Mini Pecan Pies Recipe

Introduction

These Mini Pecan Pies are perfect bite-sized treats that combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, sweet pecan filling. They’re ideal for holidays, parties, or any time you want a classic dessert in a convenient, individual portion.

The image shows a stack of mini pecan pies arranged closely together on a white plate that is placed on a white marbled surface. Each pie is round, with a golden-brown crust on the top and bottom, filled with a sticky, glossy layer of caramelized pecans that have a rich brown color with lighter beige nut pieces scattered throughout. One pie on top is slightly tilted, revealing its dense, moist filling with a textured crust inside. In the blurred background, a white plate holds whole pecans, and more mini pies are visible, adding depth to the image. The lighting highlights the shine on the pecan topping, making the pies look freshly baked and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup cold butter
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray two 12-cup muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar.
  3. Step 3: Use a pastry cutter to cut the cold butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Step 4: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups to form a crust, then bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  5. Step 5: While the crusts are baking, whisk together the eggs, dark corn syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  6. Step 6: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture, then spoon the filling evenly over each shortbread crust.
  7. Step 7: Reduce the oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and bake the pies for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
  8. Step 8: Remove the pies from the oven and cool them on a wire rack before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
  • Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a different sweet note.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to enhance the warm flavors.
  • Line muffin tins with parchment cups for easier removal and cleanup.

Storage

Store cooled mini pecan pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving if desired.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several mini pecan pies stacked on a white marbled surface. Each pie has a golden-brown crust forming the base and edges, topped with a glossy, sticky layer filled with small and medium chopped pecan pieces in shades of dark brown and light tan, arranged evenly across the top. One pie is lifted slightly above the others, revealing a soft, gooey, caramel-colored filling beneath the pecan layer, with a bite taken out of it to show the texture inside. In the background, there is a white dish with whole pecans blurred out, adding depth to the image. The overall lighting highlights the glossy texture and rich colors of the pies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these mini pecan pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature or refrigerated. Just reheat slightly before serving for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use two knives to cut in the butter or pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor until it reaches the coarse crumb texture.

Print
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Mini Pecan Pies Recipe


  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mini pecan pies 1x

Description

Mini Pecan Pies feature a buttery shortbread crust filled with a rich, sweet pecan mixture. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holidays or any occasion, combining the classic flavors of pecan pie in convenient, individual servings.


Ingredients

Scale

Buttery Shortbread Crust

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup cold butter

Pecan Pie Filling

  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray two 12-cup muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and packed brown sugar. Use a pastry cutter to cut the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Form the Crust: Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the prepared muffin tins, creating an even layer that will serve as the base for the pies.
  4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until slightly firm but not browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  5. Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, dark corn syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  6. Add Pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  7. Fill the Crusts: Spoon the pecan filling evenly over the partially baked crusts in the muffin tins.
  8. Adjust Oven Temperature and Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and bake the pies for 30 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
  9. Cool the Pies: Remove the mini pecan pies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure the filling is fully set.

Notes

  • Using cold butter in the crust helps achieve a flaky, crumbly texture.
  • Be careful not to over-bake the crust in the first step; it should be set but not browned to avoid dryness.
  • If desired, garnish cooled pies with whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
  • The smaller size makes these pies perfect for parties or individual servings.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: mini pecan pies, bite-sized pecan pie, individual pecan pies, holiday dessert, shortbread crust, pecan pie filling

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