Quick Mini Pecan Pies Recipe: Tiny Treats That Impress Everyone

Crafting delectable mini pecan pies brings pure joy to weekend baking adventures.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Tiny pastry shells cradle rich, caramel-like filling that melts delightfully on your tongue.

Pecans add a satisfying crunch, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Southern traditions inspire this irresistible dessert that looks impressive yet comes together with surprising ease.

Subtle hints of vanilla and brown sugar dance through each miniature treat.

You’ll want to share these little masterpieces with everyone around the table.

Why Mini Pecan Pies Are Perfect Bite-Sized Treats

• Craft Quick Delights: Miniature pies bring instant charm to any gathering, offering bite-sized indulgence without complicated preparation steps.
• Customize with Ease: These mini pecan pies adapt perfectly for various events, from casual family desserts to elegant party treats with minimal ingredient adjustments.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: Simple mixing technique and straightforward instructions make this recipe approachable for novice bakers wanting to create impressive sweet treats without advanced pastry skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfectly portioned mini pies ensure everyone gets a delectable taste of nutty, caramelized goodness that appeals to both kids and adults with their irresistible sweet and crunchy texture.

Ingredients for Mini Pecan Pies

• Refrigerated Pie Crust: A convenient base that provides a flaky and tender foundation for the mini pecan pies.

• Eggs: Bind the filling and create a rich, custard-like texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a caramel-like consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and smooth flavor to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweetness of the pie.

• Pecans: The star ingredient that adds a nutty crunch and signature flavor to the mini pies.

How to Bake Mini Pecan Pies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and grab your mini muffin tin. Line a baking sheet with the tin to catch any potential drips and make moving in and out of the oven easier.

Step 2: Create the Gooey Filling

• Eggs
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and totally combined.

Step 3: Fold in Nutty Goodness

Gently stir chopped pecans into the sweet mixture.

Make sure every pecan gets a luxurious coating of the sugary blend.

Step 4: Fill the Tiny Crusts

Using a spoon, carefully fill each mini pie crust about three-quarters full.

This allows room for the filling to puff up during baking without overflowing.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling sets and the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the mini pecan pies cool right in the pan.

Once they’ve settled, transfer to a wire rack. These little treats are delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Mini Pecan Pies Success

• Fill mini pie crusts only three-quarters full to avoid messy spills and ensure even baking.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to intensify their rich, warm taste and add depth to the dessert.
• Look for golden brown tops and set filling as indicators that mini pecan pies are perfectly baked.
• Enjoy these bite-sized treats warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Keep mini pecan pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delicate texture.

Variations on Mini Pecan Pies

• Gluten-Free Pecan Tartlets: Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free pastry shells for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Nutty Mini Pies: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap brown sugar for maple syrup to create a plant-based alternative.
• Chocolate Pecan Bites: Add dark chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mini pies for a rich, decadent upgrade.
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Cups: Incorporate a splash of bourbon and replace some sugar with pure maple syrup for a sophisticated adult-friendly variation.

Best Pairings for Mini Pecan Pies

• Complement the sweet, nutty flavor of mini pecan pies with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, which enhances the caramel notes and brings out the richness of the pecans.
• Top these mini pies with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the warm, crispy pie and the cold, smooth dessert.
• Brew a warm cup of spiced chai tea to balance the sweetness of the pecan pies, with its aromatic cinnamon and cardamom notes providing a complementary flavor profile.

How to Store Mini Pecan Pies

• Store mini pecan pies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm each pie for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check to avoid overheating and maintain crispy crust texture.
• Warm pies at 325F (160C) for 5-7 minutes. Place on a baking sheet to restore crispness and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Can I make these mini pecan pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mini pecan pies a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.

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

You’ll need a mini muffin tin to create the perfect bite-sized treats. A standard 24-cup mini muffin pan works best for this recipe.

• How do I prevent the pie crusts from getting soggy?

Pre-bake the mini pie crusts for about 5 minutes before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with chopped walnuts or a mix of nuts for a similar texture and flavor profile.

Mini Pecan Pies Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful mini pecan pies bring Southern charm straight to dessert tables with their irresistible nutty sweetness. Crisp pastry shells cradle rich caramel-like filling, promising a perfect bite-sized indulgence you’ll savor down to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 package (14 ounces / 397 grams) pre-made pie crusts

Sugars:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Other Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare baking equipment by positioning mini muffin tins on a sturdy baking sheet, ensuring even heat distribution.
2. Combine eggs, sugars, melted butter, salt, and vanilla in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Incorporate chopped pecans into the liquid base, gently folding to ensure even coating and distribution throughout the filling.
4. Fill prepared pastry crusts with the pecan mixture, carefully portioning each cavity to about three-quarters full, allowing space for natural expansion during baking.
5. Place the baking sheet with filled muffin tins into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the filling sets and tops develop a rich golden-brown color.
6. Remove from oven and allow mini pies to cool completely within the tin, helping them maintain structural integrity.
7. Once cooled, delicately transfer the mini pecan pies to a wire cooling rack, preparing them for serving at either warm or room temperature.

Notes

• Prevent overflow by filling mini pie crusts only three-quarters full, allowing space for expansion during baking.
• Ensure uniform pecan distribution by gently folding nuts into the mixture, coating them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Opt for room temperature ingredients like eggs to create smoother, more integrated filling without lumps or uneven texture.
• Consider toasting pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add deeper complexity to the mini pies’ overall taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 276 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 124 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg