In the heart of every festive gathering lies a little treasure – the mini pecan pie.
Picture this: golden crust cradling a gooey, caramel-like filling studded with crunchy pecans, all inviting you in with its warm aroma. It’s like a hug from your favorite grandmother wrapped in sweet goodness. Every bite transports you straight to dessert paradise, where calories don’t count and happiness is measured in deliciousness.
My fondest memory of these delightful treats goes back to Thanksgiving at my Aunt Marge’s house. As kids, we would race to the dessert table like it was the final lap of a race. The moment those mini pecan pies appeared, it was game over! I remember sneaking a few before dinner—don’t judge; it’s called multitasking! Now, I whip them up for every occasion because they’re not just tasty; they’re also ridiculously simple to make.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These mini pecan pies are a breeze to prepare and perfect for any gathering.
- Their rich flavor combines sweetness with nutty crunch that everyone adores.
- With their charming presentation, they will surely impress your guests while being versatile enough for any occasion.
I once made these mini delights for a friend’s potluck dinner. Let me tell you—the look on their faces when they took that 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; just ensure they’re rolled thinly for optimal crispiness.
- Pecans: Choose fresh and whole nuts for the best texture and flavor; chopped or whole works great!
- Brown Sugar: This adds that rich caramel taste that makes the filling oh-so-sweet—it’s essential!
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup takes the flavor profile up a notch—sweet but not overly so.
- Eggs: Use large eggs as they bind everything together perfectly and create that custardy filling.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all flavors beautifully—don’t skip this!
- Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and brings out all those lovely flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking right from the get-go.
Prepare Your Pie Crusts: Roll out your pie dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles that fit your muffin tin cups.
Fill Each Cup: Press each dough circle gently into the muffin tin. Fill each cup with chopped pecans until they’re about halfway full—this helps balance crust and filling.
Create the Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well-blended; it should smell heavenly!
Pour Filling Over Pecans: Carefully pour the filling mixture over each cup filled with pecans until just about full. Leave a tiny bit of space at the top!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and slightly puffed up. The aroma will drive you wild!
Now you have perfectly baked mini pecan pies ready for devouring! Allow them to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin—trust me; patience pays off here.
And there you have it—a simple yet scrumptious recipe for mini pecan pies that will make you look like an absolute kitchen ninja at any gathering! So grab those ingredients and get ready to impress friends and family alike with these little bites of heaven! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Mini pecan pies are perfect for parties and gatherings, delivering delightful bites of sweetness.
- Their flaky crusts and gooey filling create a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist.
- Plus, they can be made ahead of time for hassle-free entertaining.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the pie crust while you preheat your oven. Once the crust is ready, mix your filling and pour it in before baking until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist. Try adding a dash of cinnamon or maple syrup for an extra flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store mini pecan pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Chill your dough before rolling out; it makes handling much easier.
- Use fresh pecans for better flavor and texture in each bite.
- Don’t overfill; too much filling can lead to messy, overflowing pies.
Baking these mini pecan pies brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly anticipated dessert, and each bite was always met with satisfied smiles.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust for mini pecan pies?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust saves time while still delivering delicious results that everyone will love.
How long do mini pecan pies take to bake?
Mini pecan pies typically take about 20-25 minutes at 350°F until they are golden brown and set.
Can I freeze mini pecan pies?
Yes! Freeze them after baking for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Mini Pecan Pies
Mini pecan pies are bite-sized delights featuring a flaky crust and a rich, gooey filling. Perfect for any gathering, these treats will charm everyone with their irresistible flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 package pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pecans (chopped or whole)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into circles that fit your muffin tin cups.
- Press each dough circle into the muffin tin and fill with chopped pecans until halfway full.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the filling mixture over the pecans in each cup until just full, leaving a tiny bit of space at the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffed up.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin.
Notes
- Chill the dough before rolling it out for easier handling.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or chocolate chips for variations.
- Add a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie (35g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
