This recipe for Nana’s 3-Ingredient Pecan Log only calls for 3 common ingredients and is a super easy, no-bake treat to share for the holidays!
I’m fortunate to have grown up in a family that doesn’t lack for amazing cooks. And, that makes for some delicious food to celebrate the holidays. It’s also helped to create some pretty serious traditions when it comes to food.
Every Thanksgiving, for as long as I can remember, my grandmother has made her Icebox Fruitcake. It’s nothing like traditional fruitcake and is a delicious no-bake dessert made with crushed graham crackers, cherries, raisins, pecans, marshmallows, and one of my favorite ingredients – sweetened condensed milk.
Christmas Day plays host to another food tradition in my family – this Pecan Log. My grandmother shows up with it every single year. It only calls for 3 ingredients – vanilla wafer cookies, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk – but quickly and easily creates a delicious, no-bake pecan log. For even more flavor, you can toast your pecans in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes before chopping and adding to the recipe.
What is a pecan log?
A pecan log, or as some call it pecan log rolls, is a yummy Southern dessert or snack some might would even consider it a true southern delicacy. This must-try treat is filled with delicious flavors, chewy in nature, and shaped like a little log. Most traditional pecan logs are packed with crushed or chopped pecans and a few other simple ingredients. You can find holiday pecan logs sold as a tasty treat in stores as gifts for friends and family with a sweet tooth around the Christmas holidays.
What is a pecan log made of?
You will find when searching for pecan log recipes that there are lots of variations out there. As a matter of fact, I’m almost willing to bet that every Southern family has their own unique recipe that has been passed down for generations that features their own special spin. My particular recipe features only pecans, crushed vanilla wafer cookies, and sweetened condensed milk.
While the recipe is very easy, it does require a little elbow grease. Getting the ingredients combined can take a little effort. I typically start with a sturdy wooden spoon and then, inevitably, have to use my hands to get everything to come together.
Despite the effort, these treats are absolutely worth the work and famous in the South as a delightful snack, candy, or dessert, especially during the holidays but some enjoy them year-round.
How to serve a pecan log:
Once you get done combining all your ingredients, you simply divide the mixture evenly in half on large sheets of wax paper. Then, use your hands to press the mixture together to form two logs. You could, of course, make smaller logs if you wanted to give them as gifts.
When you are done forming your logs, simply wrap the entire log in the waxed paper, a piece of parchment paper, or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The time in the fridge will help them firm up and make them perfectly sliceable. Once chilled you can place your pecan log on a festive platter and slice it up for your guests to enjoy. I like to slice mine about 1/4 inch slices, but you can do it thicker. I won’t tell.
If you tried this3-Ingredient Pecan Log recipe, please leave a 🌟star ratingand let me know how it turned out in thecommentsbelow.
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5 from 33 votes
Recipe Card
Nana’s 3-Ingredient Pecan Log
Author Stacey Little
Course Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Prep Time 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Servings 24
Calories 223kcal
Ingredients
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafers
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans*
Instructions
Crush vanilla wafers well. (I prefer to use a food processor here.)
In a large bowl, combine crushed wafers, condensed milk, and pecans. Mix well to combine. This takes some work. I usually start with a big wooden spoon, but then use my hands.
Divide the mixture evenly and press to form into two logs. Wrap each in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
* For even more flavor, you can toast your chopped pecans in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes and allow to cool before adding to the recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 53IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 0.4mg
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
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My Christmas Message from 2012…
As I sit here among the twinkling lights of our two (yes, two – long story) Christmas trees, it’s late at night and all is silent throughout the house.With the exception of the blistering wind beating against the windows, all is calm. The floor beneath the trees is overflowing with the most beautifully wrapped gifts.I’m being overwhelmed by the realization of how blessed my little family is.
It wasn’t too many years ago that we were praying for holiday bonuses and piecing together Christmas by fitting $50 on this credit card and $25 on that one.To say the least, I know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet – especially around the holidays.Certainly, we are not wealthy – not even anywhere close to it.But one thing I’m so grateful for is the perspective that I have having had little.
It’s made me realize that it’s not about the size, number, or price tags of the gifts under our tree. In fact, it’s not about the gifts at all.It’s about the family and friends you share the holiday with.This year a new plaque has found its way to our holiday mantle.It says, simply, “Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”It certainly holds a powerful message.
In light of the tragedy that our country has faced in the last few weeks, I hope that we can all take the time to realize how precious we are to one another. It’s unfortunate that we have to experience tragedy to have the realization, but if this disaster has taught us anything, it’s that our time here is limited no matter how young or old we are. This Christmas, my wish for you is to be able to pull your family closer, hold them longer, and squeeze them tighter.
And no matter where it is or who you’re with, I hope you can find your way home this Christmas.
Merry Christmas, y’all!
