Mini Pecan Pies in Mini Muffin Pan Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a batch of perfect little sweet treats that bake up fast and never disappoint, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Mini Pecan Pies in Mini Muffin Pan Recipe. These tiny pies are a delightful twist on a classic Southern favorite—just bite-sized enough for snacking, sharing, or even as a fun party dessert. Trust me, once you see how easy they are to make and how insanely delicious they turn out, you’ll want to keep this recipe close forever.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Mini Pecan Pies in Mini Muffin Pan Recipe is chosen for balance—rich sweetness, a touch of buttery crunch, and that satisfying gooey filling we all crave. When shopping, I always pick fresh, raw pecans for the best flavor, and good-quality vanilla makes a surprising difference here.

• Mini Muffin Pan: This is key! Using a mini muffin pan ensures perfectly portioned pies that bake evenly.
• Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade works fine, but homemade adds a lovely flaky texture I love.
• Pecans: Fresh, raw pecans that you can toast yourself make all the difference in flavor.
• Light Corn Syrup: Helps create that classic sticky and glossy pecan pie filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich molasses depth that’s hard to beat.
• Butter: Unsalted, melted butter provides richness to the filling and crust.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the filling together while baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash amps up all the flavors.
• Salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness.

Variations

I love that this Mini Pecan Pies in Mini Muffin Pan Recipe is a perfect canvas for your own little twists. Over the years, I’ve played with everything from nut swaps to add-ins, and it’s worth experimenting to find what suits your taste.

• Nut Swap: Tried walnuts or mixed nuts for a different crunch, and it was surprisingly delicious!
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top after baking adds an indulgent finish that my kids adore.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Using a gluten-free pie crust didn’t compromise flavor, so don’t hesitate to adapt for dietary needs.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling gives a warm, cozy flavor that’s amazing during the holidays.

How to Make Mini Pecan Pies in Mini Muffin Pan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Mini Muffin Pan and Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your mini muffin pan a good spray with non-stick cooking spray—this will make releasing those little pies a breeze. Next, roll out your pie crust to about 1/8-inch thickness and use a small round cutter just big enough to fit snugly into each muffin cup. Press the dough gently but firmly to create a perfect crust base.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Toast your pecans for enhanced flavor, then fold most of them into the filling mixture, saving a few for sprinkling on top. The filling should be glossy and pourable but still thick enough to hold together in those tiny cups.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Pour or spoon the filling evenly into each crust-lined cup—about ¾ full to avoid overflow. I like using a small spoon or a measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring. Sprinkle the reserved pecans on top for that inviting crunch and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the filling sets and the crust turns golden brown.

Step 4: Cool and Release

Once baked, give your mini pecan pies a good 10 minutes to cool in the pan. This step is important—if you try to remove them too soon, they might fall apart. After cooling, gently run a small butter knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully pop them out. They’ll be firm yet gooey and ready for tasting!

How to Serve Mini Pecan Pies in Mini Muffin Pan Recipe

Garnishes

I often top these mini pecan pies with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness and add that lovely creamy contrast. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an extra touch of indulgence that makes them feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These mini pies are such a hit on their own but also pair beautifully with a bright fruit salad or some candied pecans for a full dessert spread. I like to serve them at holiday dinners alongside a cup of coffee or spiced tea for that cozy, comforting vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange these mini pies on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by fresh seasonal fruits and mint leaves—it makes for a stunning, tempting centerpiece. I’ve even wrapped individual pies in small parchment squares tied with string for homemade party favors that my guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I let these mini pecan pies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and tasty for about 2 days—though if your family is anything like mine, they’ll be gone long before then!

Freezing

If you want to make them ahead of time, I recommend freezing the unbaked pies. Line a baking sheet with parchment, freeze the filled cups until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This trick saved me during the holidays more than once!

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to warm the filling and crisp up the crust again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that signature flakiness and gooey texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Mini Pecan Pies in Mini Muffin Pan Recipe turns out every time—it’s like a little slice of Southern comfort in each bite. Making these tiny pies brings back memories of family gatherings and sweet, cozy kitchen moments. I promise if you give them a try, you’ll find they’re surprisingly easy to master and irresistibly delicious. So grab your mini muffin pan, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some magic together—you won’t regret it!

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