Are you ready to fall in love with the most adorable dessert ever? Our Mini Pecan Pies Recipe is about to change the way you think about sweet treats forever! Pecan pies have been a beloved dessert for generations, but these mini versions are taking the baking world by storm. Imagine all the rich, gooey goodness of a classic pecan pie, shrunk down into the most irresistible bite-sized delights you’ve ever tasted.

Why Mini Pecan Pies Are a Culinary Sensation

1. Portion Control Perfection

Let’s face it – portion control can be a real struggle when it comes to desserts. Our Mini Pecan Pies Recipe is here to save the day! These tiny treats solve your dessert dilemmas in the most delicious way possible. No more feeling guilty about indulging in a massive slice of pie. With mini pecan pies, you can enjoy a perfectly portioned treat that’s ideal for parties, gatherings, or a sweet personal moment.

2. Presentation and Aesthetic Appeal

Move over, boring desserts! Mini Pecan Pies are the new Instagram stars of the baking world. These cute little pies are so photogenic, they’ll make your friends and followers stop scrolling and start drooling. Each individual serving brings an elegant touch to your dessert table, offering versatility in plating that’ll make you look like a pro baker.

3. Faster Baking Time

Who has hours to spend in the kitchen? Not you! This Mini Pecan Pies Recipe is perfect for time-pressed bakers. With reduced cooking duration and even baking techniques, you’ll have these delightful treats ready in no time. Say goodbye to long baking sessions and hello to quick, delicious results.

4. Customization Possibilities

Baking should be fun and creative! Our Mini Pecan Pies Recipe offers endless possibilities for customization:

• Try different flavor variations
• Adapt to dietary needs
• Experiment with creative toppings and garnishes

5. Cost-Effective Baking

Budget-friendly and delicious? Yes, please! This Mini Pecan Pies Recipe helps you:

• Use ingredients efficiently
• Minimize waste
• Create a dessert that’s kind to your wallet

6. Enhanced Flavor Concentration

Here’s a little secret: mini pies pack more flavor punch per bite! With a balanced sweet-to-crust ratio and intense pecan and filling flavors, these tiny treats offer a textural superiority that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients for Mini Pecan Pies

Essential Ingredients

• Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Pecans
• Corn syrup
• Eggs
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Butter

Equipment Needed

• Mini muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Mini Pecan Pies Recipe

Crust Preparation

1. Choose between homemade or store-bought pie crust
2. Roll out the dough thinly
3. Cut into circles slightly larger than muffin tin cups
4. Gently press into mini muffin tin

Filling Creation

1. Chop pecans finely
2. Mix corn syrup, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt
3. Fold in chopped pecans
4. Add melted butter for extra richness

Baking Process

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Fill crust-lined muffin tins with pecan mixture
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes
4. Let cool completely before removing

Pro Baking Tips and Tricks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overfill the mini pie shells
• Ensure even pecan distribution
• Watch baking time carefully to prevent burning

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Freeze for up to 1 month
• Reheat briefly in oven for best taste

Variations and Adaptations

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-free: Use almond flour crust
• Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs
• Low-sugar: Use alternative sweeteners

Flavor Experiments

• Add chocolate chips
• Splash of bourbon
• Sprinkle of sea salt
• Seasonal spices like cinnamon

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Accompaniment Ideas

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Hot coffee
• Dessert wine

Occasion Pairings

• Holiday gatherings
• Potlucks
• Afternoon tea
• Gift-giving

Mini Pecan Pies Recipe

Linda Wilber

The recipe has been designed to ensure success for home bakers of all skill levels. Each step has been carefully considered to provide the best possible outcome.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Chill Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American Southern

Servings 24 People

Calories 135 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Pie Crust

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Pecan Filling

• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, finely chopped
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

 

Pie Crust Preparation

• In a food processor, pulse flour, salt, and sugar to combine.
• Add cold butter cubes. Pulse 8-10 times until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Slowly add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until dough just comes together.
• Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Filling Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together corn syrup and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
• Stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and optional cinnamon.
• Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Assembly

• Roll out chilled pie dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
• Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut circles from the dough.
• Gently press dough circles into mini muffin tin, ensuring full coverage.
• Trim excess dough from edges.
• Fill each pie shell 2/3 full with pecan filling.

