Making mini pecan pies can be simple, but a few tips can elevate your baking game even further.
Chill Your Dough: If you’re making your pie crust from scratch, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This prevents it from becoming too soft and helps create a flakier crust.
Don’t Overmix the Filling: When whisking together the filling, just mix until combined. Overmixing can add air to the mixture, which might lead to a less tender filling.
Use Fresh Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans have a more vibrant flavor than older ones. Consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet before adding to the filling for an extra nutty flavor.
Keep an Eye on the Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking your pies a few minutes before the suggested time. You want that perfect set without over-baking.
Experiment With Flavors: Don’t hesitate to play with the flavors in your mini pecan pies. A bit of bourbon or whiskey can add depth, or you can try different extracts like maple or even almond.
Healthy Notes about Mini Pecan Pies
While pecan pies are certainly a treat, incorporating some healthier insights can make you feel better about indulging in them.
Pecans are Nutritious: Pecans provide heart-healthy fats and contain antioxidants that can combat inflammation and promote overall health. A small handful of pecans is also a great source of protein and fiber, which makes them a healthier alternative to other sugary snacks.
Watching the Sugar: If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, consider reducing the amount of granulated sugar or optionally substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Remember, a little can go a long way when it comes to sweetness!
Homemade vs. Store-bought Crusts: Making your pie crust from scratch gives you control over the ingredients. You can opt for whole grain flour or even nut flours for a more nutritious spin. However, when using store-bought crusts, be mindful of the ingredients to avoid excess trans fats.
By being conscious of the ingredients you choose and portion sizes, you can indulge without the heavy guilt. Treat these mini pecan pies as an occasional reward rather than an everyday snack, and they’ll be all the more special.
Mini Pecan Pies
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin pan
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 9-inch crusts (or 14 oz refrigerated crust) pie crust store-bought or homemade
Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Generously coat a standard 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Roll out the pie crusts. Using a 3.5-inch cookie cutter (or a glass), cut circles from the dough (you should get about 6 per 9-inch crust).
- Press each dough circle into the muffin pan slots, forming a crust that covers the bottom and comes up halfway on the sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Stir in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Spoon about 1.5 tablespoons of the pecan filling into each prepared crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until centers are set and filling is firm to the touch.
- Allow the mini pies to cool completely in the pan so they can firm up.
- Run a dull knife around the edges of each crust to loosen them, then carefully lift each mini pie from the pan.
Notes
Variation
You can certainly get creative with mini pecan pies! A few variations to consider include:
Chocolate Pecan Mini Pies: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a richer flavor. The chocolate beautifully complements the nuttiness of the pecans.
Maple Pecan Mini Pies: Swap the light corn syrup for maple syrup to give a warm, earthy flavor to your filling. It makes for a deliciously unique twist.
Coconut Pecan Mini Pies: Add unsweetened shredded coconut in with the pecans for a tropical flair. This can bring an interesting texture and flavor contrast.
Spiced Pecan Filling: Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling before baking to give a cozy warmth to each pie.
Similar recipes :
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars – The Easiest Southern Treat You’ll Ever Make
Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Decadent Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Pie Delight
Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe – A Sweet and Cozy Treat for Every Occasion
FAQs
Can I freeze mini pecan pies?
Absolutely! After baking and completely cooling them, place the pies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze. They should last for up to a couple of months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Can I make the filling and crust in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the pie crust and freeze it in advance. The filling can also be made ahead of time; just store it in the fridge and use it within a few days. This will save you time and stress on the day you plan to bake.
What should I do if the filling overflows while baking?
If this happens, don’t worry! It’s fairly common. If you notice overflowing, you could place a baking sheet beneath the muffin pan to catch drips, making cleanup easier. For future batches, consider adjusting the amount of filling or baking a little less to prevent overflow.
Conclusion
Mini pecan pies are not just delicious; they’re a slice of nostalgia that adds warmth to any gathering. Baking them is a delightful way to spend an afternoon, and the end result is pure joy. Whether you serve them at holiday dinners or keep them as a sweet treat for yourself, these tiny pies bring comfort and sweetness into any setting. So, roll up your sleeves and gather your loved ones—it’s time to create some mini pecan pie magic!