Nana’s 3-Ingredient Pecan Log Recipe
Nana’s 3-Ingredient Pecan Log is a simple, delicious, and creamy appetizer featuring a smooth cream cheese and powdered sugar base combined with crunchy pecans. This no-bake treat is quick to prepare, perfect for parties or as a sweet snack, and can be enhanced with optional caramel or chocolate drizzles for added decadence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Optional Toppings
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Melted chocolate, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add pecans: Fold the finely chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Shape the log: Spoon the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a tight log. Wrap the log securely with the plastic wrap to maintain its shape.
- Chill until firm: Refrigerate the wrapped log for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm up fully and the flavors to meld.
- Unwrap and serve: Remove the pecan log from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic, and place it on a serving dish.
- Optional drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce or melted chocolate over the top of the pecan log before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy: Cut the log into bite-sized pieces, arrange them on a serving platter, and enjoy this sweet, nutty treat.
Notes
- The pecans can be toasted lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor.
- For a different nut flavor, try substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Keep the log well wrapped and refrigerated until serving to maintain its shape and freshness.
- To make this recipe gluten free, confirm that the powdered sugar and any toppings used are certified gluten free.
- Drizzling caramel or chocolate is optional but adds a nice touch of sweetness and presentation.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor; low-fat versions may alter the consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: pecan log, cream cheese appetizer, no bake dessert, easy snack, nutty cream cheese spread, holiday appetizer
