Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for all the rich, buttery, nutty goodness of pecan pie in one bite-sized treat, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe. These delightful mini desserts pack that classic sweet and crunchy flavor into perfectly portioned morsels, making them ideal for parties, afternoon tea, or just a special indulgence at home. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep a batch ready because they disappear incredibly fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but impactful. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving that delicate balance of flaky crust, gooey filling, and the signature pecan crunch that makes these bites irresistible.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides the perfect structure for a tender but sturdy crust that holds the filling beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): Adds richness and flakiness to the crust for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Just enough sweetness to enhance the crust without overpowering it.
• Cold water (2-3 tablespoons): Helps bind the dough together while keeping it cool for a delicate crumb.
• Large egg (1): Brings moisture and depth to the filling, allowing it to set perfectly during baking.
• Light corn syrup (1/4 cup): Creates that sticky, luscious texture classic to pecan pie fillings.
• Brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup): Gives a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the nuts beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1 tablespoon): Enhances flavor and brings a velvety finish to the filling.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity to every bite.
• Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, providing crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tin

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin tin. This ensures your pecan pie bites will bake evenly and pop out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust Dough

Combine the flour, granulated sugar, and cold, cubed butter in a medium bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend everything until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is important because a well-blended dough results in that perfect flaky crust everyone loves.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together

Add cold water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it, as this keeps the crust tender, not tough.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut circles slightly larger than your mini muffin tin openings so the crusts fit snugly without shrinking too much during baking.

Step 5: Shape the Crusts

Press each dough circle gently into the greased mini muffin tin cups to form your little crusts. Make sure the edges are even and the bottom is well pressed to hold the filling properly.

Step 6: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This rich filling is what will give your pecan pie bites their signature sweet and sticky texture.

Step 7: Add Pecans and Filling

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of chopped pecans into each crust. Follow with 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture, making sure to cover the pecans evenly so they’re suspended in the sticky, sweet filling—this is where the magic happens!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set and the crusts turn a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with the most incredible aroma, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the pecan pie bites cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the filling firm up, so you get clean, satisfying bites every time.

Step 10: Optional Finishing Touch

Serve these bites at room temperature or slightly warm. For a festive and elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving—this adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty, snowy look.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your pecan pie bites with a simple dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of sea salt can also amplify the flavors by balancing the sweetness with a little hint of savory.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat. They also make a wonderfully sweet finish to a savory brunch or holiday meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve pecan pie bites on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper or nestled in a tiered dessert stand for special occasions. You can also present them in individual mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover pecan pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve freshness and texture. If your home is warm, storing them in the fridge is fine, just bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

To enjoy these treats later, freeze pecan pie bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover pecan pie bites in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This helps to refresh their crisp crust and gooey filling without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Using a store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield delicious results. Just be sure to roll it out thin and cut it slightly larger than your muffin tin for the best fit.

Are pecan pie bites gluten-free?

Traditional recipes like this one use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free versions, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but expect slight differences in texture.

Can I add other nuts or mix-ins?

Yes, feel free to get creative! Walnuts, almonds, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips can add fun twists to the classic pecan filling.

Do pecan pie bites need to be refrigerated?

They can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days, but refrigeration is recommended if you want to keep them fresh longer, especially in warmer climates.

How long do pecan pie bites last when frozen?

Properly wrapped and stored, they can last up to 2 months in the freezer without significant loss of flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pie Bites Recipe is a total winner when you want a bite-sized dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make. The irresistible combination of a buttery crust, sweet filling, and crunchy pecans is sure to become a household favorite. Once you try them, I bet you’ll want to make them again and again, sharing that cozy, comforting flavor with everyone you love. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl—you won’t regret it!

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