Pecan Logs

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Decadent pecan logs featuring a creamy marshmallow filling, crunchy pecans, and caramel coating, perfect for holiday treats or special occasions, appealing to those with a sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (13 oz.) jars marshmallow creme
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. almond extract
  • 2 Tbsp. milk
  • 8 c. chopped pecans
  • 2 to 3 boxes powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 (14 oz.) pkg. caramels, unwrapped

Instructions

  1. Combine marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a large bowl.
  2. Gradually knead enough sifted powdered sugar into the mixture until it becomes stiff.
  3. Divide the mixture into 8 (6-inch) logs.
  4. Wrap each log and freeze for 1 hour.
  5. Combine caramels and milk in a saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring often, until smooth.
  6. Dip each frozen log into the caramel mixture and then roll in chopped pecans.
  7. Wrap each coated log in plastic wrap.
  8. Store in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 1 month.
  9. To serve, cut into 1/4-inch slices.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of pecans and walnuts. If you want a nut-free version, substitute with crushed graham crackers or a combination of sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Be sure to sift the powdered sugar well to avoid lumps in your mixture. If the logs become too soft, chill them again before dipping in caramel.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pecan logs as a delightful dessert or sweet treat at gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for afternoon snacks. For a festive touch, consider placing them on a dessert platter alongside Cranberry Buttermilk Scones for an appealing variety.

Storage & Reheating

Wrap the pecan logs tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for longer storage. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pecan Logs contains roughly 1950 calories, with 22g protein, 287g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (93% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1180mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).

1950 kcal 98% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22g 44% DV
Total Fat 55.2g 71% DV
Carbs 287.2g 100% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 209.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1180.2mg 51% DV
Potassium 747.3mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 44.2mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 451.2mcg 50% DV
Vitamin C 38mg 42% DV
Vitamin D 4.1mcg 20% DV
Calcium 1204.2mg 93% DV
Iron 15mg 83% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-fat
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just keep in mind that different nuts will impart their own unique flavor. Make sure to chop them finely so they stick well to the caramel coating.

How can I make these logs more chocolatey?

To add a chocolatey twist, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the coated logs or add cocoa powder to the marshmallow mixture when kneading in the powdered sugar. This adds a delicious layer of flavor without overpowering the original recipe.

What if my caramel mixture is too thick?

If your caramel mixture is too thick, simply add a little more milk and heat it gently while stirring until it reaches a smooth consistency. Avoid adding too much milk at once to keep the caramel from becoming too runny.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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