Mini Pecan Pies
These Mini Pecan Pies are a delightful treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a rich and gooey pecan pie filling. Perfect for any occasion such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, these bite-sized desserts will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Their unique mini size makes them easy to serve and enjoy, while the flavors of pecans, sugar, and vanilla create a warm, comforting experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can whip up these mini pies.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their small size makes them perfect for parties, ensuring everyone can indulge without overdoing it.
- Versatile Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and pecans creates a rich flavor that complements various occasions.
- Make Ahead: These mini pecan pies can be prepared in advance, making them an ideal dessert for busy holiday gatherings.
- Gorgeous Presentation: The individual servings look beautiful on any dessert table, adding an elegant touch to your spread.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious mini pecan pies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make your time in the kitchen enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tins (2 x 12 cup)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tins: These are essential for creating the mini pie shape and ensuring even baking.
- Mixing bowls: They help combine ingredients smoothly, making the mixing process more efficient.
Ingredients
These mini pecan pies are made with a buttery shortbread crust and a classic pecan pie filling. The perfect fall dessert to add to the Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert menu.
For the Crust
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup cold butter
For the Filling
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecan
How to Make Mini Pecan Pies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your mini pecan pies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Muffin Tins
- Lightly spray two 12-cup muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking when you remove the pies later.
Step 3: Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and brown sugar.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of each muffin tin cup to form a crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs until well beaten.
- Add dark corn syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans. Mix until combined.
Step 5: Fill the Tins
- Pour the filling into each crusted muffin cup until about three-quarters full.
Step 6: Bake
- Place muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until filling is set.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, allow your mini pecan pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Mini Pecan Pies
Serving mini pecan pies is a delightful experience that can be tailored to various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these pies will impress your guests. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert presentation.
Pair with Whipped Cream
- Serve dollops of fresh whipped cream on top for a rich and creamy contrast to the sweet filling.
Add Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to the warm pie brings a delightful temperature contrast and adds extra sweetness.
Use Caramel Sauce Drizzle
- Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the pies elevates their flavor and adds an elegant touch.
Incorporate Fresh Fruit
- Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, can lighten the dish and provide a tart balance against the sweetness.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and freshness, making your mini pecan pies visually appealing.
Create Individual Dessert Platters
- Arrange mini pecan pies on individual dessert plates with assorted toppings for guests to customize their treats.
How to Perfect Mini Pecan Pies
Perfecting mini pecan pies requires attention to detail in both preparation and baking. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.
- Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter is cold when making the crust. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Don’t overfill: Fill each crust only three-quarters full with the pecan filling to avoid overflow during baking.
- Watch your baking time: Check for doneness around the 30-minute mark; all ovens vary slightly in temperature.
- Let them cool completely: Allow the pies to cool before serving. This helps set the filling and makes them easier to remove from the tin.
- Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Pecan Pies
Mini pecan pies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy scoop that contrasts perfectly with the nutty sweetness of pecan pie.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers brightness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the pies.
- Chocolate Mousse: This light and airy dessert adds an indulgent chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with nuts.
- Pumpkin Spice Cake: The warm spices in this cake echo fall flavors, making it an ideal companion for mini pecan pies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses introduces savory notes that enhance the overall dessert experience.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts bring a crunchy texture and additional nuttiness, enhancing the theme of your dessert table.
- Coffee or Tea Service: Offering coffee or tea alongside provides warmth and comfort while complementing sweet desserts.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce can cut through the sweetness of mini pecan pies, adding complexity to each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making mini pecan pies, it’s easy to overlook important details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using stale ingredients: Always check your baking supplies for freshness. Stale flour or old nuts can ruin the flavor.
- Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill the dough, it won’t hold its shape during baking. Allow it to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Overfilling the pies: Filling them too much can lead to overflowing during baking. Aim to fill each crust just below the rim.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect how well your pies rise and set. Preheat your oven fully before putting in the pies.
- Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your mini pecan pies and adjust baking time as needed for a perfect golden brown finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store mini pecan pies in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mini Pecan Pies
- Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Mini Pecan Pies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check and repeat if necessary.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making mini pecan pies:
Can I use different nuts in my mini pecan pies?
Yes! You can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
How do I make mini pecan pies gluten-free?
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour in the crust recipe.
What goes good with pecans?
Mini pecan pies pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness.
How long do mini pecan pies last?
They will stay fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Mini pecan pies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their rich flavor combined with a buttery crust makes them a crowd favorite. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or spices like cinnamon for an extra twist. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful treats at your next gathering!
Mini Pecan Pies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 24 mini pies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Mini Pecan Pies, where buttery shortbread crusts cradle a rich, gooey filling made with brown sugar and pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, these bite-sized desserts are not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning on any dessert table. Each mini pie offers a warm, comforting flavor that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these charming treats are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray two muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then press into muffin tin bottoms.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and combine with corn syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla, salt, and pecans.
- Pour filling into each crust until three-quarters full.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
