Mini Pecan Pies

These Mini Pecan Pies are the perfect bite-sized version of the classic Southern favorite. Packed with a sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecans, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or as a fun dessert for a family dinner, these mini pies are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love These Mini Pecan Pies:

• Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Bite-sized treats that are easy to eat and serve.
• Rich and Sweet: A deliciously sweet and gooey filling with a perfect balance of crunch from the pecans.
• Customizable: You can make them in mini muffin tins for a more casual look or in tartlet pans for a more elegant presentation.
• Easy to Make: A simple recipe that comes together quickly and can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients for Mini Pecan Pies:

• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
• 1 cup pecan halves (or chopped if you prefer smaller pieces)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need:

• Mini muffin tin or tartlet pans
• Rolling pin (if using pie dough)
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or knife (if using pie dough)

How to Make Mini Pecan Pies:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface. If using homemade crust, roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Using a round cutter (like a glass or cookie cutter), cut circles from the pie dough large enough to fit into your mini muffin tin or tartlet pans.
Press the dough circles into the cups, making sure to fit them snugly. You can trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Fill the Pies Place 3-4 pecan halves (or a tablespoon of chopped pecans) into each pie crust.
Pour the filling mixture over the pecans, filling each mini pie almost to the top. Be sure not to overfill, as the filling will bubble up during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Mini Pecan Pies Place the mini muffin tin or tartlet pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges of the crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Check the pies about halfway through baking and rotate the pan for even cooking if necessary.

Step 5: Cool and Serve Let the mini pecan pies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate dessert experience.

Tips for the Best Mini Pecan Pies:

• Use Fresh Pecan Halves: Make sure your pecans are fresh for the best flavor and crunch.
• Avoid Overfilling: The filling expands as it bakes, so don’t overfill the crust to prevent overflow.
• Make Ahead: These pies can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer storage.

Storage Instructions:

• Store mini pecan pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days if you prefer them cold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Q2: Can I freeze these mini pies?
Yes! Once cooled, freeze the mini pecan pies in a single layer on a baking sheet. After freezing, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q3: How can I make these mini pies more festive?
For a holiday touch, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling mixture, or top with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion: A Bite-Sized Classic

These Mini Pecan Pies are the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy in a conveniently sized portion. Whether for a holiday treat, a special occasion, or just because, these pies are sure to please.

Did you try this recipe? Share your thoughts and photos with us on Pinterest!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g

Enjoy every mini bite of this delicious, nutty dessert!

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