Irresistibly Sweet Pecan Pie Bites Recipe for Tiny Treats

Bite-sized pecan pie magic captures the essence of Southern comfort in one irresistible morsel.

These miniature treats pack an incredible punch of flavor that defies their tiny size.

Sweet caramel notes dance with crunchy pecans, creating a delectable experience in every single bite.

Serving these delightful morsels at your next gathering, where guests will marvel at their perfect proportions.

Compact yet intensely delicious, each pecan pie bite delivers a nostalgic taste of classic dessert goodness.

No complex techniques required – just simple ingredients and a dash of culinary creativity.

You’ll adore how effortlessly these little delights come together in your kitchen.

Prepare to fall in love with the most addictive small-batch dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Why Pecan Pie Bites Are A Mini Treat With Big Flavor

• Bite-Sized Deliciousness: Perfectly portioned pecan pie bites offer a compact, elegant twist on the classic dessert, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or personal indulgence.
• Textural Wonderland: Crisp, buttery pastry shell meets gooey, caramel-like pecan filling, creating a delightful contrast that dances between crunch and smoothness in every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to whip up these delectable treats in under an hour with simple kitchen tools like a food processor and mini muffin tin.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These mini pecan pie bites work beautifully as dessert at holiday gatherings, potlucks, afternoon tea, or as a sweet afternoon snack that appeals to both kids and adults with their irresistible combination of nutty, sweet flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Pecan Pie Bites

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for a tender and flaky crust, providing structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the crust, balancing the savory elements.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control gluten development.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers in the crust, crucial for a perfect texture.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without overworking it.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness and rich flavor.
• Corn Syrup: Gives a smooth, glossy consistency and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor and aromatic depth.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent and creates a custard-like texture.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors.
• Chopped Pecans: The star ingredient, offering crunch and nutty flavor.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps blend the filling ingredients.

• Whipped Cream (Optional): Provides a light, creamy complement to the rich pecan bites.

How To Make Pecan Pie Bites In A Snap

Step 1: Create Delectable Pastry Crust

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt

Pulse these dry ingredients together quickly. Drop in cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture looks like sandy crumbs. Slowly drizzle ice water, one spoonful at a time, mixing until the dough magically comes together. Shape the dough into a smooth disk, wrap it snugly in plastic, and let it chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Whip Up Gooey Pecan Filling

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Egg

Gently fold in chopped pecans, creating a rich and decadent filling.

Step 3: Craft Miniature Pie Shells

Fire up the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface until it’s super thin. Use a round cutter to create perfect little circles. Carefully press each circle into the muffin tin, forming adorable tiny shells. Spoon the pecan filling into each shell, being careful not to overfill.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the filling sets and the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown. Allow the bites to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

These little bites of heaven are perfect served at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. Watch as friends and family devour these irresistible pecan pie bites!

Best Tips For Baking Perfect Pecan Pie Bites

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the pie crust dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and ensure a flaky, tender texture when baking.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Dust the mini muffin tin with a light coating of flour to help the crust crisp up and avoid becoming mushy.
• Master Filling Consistency: Whisk the filling ingredients until smooth and evenly combined to create a uniform, glossy pecan mixture that sets perfectly.
• Control Portion Size: Use a small tablespoon measure to ensure each bite gets an equal amount of filling, preventing overflow and messy baking.
• Customize Your Crunch: Toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the pecan pie bites.

How To Store And Warm Up Pecan Pie Bites

• Refrigerate: Store cooled pecan pie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Carefully place bites in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed bites in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This restores the crispy crust and brings out the rich pecan flavor.
• Room Temperature: Remove frozen bites 30 minutes before serving to allow gentle thawing and prevent condensation on the delicate pastry.

Pairing Options For Pecan Pie Bites

• Pair with Bourbon Bliss: Serve these pecan pie bites alongside a smooth bourbon whiskey that complements the rich, nutty flavors and brings out the caramel notes in the dessert.
• Complement with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top each bite with a small scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness and add a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, crunchy pecan filling.
• Match with Cinnamon Coffee: Enjoy these bites with a freshly brewed cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee that echoes the warm, comforting flavors of the pecan filling and enhances the overall dessert experience.
• Serve with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a light touch of homemade caramel sauce over the pecan pie bites to intensify the sweetness and create an extra layer of indulgent flavor.

Creative Takes On Classic Pecan Pie Bites

• Chocolate Pecan Crunch: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled bites for an extra rich layer of flavor. Sprinkle crushed cocoa nibs on top for added texture and intensity.
• Maple Bourbon Splash: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon to the filling. The warm, caramel-like notes will elevate the classic pecan flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Edition: Incorporate a thin layer of salted caramel sauce beneath the pecan filling. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to create a sweet and salty contrast.
• Coconut Pecan Fusion: Mix shredded toasted coconut into the pecan filling for a tropical-inspired variation. Toast the coconut first to enhance its nutty, golden flavor and provide additional crunch.

Pecan Pie Bites Questions Answered Fast

• Why are mini pecan pie bites better than traditional pecan pie?

Mini bites offer perfect portion control, easier serving, and more crispy edges compared to a large pie. They’re great for parties and gatherings where people want to sample multiple desserts.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pie dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 weeks, which makes prep time much shorter when you’re ready to bake.

• What if I don't have a mini muffin tin?

You can use a regular muffin tin for slightly larger bites or even press the dough into a tart pan. The key is having a small, individual-sized baking vessel that helps create the perfect crust-to-filling ratio.

• Are these pecan pie bites good for people with dietary restrictions?

These bites contain eggs, butter, and wheat flour, so they aren’t suitable for vegans or those with gluten sensitivities. However, you can explore alternative ingredient substitutions if needed.

Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Miniature Southern delights, these pecan pie bites deliver classic dessert comfort in one irresistible package. Buttery pastry and rich caramel-like filling showcase traditional flavors that welcome guests into a warm culinary embrace you’ll savor with pure delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredient:

• 23 tablespoons (1.4375 cups) ice water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the pastry foundation by pulsing flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor until evenly distributed.
2. Introduce cold butter cubes and pulse the mixture until it transforms into a textured, crumbly consistency.
3. Gradually incorporate ice water, tablespoon by tablespoon, continuing to pulse until the dough coheres into a unified mass.
4. Shape the dough into a compact disk, encase it in plastic wrap, and allow it to rest and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour.
5. In a separate mixing vessel, vigorously whisk brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and egg until the mixture achieves a silky, homogeneous texture.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
7. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
8. On a generously floured surface, roll the chilled dough to a delicate 1/8-inch thickness.
9. Using a circular cutter, carefully cut out rounds and gently press each into the muffin cavities, creating petite tart shells.
10. Delicately spoon pecan filling into each shell, taking care not to exceed the rim.
11. Transfer the filled tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the filling sets and the crust develops a golden-brown hue.
12. Allow the bites to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, facilitating easy removal.
13. Carefully transfer the bites to a wire rack, permitting complete cooling.
14. Serve at ambient temperature or slightly warmed, optionally crowned with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender crust that holds its shape perfectly during baking.
• Use cold butter and ice water when making the crust to create those signature buttery, crisp layers that melt in your mouth.
• Toast the pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the filling.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing technique.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg