Pecan Pie Mini Muffins
Introduction
Pecan Pie Mini Muffins are a genius shortcut to classic pecan pie flavor—without making a crust. These tiny muffins bake up with crisp, caramelized edges and a soft, gooey center loaded with crunchy pecans. They’re perfect for holidays, tea parties, potlucks, or when you want something rich but in small portions. The batter comes together in minutes, and the muffins taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
Pecans – 1 cup, finely chopped
Brown sugar – 1 cup (packed)
All-purpose flour – ½ cup
Unsalted butter – ½ cup (115 g), melted & cooled
Eggs – 2 (room temperature)
Vanilla essence – 1 tsp
Salt – ¼ tsp
Optional (for deeper flavor):
Cinnamon – ¼ tsp
Maple syrup – 1 tbsp
Instructions
Preheat & prepare
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a mini muffin pan very well (these are sticky!).
Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Add wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup (if using).
Combine
Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick and glossy.
Fill the pan
Spoon batter into muffin cavities, filling almost to the top.
Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are set and edges are lightly golden.
Cool & remove
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5–7 minutes, then carefully loosen with a knife and transfer to a wire rack.
Timing Summary
Prep time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15–18 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Tips for Perfect Mini Muffins
Grease the pan generously or use silicone molds.
Finely chopped pecans give better texture and hold together well.
Don’t overbake—centers should stay soft and slightly gooey.
These release more easily once slightly cooled (not hot).
Variations
Chocolate Pecan: Add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips.
Bourbon Style: Add 1 tsp bourbon or rum extract.
Nut Mix: Replace half the pecans with walnuts.
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Pie Mini Muffins are tiny, rich, and unbelievably addictive—like pecan pie brownies in muffin form. Perfect for festive trays, gifting, or sneaky late-night treats with chai