If you love the classic flavors of pecan pie but want something bite-sized and fun to share, this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These adorable little treats pack all the rich, buttery sweetness of traditional pecan pie into perfectly portioned mini delights. Crispy crusts cradle a luscious, gooey filling studded with crunchy pecans, making them ideal for gatherings, holiday parties, or simply a cozy treat with your favorite cup of coffee. With just the right balance of sweetness and texture, this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential in creating the perfect balance of flaky crust and sweet, nutty filling. Each element plays a crucial role in texture, flavor, and that irresistible mouthfeel that makes these pecan pie bites so special.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups or 156 g): The foundation of the crust providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup or 113 g): Adds richness and creates the flaky layers in your crust.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Sweetens the crust just enough for balance without overpowering.
- Cold water (2-3 tablespoons): Helps bind the dough gently without making it tough.
- Large egg (1): Binds the filling ingredients together and adds silkiness.
- Light corn syrup (1/4 cup or 60 ml): Brings that classic sticky sweetness necessary for a luscious filling.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup or 50 g): Adds deep molasses flavor and rich color to the filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1 tablespoon): Enhances flavor and smooth texture in the filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup or 60 g): The star ingredient delivering a satisfying crunch and nutty goodness.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin tin. This small step sets you up for perfectly baked bites with a non-stick finish, ensuring they come out clean and beautiful.
Step 2: Make the Crust Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This texture is key because it creates a tender, flaky crust once baked—take your time here for best results.
Step 3: Bring the Dough Together
Add cold water one tablespoon at a time and gently mix just until the dough sticks together. Avoid overmixing to keep the crust light and crumbly instead of tough.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour a surface and roll your dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut circles that are slightly larger than the muffin tin wells. This allows for an even crust edge to hold the filling.
Step 5: Form the Crusts
Press each dough circle gently into the prepared mini muffin tins, smoothing the bottom and sides. Make sure to create a shallow cup to hold the filling without spilling.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. This luscious filling is packed with flavor and will set beautifully in the oven.
Step 7: Assemble the Pecan Pie Bites
Spoon about one teaspoon of chopped pecans into each crust first, then pour approximately one tablespoon of the filling over the pecans. This layering ensures each bite has both crunchy pecans and gooey, sweet filling evenly distributed.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pecan pie bites for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust turns a lovely golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure magic.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Allow the bites to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps the filling fully set, making each bite neat and easy to handle.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these tasty little treats at room temperature or slightly warm. For an extra touch of charm, dust with powdered sugar just before serving to add a pretty, festive finish.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful snowy effect that highlights the rich golden filling. For even more flair, add a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
These pecan pie bites pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, balancing their sweetness with a warm, comforting sip. For a festive spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light vanilla ice cream to contrast textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your pecan pie bites on a rustic wooden board or a pretty tiered dessert stand for eye-catching presentation. Tie mini ribbons around each muffin cup for parties, or serve in colorful paper liners to match holiday or event themes. The bite-size nature makes them perfect for grab-and-go snacking or elegant dessert tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these delights, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain the crispness of the crust and freshness of the filling.
Freezing
Pecan pie bites freeze beautifully if you want to prepare them in advance. Place cooled bites on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For that freshly baked warmth, reheat pecan pie bites in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will revive the crust’s crispness and gently warm the gooey filling without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust dough up to a day in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge. Just let it rest at room temperature a few minutes before rolling out for easier handling.
What can I substitute for corn syrup?
If you don’t have light corn syrup on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural substitute. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor and texture but still yield delicious results.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pressing the dough firmly into the muffin tins and pre-chilling it can help. Also, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed means less chance of the crust getting soggy since it won’t be overloaded with liquid.
Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
Yes, you can! Using whole or halved pecans gives a bigger crunch and a beautiful look on top of the bites. Just be mindful of the filling amount so it still fits comfortably within the crust.
Are these pecan pie bites gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and handle the dough gently for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Bites Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that brings down the complexity of a beloved dessert into adorable, easy-to-eat portions. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast, a casual get-together, or just because you crave something sweet and nutty, these little bites won’t disappoint. Give this recipe a try and get ready to see them disappear quickly from your plate—because who can resist the charm of pecan pie made bite-sized?
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Pecan Pie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Pecan Pie Bites are delightful mini desserts featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich, sweet pecan filling. Perfectly portioned for parties or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bites combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized treat. Baked until golden and set, they offer a perfect balance of crisp crust and gooey filling.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter is well distributed.
- Add Cold Water: Add cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the crust tender.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut circles slightly larger than the muffin tin openings for easier pressing.
- Form Crusts: Press each dough circle into the mini muffin tin cups, shaping them to form a crust that will hold the filling.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the egg, light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Pecans and Fill Crusts: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of chopped pecans into each crust, then pour approximately 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture over the pecans to cover them evenly.
- Bake: Bake the assembled pecan pie bites in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust turns a golden brown hue.
- Cool: Let the pecan pie bites cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and avoid soggy bottoms.
- Serve: Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant, sweet garnish.
Notes
- For easier handling, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling if it becomes too soft.
- Use a mini muffin pan for uniform bite-sized pies.
- Adjust the amount of pecans based on your preference for crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These pecan pie bites can also be frozen after baking; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
