Pecan Crescent Roll Recipe – Easy Caramel Pecan Swirls

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Pecan Crescent Roll Recipe – Easy Caramel Pecan Swirls

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a ridiculously easy, yet incredibly delicious treat, you’ve come to the right place. These Pecan Crescent Roll Swirls are a family favorite, and honestly, they disappear fast. I first made these for a potluck and was bombarded with requests for the recipe – so here it is, just for you! They’re perfect for a weekend baking session, a holiday gathering, or just when you need a little something sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a flaky, buttery crescent roll? Now imagine that, swirled with a creamy, pecan-studded filling and drizzled with caramel… Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! This recipe is a total winner because it’s:

• Super easy: Seriously, minimal effort for maximum reward.
• Quick: Ready in under an hour, including baking time.
• Delicious: The combination of sweet, nutty, and flaky is irresistible.
• Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for sharing (or not!).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful swirls:

• 1 roll (approximately 450g) Pillsbury crescent roll dough
• 5 oz (140g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (30g) chopped pecans

Ingredient Notes

A few little tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

• Crescent Roll Dough: I love using Pillsbury crescent roll dough because it’s so convenient and consistently good. It really makes this recipe a breeze!
• Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened – this is key for a smooth, spreadable filling. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
• Pecans: Pecans are my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Walnuts or even cashews would be lovely. In some parts of India, you’ll find people preferring almonds or pistachios in their sweet treats – so don’t be afraid to get creative and use what you love. Toasting the pecans really brings out their flavour, so don’t skip that step!
• Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely molasses flavour. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking tray.
2. Toast the chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant – about 3-5 minutes. Watch them carefully, as they burn easily! Set aside to cool.
3. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until it’s nice and smooth. No lumps allowed!
4. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until well combined. This is your delicious filling.
5. Unroll the crescent dough and pinch the seams together to form a single rectangle. Gently roll it out to a 13×10-inch rectangle.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the cream cheese.
7. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
8. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 9 equal slices. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking tray.
9. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the swirls are golden brown and bubbly. Let them cool slightly before drizzling with caramel sauce.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake! You want them golden brown, but not burnt.
• Cool slightly before drizzling: This prevents the caramel from melting completely and running off.
• Sharp knife is key: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife when slicing the log.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a warm, cozy flavour. My grandma always added a pinch of nutmeg too!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough for a gluten-free version.
• Festival Adaptations: These are amazing for Christmas or any holiday baking. You can even add a sprinkle of red and green sugar before baking for a festive touch. My friend makes these every Diwali and they are a huge hit!

Serving Suggestions

These Pecan Crescent Roll Swirls are delicious on their own, but even better with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A cup of hot coffee or tea
• A drizzle of chocolate sauce (along with the caramel, of course!)

Storage Instructions

Store leftover swirls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but will still be tasty the next day!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I make this pecan swirl recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the swirls and keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

2. What is the best way to prevent the crescent roll from tearing while rolling?

Gently stretch the dough as you roll it out. If it starts to tear, just pinch it back together. Don’t force it!

3. Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, cashews, or even pistachios would all be delicious.

4. What kind of caramel sauce is best for drizzling?

Use your favourite! Store-bought or homemade both work great. A salted caramel sauce adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.

5. How do I know when the pecan swirls are perfectly baked?

They should be golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (though they will be soft).