap them out one-for-one in any recipe.
Ever thrown them into your homemade granola? Trust us, it’s a game-changer for adding that extra flavor punch. Plus, their crunchiness adds a fun twist to every bite.
If you’re looking to mix up your almond routine, you’ve gotta check out this cool guide on different almond substitutes in recipes—it’s filled with awesome tips.
3 – Hazelnuts
While hazelnuts didn’t win the war when we pitted them against pecans (that’d be way too tough, let’s face it), they’re still great in recipes. And if you’ve ever had Nutella, then you know just how delicious this nut can be.
Hazelnuts have a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with chocolate or other sweet ingredients. They’re a great substitute for recipes that call for chopped pecans, like cookies or cakes.
If you’re looking to substitute hazelnuts for pecans, be sure to check out our guide to hazelnut substitutes for useful tips and tricks.
4 – Macadamia Nuts
Macadamias are the smooth operators in our nut swap tales. They’ve got this creamy texture and buttery taste that just makes everything better.
We swap them in straight up for pecans. Whether we’re talking cookies or salads, they just take the dish up a notch.
Sure, their price might make you think twice, but trust us, the flavor is worth every cent. Wondering about other nut swaps? Our guide to alternatives for macadamia nuts has got you covered.
5 – Pine Nuts
Another nut that might have you nervously checking your bank account, but they’re worth it for their unique flavor. Pine nuts are sweet and slightly buttery, with a mild piney taste.
We like to use them in recipes where pecans are more of a finishing or garnish element, rather than the main star. Think pesto or salads.
Plus, if you’re looking for more ways to use pine nuts, check out this guide to creative substitutes for pine nuts that’ll have you reaching for them in all sorts of dishes.
6 – Pistachios
Pistachios, oh they’re a bold move for sure. We swapped them for pecans straight-up, equal parts.
In cookies, they add a salty kick we can’t resist. They bring a color pop to any plate, bright green speckles that catch your eye.
It’s not just about looks; their flavor’s got depth, slightly sweet yet distinctly nutty.
For those of you eager to shake things up with pistachios, we landed on an insightful piece on finding alternatives to pistachio nuts that’s just the ticket.
7 – Cashews
Last but not least, we’ve got our versatile friends the cashews. They have a mild, creamy flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.
We like to use them in place of pecans in recipes like trail mix or energy bites. Plus, they’re great for making dairy-free cream sauces or cheese alternatives!
For more ideas on how to substitute cashews, check out our guide.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.