Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for that perfect two-bite dessert at a potluck, holiday gathering, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, you’ll fall head-over-heels for Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight. These charming little tarts pack all the buttery, nutty, caramelized flavor of a classic pecan pie into an adorable, hand-held size — no fork needed! Trust me, the crackly tops, flaky crust, and that gooey brown-sugar filling will make everyone at your table fall in love. Whether you serve them warm or at room temperature, these pies are the essence of Southern hospitality, delivered in one irresistible bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight is in their simplicity — each ingredient is classic and essential, ensuring that rich pecan flavor shines through. Here’s why each component makes these treats unforgettable:
- Pie crusts: Using refrigerated pie crusts saves time, but feel free to go homemade for extra flakiness and flavor.
- Chopped pecans: These provide crunch and the signature nutty filling pecan pie lovers crave.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and gooey texture to the filling.
- Light corn syrup: Essential for that classic, glossy pecan pie filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and helps bind the filling.
- Large eggs: Help the filling set, so each bite has perfect structure.
- Vanilla extract: A splash for warmth, aroma, and an upgraded flavor profile.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 24-cup mini muffin tin. This step ensures your pies slip out easily, keeping their adorable shapes picture-perfect for serving.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pie Crusts
Lay your pie dough on a lightly floured surface, then roll it out to an even thickness. Use a 2 1/2-inch round cutter (or a drinking glass in a pinch!) to cut out dough circles. Gently press each circle into the muffin cups, forming mini pie shells with a bit of a rim to cradle the filling.
Step 3: Make the Classic Southern Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. You’re looking for a gorgeously smooth mixture that’ll bake up gooey and decadent, just like a true Southern pecan pie should.
Step 4: Fill with Pecans and Pour the Batter
Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans into each crust-lined cup. Then, carefully spoon the filling mixture over the pecans, filling each almost—but not quite—to the top. As these bake, the magic happens: the filling puffs ever-so-slightly and the tops crackle beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pie crusts are golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, so they firm up and release easily. Transfer them to a wire rack and cool completely before serving—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight
Garnishes
For an extra pop of elegance, top each mini pie with a tiny dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a few chocolate shavings. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also add a gourmet touch and highlight the sweet and nutty flavors.
Side Dishes
These pies shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of cinnamon-infused whipped cream. If you’re planning a dessert spread, serve them alongside simple fresh fruit or creamy custards for a colorful finale.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight on a tiered dessert stand for a stunning centerpiece. Arrange them in decorative cupcake wrappers or set out petite plates at each place setting for a festive, personal touch. For holiday gifting, tuck them into tins lined with parchment and tie it all up with a ribbon — instant Southern charm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you actually manage to have any leftovers, keep your mini pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay delightfully fresh and retain their flaky crust and gooey centers.
Freezing
Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight freeze beautifully. Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by sheets of parchment paper. They’ll stay good for up to two months — just perfect for prepping ahead of busy seasons!
Reheating
For that straight-from-the-oven warmth, pop thawed pies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This refreshes both the crust and filling without drying anything out, so they taste as freshly baked as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I make these pies with homemade pie dough?
Absolutely! While store-bought saves time, homemade dough gives a more personal (and flavor-packed) touch. Just be sure your dough is chilled and rolled thinly to fit the mini muffin wells.
How do I prevent the pies from sticking to the pan?
Generously greasing the mini muffin tin is important. If you’re really worried, use nonstick mini liners or parchment circles — they pop out effortlessly and make for easy cleanup.
Can I add bourbon to the filling?
Yes! Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon along with the vanilla for an authentic Southern twist that enhances the pecan and caramel notes. Just a little goes a long way.
What’s the best way to chop pecans for mini pies?
A rough chop works best so you get both texture and plenty of pecan pieces per bite. A sharp knife does the trick, or you can pulse the nuts a few times in a food processor.
How do I know when the pies are done baking?
The tops should look set and golden, and a gentle jiggle will reveal mostly firm filling with just the slightest wobble. Overbaking makes them dry, so set your timer and check at the 20-minute mark.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to share joy — or simply treat yourself — there’s truly nothing quite like Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight. Whether for holiday celebrations, parties, or a little personal indulgence, these two-bite treats bring plenty of wow-factor and classic Southern flavor. Give them a try and see why they’re destined to become a forever favorite at your table!
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Mini Pecan Pies: Bite-Sized Southern Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Pecan Pies are bite-sized Southern delights that pack all the flavor of a traditional pecan pie into a small, easy-to-eat treat. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence, these mini pies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Refrigerated Pie Crusts:
1 package (14 ounces)
Pecans:
1 cup chopped
Brown Sugar:
2/3 cup packed
Light Corn Syrup:
1/2 cup
Unsalted Butter:
1/4 cup, melted
Eggs:
2 large
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Prepare Crusts: Roll out pie crusts, cut circles, and place in muffin cups.
- Mix Filling: Whisk brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Fill and Bake: Divide pecans, add filling, and bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in pan, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a Southern twist, add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling.
- Pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
