Pecans

For many people, pecans taste like family gatherings. They're baked into pies, pralines, sticky buns, and holiday desserts that show up year after year. Even outside dessert, their rich buttery flavor earns plenty of fans.

Supporters argue no other nut feels this indulgent without crossing into expensive territory.

Their biggest rival is walnut. Both dominate baking, but they couldn't be more different in flavor. Pecan also challenges cashew for the title of the smoothest, richest bite. If dessert memories count for anything, pecan has a serious case.