Pecan Pie Bites are delightful mini versions of the classic pecan pie, combining a buttery crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans in a single bite-sized treat. Perfect for holidays, parties, or when you’re craving just a little something sweet, these easy-to-make treats are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of a traditional pecan pie in a convenient bite-sized form.
- Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a sweet addition to a dessert spread.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Great for portion control—satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.
- A versatile treat that fits any occasion, from Thanksgiving to afternoon tea.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
Prepare the Pie Crusts:
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles that will fit into the cups of the mini muffin tin.
- Gently press each circle into the tin, ensuring they form a cup shape.
Mix the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, light brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
Assemble the Bites:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan mixture into each crust-lined cup. Be careful not to overfill.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool completely in the tin before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 24 bites
Variations
- Nut Substitutions: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolaty treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs.
- Boozy Flavor: Mix in a splash of bourbon for a festive twist.
- Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the pecan pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes, homemade pie dough works beautifully and adds a personal touch to the recipe.
2. How do I prevent the filling from overflowing?
Avoid overfilling the crusts—about 1 tablespoon of filling per cup is ideal.
3. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Yes, dark corn syrup adds a richer, deeper flavor to the filling.
4. What can I use if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
You can use a regular muffin tin but may need to adjust the crust size and baking time.
5. Can I add whole pecans instead of chopped?
Whole pecans may be too large for mini bites but can be chopped coarsely for a chunkier texture.
6. Do I need to blind bake the crusts?
No, blind baking isn’t necessary for this recipe since the filling cooks quickly.
7. Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can make them a day or two ahead. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
8. How do I make the filling thicker?
The filling naturally thickens as it cools, but you can add an extra egg yolk if desired.
9. Can I use premade pecan pie filling?
Premade filling can be used for convenience, but homemade offers the best flavor and texture.
10. What’s the best way to serve pecan pie bites?
Serve them as is, or pair with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Bites are the perfect little indulgence for any occasion. With their buttery crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecan topping, these bite-sized treats deliver all the deliciousness of a classic pecan pie in a fun, portable format. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, they’re a must-try dessert for your next gathering or holiday celebration.
PrintPecan Pie Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect bite-sized treat with these Pecan Pie Bites! Buttery crusts filled with a gooey pecan filling, these mini desserts are ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Prepare Pie Crusts:
- Roll out the pie crusts on a floured surface. Cut circles using a round cookie cutter and press each circle into the mini muffin tin.
- Mix Filling:
- In a bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Fill Crusts:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into each crust-lined cup.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the filling is set and the crusts are golden. Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a festive twist, top each bite with a whole pecan before baking.
- These bites freeze well; just thaw before serving.
- Perfect for holiday dessert tables or gifting!
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