These Mini Pecan Pies bring a charming twist to the traditional Southern favorite, offering all the rich, buttery goodness of classic pecan pie in a portable, individual-sized treat. Perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you're craving something sweet and nutty, these little pies are a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as adorable as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini Pecan Pies are everything you love about traditional pecan pie—crispy crust, caramelized sweetness, and crunchy pecans—served in a bite-sized, easy-to-eat form. These pies are perfect for serving at gatherings where guests can help themselves, making them a fuss-free dessert option that still feels special. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or just indulging in a small treat, these mini pies deliver all the rich, comforting flavors of the original recipe but in a cute, portable size.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter (or a glass) to cut out 12 circles from the dough. Press each dough circle gently into the cavities of a 12-count muffin pan, ensuring the dough comes up the sides slightly. Stretch gently if needed. Refrigerate the pan while preparing the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully blended. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble the Pies: Remove the muffin pan from the refrigerator. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan filling into each dough-lined cavity, ensuring the filling stays below the edges of the dough.
- Bake: Bake the mini pecan pies at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the pies cool for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 mini pies
- Calories: 130 kcal per pie
Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Pies: Add a few tablespoons of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
- Maple Pecan Pies: Swap the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a rich, maple-flavored filling.
- Spiced Pecan Pies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.
- Nut-Free: If you want to avoid nuts, try substituting the pecans with chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the mini pecan pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 10–15 seconds for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-made pie crust for this recipe?
Yes! A store-bought pie crust works perfectly and will save you time.
How do I make homemade pie crust?
If you prefer homemade crust, combine flour, butter, and water until you form a dough. Roll it out and follow the recipe instructions.
Can I freeze these mini pecan pies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw before serving.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just fill the dough cups when ready to bake.
What can I serve these mini pecan pies with?
These pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
How can I make the pies a little more festive?
For a holiday touch, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top of the pies before baking to give them a sweet, crunchy topping.
How can I tell when the mini pecan pies are done baking?
The pies are done when the filling is set and slightly puffed. A toothpick inserted into the filling should come out clean.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for parties or gatherings.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
While this recipe isn’t gluten-free or vegan, you can make modifications like using a gluten-free pie crust or egg substitute to fit specific dietary needs.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Conclusion
These Mini Pecan Pies are an irresistible, bite-sized dessert that combines the best of a traditional pecan pie with a portable, easy-to-serve format. Whether you're preparing for a holiday celebration or looking for a fun, individual dessert to share with friends and family, these mini pies are sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious treat that’s both charming and delectable.
Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies
Description
Mini Pecan Pies are the perfect bite-sized treat that brings a twist to the classic Southern dessert. These mini pies offer all the rich, buttery goodness of traditional pecan pie in a portable form, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or a sweet craving. A delicious combination of flaky crust, caramelized filling, and crunchy pecans in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pie crust to a 12-inch circle. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out 12 circles, then press them into a 12-count muffin pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Mix the Filling: Combine corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Assemble the Pies: Spoon 1 tablespoon of pecan filling into each dough-lined muffin cavity.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes or until the filling is set and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pie crust for a quicker option.
- Customize with variations like chocolate, maple, or spiced pecan pies.
- For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
