The Sweetest Mini Pecan Pies Recipe for Tiny Dessert Joy

Crafting delectable mini pecan pies brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your home with warmth and anticipation.

Pecans shine as the star ingredient in these bite-sized delights.

Crisp pastry shells cradle a rich, gooey filling that melts in your mouth.

Baking these miniature treats requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Small enough to enjoy without guilt yet decadent enough to impress, these mini pies promise to become a cherished recipe in your collection.

Gather around and savor every delightful morsel – these little pies are about to become your new favorite dessert.

Ingredients for Mini Pecan Pies

• Pie Crusts: Tender, flaky foundation for the mini pecan pies.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide rich, deep sweetness to the pie filling.
• Light Corn Syrup: Adds silky smooth texture and helps create a glossy filling.

• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps bind the filling.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps set the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.

• Pecans: Chopped nuts that deliver a classic, crunchy texture and signature pecan pie flavor.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the overall flavor complexity.

• Powdered Sugar, Whipped Cream: Adds a decorative and delightful finishing touch to the mini pies.

How to Bake Mini Pecan Pies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a standard muffin pan and coat every cup generously with nonstick spray so your tiny pies will slide out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Shape Pie Crusts

Spread pie dough on a clean counter. Roll it smooth and thin.

Use a 3.5-inch cookie cutter or drinking glass rim to create 12 perfect dough circles. Pack those circles close together to save dough.

Step 3: Create Crust Shells

Gently press each dough circle into muffin cups. Nudge the dough up the sides so it reaches halfway, creating adorable little pie shells.

Step 4: Mix Scrumptious Filling

• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Melted butter
• Beaten egg
• Light corn syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk everything until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Fill Pie Shells

Spoon filling into each pie shell. Use about 1½ tablespoons per mini pie.

Leave a tiny bit of space at the top to prevent overflow.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin pan into the oven’s center rack.

Bake for 25 minutes. Watch for set centers that don’t wiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Step 7: Cool Carefully

Let pies rest in the pan until completely cooled. This helps them keep their beautiful shape.

Step 8: Release the Pies

Run a butter knife around the edges. Carefully lift each mini pie from the pan.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your mini pecan pies. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream.

Savor every bite of your homemade treat!

Tips for Crispy and Nutty Mini Pecan Pies

• Ensure pie crusts are rolled evenly to guarantee uniform mini pies with consistent thickness and shape.
• Prevent overfilling by using a precise 1 1/2 tablespoon measurement for each crust, allowing proper expansion during baking.
• Let pies cool completely inside the muffin pan to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling when removing.
• Spray muffin pan generously with nonstick cooking spray to guarantee easy pie removal without damaging delicate crusts.
• Consider using parchment paper liners as an alternative method for effortless pie extraction and minimal cleanup.

Flavorful Variations for Mini Pecan Pies

• Gluten-Free Nutty Tartlets: Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free pastry mix, ensuring celiac-friendly enjoyment without compromising taste.
• Chocolate Pecan Mini Pies: Incorporate dark chocolate chips into the filling for a rich, decadent variation that adds depth and complexity to the classic recipe.
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Bites: Swap corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for an elevated, sophisticated flavor profile that enhances the pecan's natural sweetness.
• Vegan Pecan Tarts: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and select plant-based pie crust to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free dessert option.

Pairing Suggestions for Mini Pecan Pies

• Drizzle a homemade bourbon-infused vanilla cream over the mini pecan pies to enhance the nutty, caramel-like flavors and add a luxurious smooth texture.
• Serve alongside a strong, rich black coffee that cuts through the sweetness and provides a robust contrast to the rich pecan filling.
• Top each mini pie with a small scoop of caramel ice cream to amplify the warm, buttery notes and create a decadent dessert experience.
• Pour a warm spiced chai latte that echoes the pie's warm spices and offers a creamy, aromatic companion to the pecan dessert.

Storage Advice for Mini Pecan Pies

• Refrigerate: Store mini pecan pies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.
• Freeze: Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their rich flavor and delicate texture.
• Countertop Storage: Keep pies at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days maximum, ideal for short-term preservation without compromising taste.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed pies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Gently heat to restore their original crispy crust and warm, gooey filling without drying out the delicate pastry.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these mini pies?

A standard 12-cup muffin pan and a circular cookie cutter or glass are the main tools you’ll need to create these mini pecan pies.

• How do I prevent the pie crust from sticking to the pan?

Liberally spray the muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray before adding the pie dough to ensure easy removal after baking.

• Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these mini pecan pies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.

Why Mini Pecan Pies Are Perfect Bite-Sized Treats

• Craft Quick Mini Desserts: Perfect for bakers wanting to create cute, bite-sized treats without complicated techniques.
• Maximize Ingredient Efficiency: Recipe smartly uses standard pie crust and common pantry ingredients, reducing waste and unnecessary shopping.
• Transform Classic Pie into Party-Friendly Portions: Miniature version allows easy sharing, elegant presentation, and individual servings perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations.
• Customize with Simple Garnishes: Optional powdered sugar or whipped cream topping lets home cooks personalize these delightful mini pies according to their taste preferences.

Mini Pecan Pies Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful mini pecan pies showcase Southern hospitality with rich, nutty flavors. Crisp pastry shells cradle caramelized pecans, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch for memorable dessert experiences.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 units (9-inch) pie crusts (homemade or 14 oz package refrigerated)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1/2 cup pecans (freshly chopped)
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, room temperature)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch fine kosher or sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Flatten pie crusts on a work surface and use a 3.5-inch circular cutter to create 12 precise dough rounds, positioning cuts efficiently to maximize dough usage.
3. Carefully press each dough circle into muffin cups, ensuring the crust reaches midway up the sides of each compartment.
4. Create the filling by whisking brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Incorporate beaten egg, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing thoroughly. Fold in chopped pecans, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Gently spoon approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling into each prepared crust, being careful not to overfill, as the mixture will expand during baking.
6. Position the muffin pan on the center oven rack and bake for 25 minutes, checking for a set center that no longer appears liquid when gently shaken.
7. After removing from the oven, allow pies to cool completely within the muffin pan to maintain structural integrity.
8. Use a dull knife to delicately loosen the pies from the pan, extracting each mini pie with precision to preserve the delicate crust.
9. Serve the mini pecan pies as is, or optionally dust with powdered sugar or top with a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap traditional pie crust with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or graham cracker crusts for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or replacing some brown sugar with natural applesauce for a healthier version.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile in the mini pies.
• Line muffin cups with parchment paper strips for even easier removal and a cleaner presentation of the delicate mini pies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg