National Pecan Day 2025

Go Nuts! Celebrating National Pecan Day with Flavor, Fun & Fairness

April 16th is National Pecan Day, and you know what that means—time to show some serious love to one of the most underrated (and utterly delicious) nuts in the pantry: the pecan. Whether you pronounce it pee-can or puh-kahn, there’s one thing we can all agree on: these buttery little powerhouses are worth celebrating.

Today, we’re getting cozy, creative, and inclusive in the kitchen. Because here at Good Thyme Gal, food isn’t just about taste—it’s about community, accessibility, and joy. So let’s honor pecans with a recipe that’s sweet, simple, and equitable. Yes, you heard me right. Equitable. Because everyone deserves a seat at the table—and a treat in their hand.

🥜 Pecans: A Nut With Deep Roots

Before we get cooking, let’s give credit where it’s due. Pecans are native to North America, with deep roots in Indigenous food traditions. Long before they found their way into pies, cookies, and candied holiday tins, pecans were a staple for many Native communities, valued for their rich nutritional content and ability to be foraged and stored through the seasons.

And they still shine today! Pecans are loaded with heart-healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein. They’re naturally low in sugar and high in flavor, making them an ideal addition to both savory and sweet dishes. Think crunchy toppings for salads, hearty additions to grain bowls, or the starring role in today’s recipe: Maple Pecan Oat Bars.

✨ Why This Recipe Is Equitable

An equitable recipe isn’t just about affordability. It’s about accessibility, adaptability, and honoring what people actually have in their kitchens. This one checks all the boxes:

• Made with pantry staples

• Naturally gluten-free and easily dairy-free/vegan

• Minimal equipment needed

• No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients

Let’s make something delicious together, no matter what kind of kitchen you’re working with.

🍁 Maple Pecan Oat Bars Recipe

Sweet. Satisfying. Shareable.Makes 9–12 bars

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats

• ¾ cup chopped pecans (raw or toasted)

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)

• ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey/agave)

• ¼ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower seed butter)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: ¼ cup raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness

• Optional: Drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat & prep:Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix it up:In a large bowl, stir together the applesauce, maple syrup, nut butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add the oats, pecans, cinnamon, salt, and dried fruit if using. Stir until fully combined.

3. Press & bake:Spoon the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands (pro tip: damp hands prevent sticking). Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are golden and the top is set.

4. Cool & slice:Let cool completely before slicing into bars. Drizzle with dark chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.

A Bite of Comfort and Community

These maple pecan oat bars are everything National Pecan Day should be: a little rustic, a little indulgent, and a whole lot of love. Whether you're packing them for lunchboxes, gifting them to neighbors, or enjoying them with your afternoon tea, they’re proof that simple ingredients can still feel like a celebration.

So here’s to pecans. To resourceful recipes. To making good food with good thyme.And as always—share what you bake and tag me @Chrstyleeb so I can cheer you on!

🎥 Level Up Your Baking Skills with Good Thyme Gal on YouTube! 🎥🍰

Looking for a little extra guidance in the kitchen? Whether you're mastering a new recipe or perfecting an old favorite, my Good Thyme Gal YouTube channel is here to help! I share step-by-step tutorials, helpful tips, and fun tricks to make baking easier and more enjoyable. From cookies and cakes to savory treats, you’ll gain the confidence to create something amazing!

Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media @Chrstyleeb on Instagram and Facebook! I’d love to see your delicious masterpieces. Let’s celebrate together! 🎉👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel today and let’s bake up some magic together!#BakingTips #GoodThymeGal #YouTubeBaking #CookingConfidence #BakeWithMe #Nationalpecanday

Stay nutty and stay kind,

Good Thyme Gal 💛