These Mini Pecan Pies are a delightful addition to any dessert table. With their buttery shortbread crust and rich pecan filling, they are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. Their individual size makes them easy to serve and enjoy, allowing everyone to indulge without the mess of slicing a traditional pie. These mini treats offer a comforting flavor that captures the essence of fall while being versatile enough for year-round enjoyment.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of brown sugar, corn syrup, and pecans creates a rich and sweet filling that is hard to resist.
Perfect for Sharing: With 22 servings in one batch, these mini pies are ideal for parties or gatherings where sharing is key.
Versatile Occasions: They fit seamlessly into holiday menus or as an everyday treat, satisfying your sweet tooth anytime.
Beautiful Presentation: The charming individual portions make them visually appealing on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready will help you enjoy the experience even more.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Muffin tin
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Non-stick cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

Muffin tin: Essential for shaping and baking the mini pecan pies in perfectly sized portions.
Mixing bowls: Useful for combining your ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even mixing and flavor distribution.
Whisk: Great for blending eggs and other liquid ingredients smoothly without lumps.

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 step is crucial as it ensures that your mini pecan pies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Lightly spray two 12-cup muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and allows for easy removal once baked.

Step 3: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and brown sugar.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of each muffin cup to form the crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, dark corn syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Stir in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Fill the Crusts

Pour the filling mixture over each crust in the muffin tins until almost full. Be careful not to overfill as they may overflow while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until set. The filling should be slightly firm but still have a slight jiggle when shaken gently.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow your mini pecan pies to cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes before carefully removing them. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Mini Pecan Pies

Mini pecan pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. These sweet bites are perfect for gatherings, parties, or cozy family dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of mini pecan pies perfectly.
Caramel Ice Cream: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over caramel ice cream for an indulgent twist.

Add Fresh Fruits

Sliced Apples: Fresh apple slices add a crisp texture that balances the sweetness of the pies.
Berries: A mix of raspberries and blueberries provides a burst of freshness and color to your dessert plate.

Create a Dessert Platter

Mini Cheesecakes: Include mini cheesecakes alongside the mini pecan pies for variety.
Chocolate Truffles: Sweet chocolate truffles add an elegant touch to your dessert spread.

Offer Toppings

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds lightness and creaminess.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor contrast.

How to Perfect Mini Pecan Pies

To achieve the best mini pecan pies, consider these simple yet effective tips. They will help you create a delicious and visually appealing dessert.

Use Cold Butter: Start with cold butter for the crust to ensure a flaky texture.
Chop Pecans Evenly: Chop your pecans into similar sizes so they bake evenly and provide consistent flavor in every bite.
Don’t Overfill: Fill each pie crust just below the rim to prevent overflow while baking.
Check for Doneness: The filling should be set and slightly jiggly in the center; it will firm up as it cools.
Cool Before Serving: Allow your mini pecan pies to cool completely before serving; this helps keep their shape when removed from the tin.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Pecan Pies

Mini pecan pies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their taste. Here are some excellent options:

Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy salad offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pies.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavors balance the rich filling of mini pecan pies nicely.
Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweet and savory notes from this dish pair beautifully with desserts.
Green Bean Almondine: The lightness of green beans with almonds adds a nice touch without overpowering the pie’s flavor.
Cornbread Muffins: These muffins bring a hint of sweetness that complements the nutty filling perfectly.
Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots provide a vibrant color and delightful taste alongside your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making mini pecan pies can be fun and rewarding, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

crust preparation: Skipping the chilling phase for the crust can lead to a soggy bottom. Always chill the dough before rolling it out to ensure a flaky texture.
egg mixing: Overbeating eggs can create a foamy filling that affects texture. Mix just until combined for the best results.
measuring ingredients: Not measuring accurately can change the flavor and structure of your pies. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precision.
baking time oversight: Opening the oven door too often can affect baking temperature. Check mini pecan pies near the end of the baking time but avoid frequent peeks.
cooling neglect: Cutting into pies before they cool can disrupt their structure. Let them cool completely for tidy servings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover mini pecan pies in an airtight container.
They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mini Pecan Pies

Freeze mini pecan pies in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mini Pecan Pies

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes for even heating.
Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

These mini pecan pies raise some common questions that many home bakers might have.

What are Mini Pecan Pies?

Mini pecan pies are small versions of traditional pecan pie, featuring a buttery crust filled with rich, sugary pecan filling.

How do I make Mini Pecan Pies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, ensuring similar results.

Can I customize Mini Pecan Pies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, cranberries, or even different nuts to create unique flavors.

What goes good with Mini Pecan Pies?

Mini pecan pies pair wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Mini pecan pies are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their charming size makes them perfect for gatherings or as personal treats. Feel free to customize these bites by adding your favorite ingredients or toppings. Try making these mini pecan pies at your next celebration!

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Mini Pecan Pies

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 22 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Mini Pecan Pies, the perfect bite-sized treats for any festive occasion. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, sweet pecan filling, these miniature desserts embody the essence of fall while being versatile enough for year-round enjoyment. Easy to make and visually appealing, they are an ideal addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table. With 22 individual servings per batch, everyone can savor these charming treats without the hassle of slicing a traditional pie. Whether served warm or at room temperature, Mini Pecan Pies are sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly spray two 12-cup muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, blend flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly; press into muffin cups.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Stir in pecans.
Pour filling into each crust nearly to the top.
Bake for about 40 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool in pans for at least 10 minutes before removing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American