Baking

• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
• Filling should be slightly jiggly but not liquid when gently shaken.
• Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Carefully remove mini pies and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month
• Best served at room temperature

Notes

• Use cold butter for the flakiest crust
• Do not overfill pie shells
• Let filling cool completely before serving
• Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving

Nutritional Information (per mini pie)

• Calories: 135
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 2g
•  

Keyword Bite-sized Pecan Pies, Holiday Desserts, Mini Pecan Pies Recipe

Conclusion – Old fashioned mini pecan pies recipe

Your Mini Pecan Pies Recipe adventure ends here – but your baking journey is just beginning! These bite-sized wonders are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor, creativity, and joy. Don’t just read about them – get in the kitchen and start baking!

Ready to become a mini pie master? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s make some magic happen!

Easy mini pecan pies recipe : Frequently Asked Questions

Storage and Refrigeration

Do mini pecan pies need to be refrigerated?

Yes, mini pecan pies should be refrigerated due to their egg-based filling. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.

Do I need to refrigerate pecan tarts?

Absolutely! Like full-sized pecan pies, mini pecan tarts contain eggs and should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth and maintain their quality.

Will pies go bad if not refrigerated?

Pecan pies can spoil quickly at room temperature. Eggs and dairy in the filling can become unsafe after 2 hours at room temperature, so refrigeration is crucial.

Can I eat 2-week-old pecan pie?

No, it’s not recommended. Even refrigerated, pecan pies should typically be consumed within 3-4 days for the best taste and safety.

How can you tell if pecan pie has gone bad?

Look for signs like:

• Unusual odor
• Mold growth
• Separation of filling
• Off-color or texture changes

Why is store-bought pecan pie not refrigerated?

Some store-bought pies have preservatives that allow temporary unrefrigerated storage, but it’s always safest to refrigerate after purchase.

Cooking and Preparation Tips

How long to cook mini pecan tarts?

For mini pecan tarts, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.

How do you keep pecan pie from being runny?

• Use the correct ratio of eggs to corn syrup
• Avoid overmixing the filling
• Bake until the filling is just set
• Let the pie cool completely before serving

Why is my pecan pie so hard?

Overcooking or using too much sugar can cause a hard, tough filling. Follow the recipe precisely and avoid overbaking.

How do you remove mini tarts from a pan?

• Let cool completely
• Use a small offset spatula
• Gently twist and lift
• If stuck, run a knife around the edges

Ingredients and Substitutions

Is it better to use light or dark Karo syrup for pecan pie?

Light corn syrup is typically preferred for a clearer, sweeter flavor. Dark corn syrup adds a deeper, more molasses-like taste.

What is a substitute for Karo syrup in pecan pie?

Alternatives include:

• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Agave nectar
• Brown rice syrup

What is the thickening agent in pecan pie?

Eggs act as the primary thickening agent in pecan pie, helping to set the filling.

What happens if you use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?

Dark corn syrup will create a deeper, richer flavor and slightly darker color. The texture remains similar.

Variations and Techniques

What is the difference between a pecan tart and a pecan pie?

• Pecan tarts are smaller, individual-sized desserts
• Pies are larger and typically served in slices
• Tarts often have a higher crust-to-filling ratio

Can I make pecan pie the day before?

Yes! In fact, making pecan pie a day ahead can enhance the flavors. Just refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

Crust and Baking Alternatives

Mini pecan pies with Pillsbury pie crust

Pillsbury pie crust is an excellent shortcut for quick and easy mini pecan pies. It saves time while providing a flaky, delicious base.

Mini pecan pies without corn syrup

For a corn syrup-free version, try using:

• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Agave nectar
• Brown rice syrup

Cooling and Additional Tips

Can I leave pumpkin pie out overnight to cool?

It’s best to refrigerate pumpkin pie within 2 hours of baking to prevent bacterial growth.

Does Cracker Barrel pecan pie need to be refrigerated?

Yes, even restaurant-prepared pecan pies should be refrigerated after serving.

Final Baking Notes

Whether you’re making an old-fashioned mini pecan pies recipe, a Southern living mini pecan pies recipe, or exploring the Pioneer Woman’s approach, these tips will help you create the best mini pecan pie recipe every time!

Pro Tip: Always follow food safety guidelines and trust your senses when storing and preparing desserts.