Mini Pecan Pies Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that is irresistibly sweet, wonderfully nutty, and perfectly shareable, these Mini Pecan Pies are going to be your new best friend. Bite-sized and packed with rich, buttery pecan filling nestled in a delicate, crumbly crust, they capture all the cozy, festive flavors of a classic pecan pie in a charming, personal portion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, these pint-sized wonders deliver big on flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Mini Pecan Pies come together with simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, each playing a distinct role in crafting the ultimate blend of texture and taste. From the crisp, buttery crust to the gooey, spiced filling, every element is key.

• Cold heavy cream (2 tbsp): Adds moisture and richness to the pie dough for tenderness.
• Large egg yolks (2): Bind the crust ingredients, enhancing flavor and color.
• Vanilla bean paste (1 tsp): Provides a deep, aromatic sweetness essential for the filling.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups, 250g): Forms the structure of the pie crust.
• Powdered sugar (4 tbsp): Sweetens and tenderizes the crust for a delicate crumb.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Cold unsalted butter (½ cup + 1 tbsp, 125g): Creates a flaky texture in the crust.
• Dark brown sugar (1 packed cup, 215g): Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness to the filling.
• Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Thickens the filling so it sets beautifully.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings warm spice to complement the nuts.
• Grated nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds subtle, earthy spice notes.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor harmony in the filling.
• Maple syrup (⅓ cup, 80ml): Imparts natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Melted and cooled unsalted butter (¼ cup, 60g): Enriches the filling’s creaminess.
• Large eggs (3): Provide structure and a silky texture to the filling.
• Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Boosts sweetness and adds aromatic complexity.
• Finely chopped pecans (2 cups, 240g): Give the pies their signature nutty crunch.
• Pecan halves (12, optional): Perfect for decorating the tops for an elegant finish.

How to Make Mini Pecan Pies

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

Start with making a perfectly tender pie crust by combining cold heavy cream, egg yolks, and vanilla bean paste in a bowl and setting it aside. Next, sift together powdered sugar, flour, and salt, then add cold cubed butter. Use either a pastry cutter or your fingertips, or pulse briefly in a food processor until the mixture resembles sandy crumbs. Gradually add the egg mixture and stir until the dough just starts to come together. Carefully form it into a ball using parchment paper, flatten it, and chill for at least an hour to let the butter firm up again. This rest time is essential for a flaky crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Mini Pie Shells

Once chilled, lightly grease a standard muffin pan and dust it with flour. Roll out the dough on parchment dusted with powdered sugar until thin. Cut circles slightly larger than the muffin holes and gently press them into the pan with a pastry tamper. Chill the shells again for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage during baking. This step ensures your Mini Pecan Pies keep their shape and bake with that perfect golden edge.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Combine dark brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a bowl, whisking to break up any lumps. Add maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring vigorously until smooth. Next, beat in the eggs until everything is evenly combined. You can either fold the chopped pecans into this mixture now or reserve them for layering directly into the crust shells. This luscious, spiced filling is what makes Mini Pecan Pies uniquely delightful.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you haven’t already mixed pecans into the filling, spoon a generous amount of chopped pecans into each shell to fill about halfway. Pour the filling over the pecans carefully, leaving a small gap at the top to avoid overflow while baking. For a classic touch, place a pecan half on top of each pie for decoration. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling sets nicely. Let the pies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before gently releasing them onto a wire rack. Cool to room temperature or serve warm for the ultimate comfort treat.

How to Serve Mini Pecan Pies

Garnishes

To enhance the sweet nuttiness, consider dusting your Mini Pecan Pies lightly with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving. For a decadent touch, a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream turns these tiny pies into a show-stopping dessert. The contrast of warm pie with cool ice cream is simply irresistible and adds elegance with minimal effort.

Side Dishes

Mini Pecan Pies pair beautifully with a warm cup of black coffee or spiced chai, balancing the rich sweetness of the pies. If you’re presenting these at a holiday table, fresh fruit or a bowl of mixed berries adds a refreshing counterpoint. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside caramel sauce or a drizzle of bourbon sauce to amp up the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these charming pies on a tiered cake stand for a festive centerpiece that invites guests to indulge. Alternatively, place them in decorative cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go snacking. For a whimsical dessert tray, arrange Mini Pecan Pies with mini whipped cream dollops and pecan halves on top. These presentation ideas turn a simple treat into an unforgettable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mini Pecan Pies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to preserve their freshness a bit longer, store them in the refrigerator where they can stay tasty for up to a week. Bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the perfect texture.

Freezing

These pies freeze wonderfully! Arrange the cooled Mini Pecan Pies on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to three months, making them an ideal prep-ahead dessert for holidays or special occasions.

Reheating

Reheat your Mini Pecan Pies gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes to refresh the crust’s crispness and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy instead of flaky. This simple tip ensures every bite tastes just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a pre-made pie crust for Mini Pecan Pies?

Absolutely! Using store-bought pie crust is a convenient shortcut that still yields delicious results. Just make sure to roll it out thinly and chill it before baking to maintain that crisp, flaky texture.

What can I substitute for maple syrup in the filling?

If you prefer or don’t have maple syrup, you can use light corn syrup, honey, or even agave syrup. Each will slightly alter the flavor profile but still deliver the sweet, sticky consistency needed for the perfect filling.

How do I know when Mini Pecan Pies are fully baked?

You want to see a golden crust and a filling that is set but still slightly jiggly in the very center. The filling will firm up more as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep the filling luscious.

Can I make Mini Pecan Pies dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based cream or milk in the crust. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.

How far in advance can I assemble the pies before baking?

You can prepare the dough and filling and refrigerate the assembled but unbaked pies for up to 24 hours. Let them come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing Mini Pecan Pies with friends, family, or even enjoying them all by yourself. These delightful little pies bring a perfect balance of comforting flavors and charming ease. Once you try these, I guarantee they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation, ready to brighten any occasion with a touch of nutty sweetness and buttery goodness.

Print