| |

Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

I can’t get enough of these pecan pie bites! They’re like little pockets of all the rich, gooey, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie, but in a perfect, bite-sized treat. I love how they’re both fancy enough for holiday parties and easy enough to whip up any weekend when you want something sweet and comforting.

When I first tried this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe, I was amazed at how the buttery crust pairs with the toasted pecans and that perfect caramel-like filling. You’ll find that once you make them, these bites become an instant favorite with everyone — trust me, my family goes crazy for them every single time I bring them out!

🧡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Bite Size: Easy to eat and great for parties or a quick sweet snack.
  • Buttery, Toasted Flavor: Toasting the pecans and a rich crust creates next-level flavor you’ll notice immediately.
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry — no fancy or hard-to-find items needed.
  • Flexible & Fun: Easy to customize with your favorite nuts or add a little kick with spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a crisp, buttery crust. When picking your pecans, go for fresh, high-quality nuts for the best taste and texture.

  • Butter: Both for toasting pecans and for the crust; makes everything rich and buttery.
  • Pecans: Chopped and toasted for that toasty crunch and deep flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel sweetness that’s perfect for pecan pie flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crust; gives structure and crumb.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Gives the filling that classic sticky, gooey texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste or dietary needs. I’ve tried a few tweaks over time, and each brings a little new flair to these treats.

  • Gluten-Free Crust: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend — it works wonderfully and tastes just as good.
  • Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy twist my family went nuts over last fall.
  • Mixed Nuts: Instead of only pecans, try a mix of toasted walnuts and pecans for extra texture and flavor.
  • Mini Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for a stunning presentation and rich contrast.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans to Bring Out Flavor

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped pecans and toast them, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes, until they’re golden brown and smell toasty. This step is crucial — trust me, it makes a huge difference in flavor. Keep an eye so they don’t burn, and pull them off the heat once toasted.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Buttery Crust

While the pecans cool, get going on your crust. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter with ½ cup brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Then add 2 cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt, beating until everything combines into a soft dough. Take a heaping tablespoon of dough at a time and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup — this creates a sturdy little crust to hold all that yummy filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Pecan Filling

In a large bowl, stir together 1½ cups brown sugar, ¾ cup light corn syrup, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Then fold in your toasted pecans so each piece is coated in that luscious mixture. This filling is thick and sticky, exactly what you want for that perfect pecan pie bite.

Step 4: Fill the Crusts and Bake

Spoon about a tablespoon of the filling into each crust — filling them about three-quarters full. Don’t overfill here; the filling will bubble up while baking, and you’ll be adding more later. Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for around 15 minutes, until the crust edges start to turn golden brown.

Step 5: Add More Filling and Cool Completely

Once out of the oven, let the pecan pie bites sit for about 5 minutes. Then scoop a little more of the filling on top of each bite — this extra layer makes them extra gooey and irresistible. Let them cool completely in the pan before carefully removing.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

  • Toast Those Pecans Slowly: Low and slow prevents burning and brings out the nuttiness beautifully.
  • Don’t Overfill the Cups: Filling them just ¾ full stops the gooey filling from spilling everywhere in the oven.
  • Softened Butter is Key: Makes your crust dough easy to work with and gives the best texture when baked.
  • Cool Completely Before Removing: Helps the bites set up so they don’t fall apart when you pop them out.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Pecan Pie Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping these bites with just a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty touch. Sometimes I’ll add a small dollop of whipped cream on the side or even a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgence. The simplicity of garnishes lets the rich pecan flavor shine through.

Side Dishes

These pecan pie bites stand beautifully on their own, but if you’re serving them at a party, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or tea really elevates the experience. For holiday tables, I like offering them alongside apple cider or even creamy eggnog for a festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried was arranging these bites on a wooden board with autumn leaves and little candle votives for a cozy fall vibe. For holiday parties, placing them in mini cupcake liners with a sprinkle of crushed pecans on top makes them look extra special and inviting. It’s amazing what a little presentation effort can do!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pecan pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them out of the fridge helps the crust stay crisp instead of getting soggy. If you want to keep them longer, just be sure they’re fully cooled before sealing.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe! I wrap each bite individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready, I just thaw them overnight in the fridge and they taste almost as fresh as the day I made them.

Reheating

To warm your pecan pie bites without losing that crisp crust, I pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This gently reheats the filling while keeping the crust perfectly flaky. Just avoid microwaving, which tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the pecan pie bites ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can assemble the pecan pie bites and refrigerate them uncovered overnight before baking, which helps the crust set nicely. Alternatively, bake them ahead, and store at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

  2. What if I don’t have mini muffin pans?

    If you don’t have mini muffin pans, you can use a regular muffin pan but expect larger bites, so adjust filling amounts accordingly. You could also use silicone mini molds, but be careful pressing the crust dough to maintain shape.

  3. How do I prevent the filling from boiling over?

    Fill the crusts only about ¾ full before baking, because the filling bubbles up as it cooks. Also, adding more filling after baking helps ensure gooey bites without the mess.

  4. Can I substitute corn syrup in the filling?

    Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or honey, but it may slightly affect the texture and flavor. Maple syrup gives a nice twist if you want something different!

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe is one of those sweet little treasures — it combines simplicity, flavor, and that homey, indulgent feeling we all crave from classic desserts. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these bites are sure to bring smiles and maybe even a happy food memory or two. Give them a try, and I have a feeling they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 135 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 24 mini bites
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delicious and bite-sized pecan pie treats featuring a buttery crust, toasted pecans, and a rich, gooey filling. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, these Pecan Pie Bites combine classic flavors in a convenient mini format.


Ingredients

Toasted Pecans:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 and 1/2 cups pecans, chopped

Crust:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Toast the pecans: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast them for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. Make the crust: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt, and continue beating until the dough is well combined. Take a heaping tablespoon of dough and press it firmly into and up the sides of each mini muffin cup to form a crust shell.
  4. Prepare filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar, 3/4 cup light corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and blended. Add the toasted pecans and stir until all are evenly coated with the filling mixture.
  5. Fill the crusts: Spoon about a tablespoon of the pecan filling into each crust, filling them about 3/4 full. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will bubble and rise during baking.
  6. Bake the bites: Place the mini muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crusts start to turn golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly gooey.
  7. Add additional filling: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bites set for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully scoop and spoon another tablespoon of filling onto each baked crust to enhance richness and texture.
  8. Cool and serve: Allow the pecan pie bites to cool completely in the pan before gently removing them. This helps them firm up and prevents breaking. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • To ensure even toasting, stir pecans frequently to prevent burning.
  • Do not overfill the crusts initially, as filling may bubble over during baking.
  • Letting the bites cool fully before removing helps them hold their shape better.
  • You can substitute light corn syrup with golden syrup or maple syrup for a different flavor.
  • Store leftover bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pecan pie bite
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 55mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star