Irresistible Mini Pecan Pies are like little bites of heaven, with their sweet, gooey filling and buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth. Imagine breaking into one and having that rich aroma envelop you, instantly transporting you to a cozy fall afternoon with leaves crunching underfoot and the warmth of family gathered around the table. fruit dessert pizza for variety zesty lemon cake for celebrations smoothies that complement desserts. You might also enjoy this Lemon Poppy Seed Cake recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How long do I bake mini pecan pies?
- Can I make these pies ahead of time?
- What can I substitute for pecans in this recipe?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These delightful mini treats aren’t just for the holidays; they are perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday bash, a potluck with friends, or simply a Tuesday when you need a pick-me-up. Each bite bursts with flavor, combining the nuttiness of pecans with a hint of caramel sweetness that will leave your taste buds dancing in delight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Irresistible Mini Pecan Pies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any baker.
- The flavor is a delightful blend of sweet and nutty that appeals to everyone.
- Their charming size makes them visually stunning for any gathering, allowing guests to enjoy their own personal pie.
- Versatile enough to be served warm or chilled, they fit any occasion beautifully.
I remember the first time I made these mini pecan pies for a family reunion. The way my cousin’s eyes lit up when he took his first bite was priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pie Crusts: You can use store-bought or homemade crust; both work wonderfully if rolled thin enough.
- Chopped Pecans: Opt for fresh pecans for a richer flavor; they should be roughly chopped so everyone gets some in each bite.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that sticky filling texture we all love.
- Brown Sugar: Using light brown sugar contributes depth and richness to the filling’s flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together, giving the filling its signature custardy consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for the best flavor enhancement; it elevates the entire dessert.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors in this delightful treat.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness; it’s essential for that irresistible taste and flaky texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Pie Crusts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface until they are about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles that will fit into your muffin tin.
Arrange in Muffin Tin: Gently press each circle into the muffin tin cups. Make sure they fit snugly but not too tight; you want them to hold all that delicious filling without exploding!
Create The Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth; it should smell heavenly as you mix!
Add Pecans To The Filling: Stir in the chopped pecans until they’re fully coated with your sweet mixture. This step ensures every single bite will be packed with nutty goodness.
Fill The Crusts Generously: Spoon the pecan mixture evenly into each pie crust until they’re filled almost to the top. Remember: these mini pies will puff up slightly while baking—like they’re wearing little pastry hats!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the filling has set but still jiggles slightly. Let them cool before trying to remove them from the tin.
Your kitchen will smell like an autumn wonderland by now! Enjoy these Irresistible Mini Pecan Pies warm or at room temperature—they’re simply divine either way! For more inspiration, check out this Easter Shortbread Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- These irresistible mini pecan pies are more than just dessert; they offer a delightful crunch with a sweet, gooey center.
- The aroma wafting from your oven will have everyone asking for the recipe before they even take a bite.
- Perfect for gatherings, these mini treats are sure to impress!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your crusts first, then mix the filling while they chill. Bake until golden brown for perfectly cooked mini pies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or add dark chocolate chips for a fun twist. A pinch of sea salt on top can enhance the flavors beautifully as well.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that fresh-baked flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh ingredients for better flavor; stale nuts can ruin your pies.
- Consider chilling your crust before baking to avoid shrinkage, ensuring perfect shapes every time.
- Don’t overfill your mini pies; leave some space for bubbling goodness!
Creating these irresistible mini pecan pies brings back memories of family holidays, where everyone eagerly gathered around the dessert table, eagerly anticipating that first heavenly bite. mini cheesecakes for dessert tables.
FAQ
How long do I bake mini pecan pies?
Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day prior and store them in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for pecans in this recipe?
Walnuts or macadamia nuts work well as substitute options in these mini pies.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Irresistible Mini Pecan Pies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 mini pies 1x
Description
Irresistible Mini Pecan Pies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. These bite-sized delights feature a signature buttery crust filled with a rich, gooey pecan mixture that combines caramel sweetness with nutty goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a cozy dessert to brighten your day, these mini pies will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 batch pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out pie crusts and cut circles to fit muffin tins.
- Press each circle into the muffin cups snugly.
- In a bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans until coated.
- Fill each crust with the pecan mixture until just below the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown and filling is set but jiggles slightly.
- Allow to cool before removing from tins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg