Mini pecan pies recipe

Looking for a showstopping dessert that’s as adorable as it is addictive? This mini pecan pies recipe is everything you love about classic pecan pie — rich, gooey, loaded with toasty pecans — but perfectly portioned, portable, and ready in about half an hour! It’s the ideal treat for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or just a Tuesday night when you want something a little special. Trust me, your friends and family will be smiling from ear to ear after one bite of these buttery, sweet little pies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this mini pecan pies recipe has a big job—think of them as a dream team, working together to deliver that sweet, nutty crunch and melt-in-your-mouth filling. From buttery crusts to a touch of cinnamon, here’s what brings this treat to life:

• Store-bought refrigerated pie crust: The quickest way to flaky, golden perfection—no rolling pins or flour storms required.
• Chopped pecans: Give them a rough chop so every bite of your mini pie is packed with toasty, nutty goodness.
• Light corn syrup: This is what makes the filling glossy, gooey, and utterly irresistible.
• Light brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel flavor with a hint of molasses for extra richness.
• Large eggs: Lightly beaten eggs set the filling and give the pies a tender, custardy texture.
• Melted butter: For richness and a beautiful, satiny finish in the filling.
• Vanilla extract: A fragrant touch to round out the sweetness and bring everything together.
• Cinnamon (optional): Just a pinch for anyone who loves a little warm spice in their pecan pie.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.

How to Make Mini pecan pies recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Crusts

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a standard muffin tin and spray each cavity generously with nonstick spray. If you want to make removing the pies even easier, add a strip of parchment paper to each cup—the little “handles” will help you lift them out without breaking the crust.

Step 2: Roll and Cut Pie Circles

Unroll your store-bought pie dough onto a lightly floured surface, and use a 3-inch cookie cutter to make 12 rounds per crust. You might need to quickly reroll any dough scraps to reach 24 circles total. Take each circle and gently press it into a muffin cup, letting it form a mini home for your irresistible filling.

Step 3: Mix the Pecan Pie Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, roughly chopped pecans, optional cinnamon, and salt. Make sure your pecans are chopped—they distribute perfectly throughout each mini pie. Add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla to the mix, stirring until everything is well combined and glossy.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Carefully spoon the pecan pie filling into each pie crust, filling the cups about two-thirds full. Be sure not to overfill—the filling will puff up as it bakes. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the crusts are golden and the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once your mini pecan pies come out of the oven, let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes. Use the parchment strips (if you used them) or a butter knife to gently loosen each pie, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. And voilà—the mini pecan pies recipe delivers bite-sized bliss every single time!

How to Serve Mini pecan pies recipe

Garnishes

Mini pecan pies practically beg to be dressed up! Top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for creamy contrast. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or an extra pinch of cinnamon over the top will make each bite pop with flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these mini pies alongside fresh fruit salad, mugs of strong coffee, or a scoop of caramel ice cream. Their rich sweetness pairs beautifully with anything tangy, creamy, or bitter—so a tart apple slaw or dark chocolate squares can also be a fantastic addition to your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Try arranging the mini pecan pies on a pretty tiered tray for a tea party vibe, or place each pie in a festive cupcake liner. For special occasions, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with a selection of flavored whipped creams (think maple or bourbon)!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover mini pecan pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is extra warm or you want them to last longer, stash them in the fridge—they’ll stay delicious for up to five days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the mini pecan pies recipe! Once the pies have cooled completely, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked flavor and a crisp crust, reheat your mini pecan pies in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave (about 15 seconds) works, but the oven method keeps the crust perfectly flaky.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Your favorite homemade pie dough works beautifully with this mini pecan pies recipe—just make sure to chill the dough before cutting and pressing it into the tins.

Is the cinnamon really necessary?

Cinnamon is completely optional here. It adds a cozy, spiced note, but if you prefer traditional pecan pie flavor or are baking for picky eaters, feel free to leave it out.

How do I prevent the pies from sticking to the muffin tin?

A generous coating of nonstick spray helps, but those parchment paper strips are a real game-changer. They make it so easy to pop the pies out, no digging or crumbling required!

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes, these mini pecan pies are a terrific make-ahead dessert. Bake them up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just bring them to room temperature before serving, or give them a quick reheat for that fresh-baked goodness.

What if I want to make fewer pies?

No problem! Simply halve all the ingredients and use one pie crust instead of two. You’ll get around 12 mini pies—a perfect batch for smaller gatherings or just treating yourself!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a bite-sized treat that’s big on flavor, you absolutely have to give this mini pecan pies recipe a try. They’re festive, easy to make, and always impress—so get ready to bake up a batch and watch them disappear!

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