Irresistible Mini Pecan Pies: A Sweet Delight to Savor

Recipe By:
Laura Rollins
Updated:

Are you ready to embark on a sweet journey filled with buttery goodness and crunchy pecans? Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, mini pecan pie, where the smooth filling dances with the nutty crunch of pecans. This delightful dessert packs a flavor punch that makes it hard to stop at just one—trust me, I’ve tried!

Picture this: It’s a chilly autumn evening, and the scent of toasted pecans wafts through the air, mingling with hints of caramel and vanilla. You gather around the table with family or friends, sharing stories and laughter while indulging in these bite-sized treats. Salted caramel mocha martini Mini pecan pies aren’t just desserts; they’re little morsels of happiness that bring people together during holidays or cozy gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These mini pecan pies are easy to whip up, perfect for any occasion.
  • The rich flavors blend beautifully, creating a taste explosion in every bite.
  • Visually stunning, they add an elegant touch to your dessert spread.
  • Plus, they’re versatile enough to enjoy year-round or customize with your favorite nuts!

Ingredients for Mini Pecan Pies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pie Crusts: Use store-bought mini pie crusts for convenience, or whip up a simple homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous.

  • Pecans: Choose fresh, raw pecans for a delightful crunch; toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.

  • Brown Sugar: The key ingredient for that sweet caramel-like filling; light or dark brown sugar works best.

  • Eggs: These bind everything together and give your filling that perfect custardy texture.

  • Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and richness to your filling; never underestimate its power!

For the Topping:

  • Whipped Cream: Homemade or store-bought; either way, it’s the perfect finishing touch on these mini delights.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Cajun pasta recipe recipe.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Mini Pecan Pies

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your mini pecan pies hit the heat, they bake evenly and perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pie Crusts

Place your mini pie crusts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re using frozen ones, let them thaw as you prepare your filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together about three eggs until they’re lovely and frothy. Then add in half a cup of brown sugar along with one tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix until combined; don’t worry if it gets a little messy—flour power!

Step 4: Toss in Your Pecans

Chop those beautiful pecans roughly (or leave them whole if you want to show off) and fold them gently into the mixture until everything is coated in sweet goodness.

Step 5: Fill Your Crusts

Carefully pour the mixture into each pie crust until they’re about three-quarters full. This allows room for some rising magic without spilling over.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Pop those beauties into the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving—if you can resist! Transfer them onto plates and serve warm with whipped cream on top.

Now you have a batch of delightful mini pecan pies that will make everyone ask for seconds (or thirds). Enjoy every crunchy bite as they melt in your mouth!

You Must Know

  • Mini pecan pies are not just a dessert; they are tiny bites of happiness!
  • Perfect for parties or simply indulging after a long day, these little treats pack all the flavor of traditional pecan pie but come with a fun-sized twist.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, mix your filling ingredients in one bowl and roll out your dough in another. Once you’ve got your mini crusts ready, pour in that delicious pecan filling. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your mini pecan pies! You can swap out pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness. Turtle cookies for dessert A dash of cinnamon or bourbon can elevate the flavor profile immensely. Gingerbread cookies for festive occasions.

Storing & Reheating

To store your mini pecan pies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh pecans for better flavor and crunch; old nuts can taste stale and ruin your pies.
  • For perfectly shaped crusts, use a muffin tin instead of trying to shape by hand.
  • Always let the pies cool completely before removing them to prevent breaking.

I still remember the first time I made mini pecan pies for my family gathering—everyone couldn’t stop raving about them! My cousin even asked if I could make a double batch next time because they disappeared faster than I could plate them!

FAQs:

What are Mini Pecan Pies?

Mini Pecan Pies are delightful bite-sized desserts that capture the rich flavor of traditional pecan pie in a smaller form. They typically consist of a flaky pastry shell filled with a sweet and sticky mixture made from pecans, sugar, corn syrup, and eggs. These tiny treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress guests with a delicious and elegant dessert. For more inspiration, check out this refreshing lemon bars recipe.

How do I store Mini Pecan Pies?

To store Mini Pecan Pies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. If you need to store them even longer, consider freezing the pies. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Can I make Mini Pecan Pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Mini Pecan Pies ahead of time. Prepare the filling and pastry shells separately, then assemble and bake just before serving. Alternatively, bake the pies in advance and store them as described above. This makes it easy to prepare for gatherings while ensuring you serve fresh-tasting desserts without stress on the day of the event.

What can I serve with Mini Pecan Pies?

Mini Pecan Pies pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. A dollop of whipped cream adds a light creaminess that complements their sweetness. Vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the pies or serve with coffee or tea for a perfect dessert experience.

Conclusion for Mini Pecan Pies:

In summary, Mini Pecan Pies are small but mighty desserts that bring joy to any occasion. Their sweet filling and flaky crust offer a satisfying treat that everyone will love. Storing and preparing these pies is simple, making them an excellent choice for both casual gatherings and special events. So whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying family time, these tasty morsels will surely shine as a highlight on your dessert table.

Print

Mini Pecan Pies

Mini pecan pies are delightful bite-sized treats that perfectly combine a flaky pastry crust with a rich, sweet filling of pecans and brown sugar. These charming desserts are ideal for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations, offering all the flavor of traditional pecan pie in a fun-sized version. Easy to make and visually appealing, they will surely impress your guests and leave them craving more.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (12 mini) store-bought pie crusts
  • 1 cup raw pecans, chopped
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the mini pie crusts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
  4. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
  5. Fill each pie crust three-quarters full with the pecan mixture.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving topped with whipped cream.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini pie (40g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: - Swap pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for delicious variations. - For added flavor, consider a dash of cinnamon or bourbon in the filling. - Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

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