Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Sweet & Nutty Pecan Pie Bites Recipe: Bite-Sized Homemade Bliss

Whipping up delectable pecan pie bites can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of flavor.

Crisp pastry shells cradle a rich, gooey filling that dances with caramel undertones.

Nutty pecans add a delightful crunch that makes these tiny treats irresistible.

Compact and elegant, these bite-sized delights pack all the classic pie magic into one perfect morsel.

Crafting these miniature desserts requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Small yet mighty, they’ll become your secret weapon for impressing guests at any gathering.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these delightful morsels.

Tiny Pecan Pie Bites Packed with Flavor

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delightful Pecan Pie Bites with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Speedy Preparation: Requires just 30 minutes total, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or spontaneous gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Mini-sized bites are irresistibly cute, bite-sized, and guaranteed to impress guests at potlucks, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking: Simple enough for children to help, offering a fun family baking activity that creates delicious memories together.

What Goes Into Pecan Pie Bites

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crusts: Buttery base for the pecan bites, store-bought or homemade works well. Flaky texture is key for a delightful bite.
Filling Base:
  • Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup: Sweet and gooey foundation that creates a rich caramel-like consistency. Dark brown sugar offers deeper flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the filling together. Unsalted butter gives better control of sweetness.
Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts provide signature flavor and texture. Chopped pecans distribute evenly in the filling. Fresh, high-quality pecans make a difference.
  • Egg: Binds the filling and provides structure. Room temperature egg blends more smoothly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. A small pinch is all you need.

Simple Steps for Mini Pecan Pie Bites

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and grab a mini muffin tin.

Give the tin a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Tiny Pie Shells

Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the pie crusts.

Use a round cookie cutter to create perfect little circles that will snugly fit into each muffin cup.

Carefully press each dough circle into the tin, creating adorable mini pie shells.

Step 3: Whip Up the Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Stir everything together until you have a rich, glossy mixture that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Shells

Carefully spoon about a tablespoon of the pecan filling into each prepared pie shell.

Make sure each little cup gets an even distribution of the sweet mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and a set filling.

The aroma will be mouthwatering!

Once done, let the pecan pie bites cool completely before serving.

Pecan Pie Bites with Easy Assembly Hacks

  • Select fresh, high-quality pecans for maximum flavor and crunch in your bite-sized treats.
  • Press pie crust circles firmly into the mini muffin tin to create a sturdy base that won't get mushy.
  • Stir filling ingredients gently to avoid overbeating, which can make the mixture too thin or dense.
  • Let pecan pie bites cool entirely in the tin to ensure they hold their shape when you remove them.
  • Swap regular pie crust with gluten-free options or use alternative sweeteners for a customized version of this classic dessert.

Save Pecan Pie Bites Fresh

  • Store leftover pecan pie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shape.
  • Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage without losing flavor or texture.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed bites at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy crust and gooey filling. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy results.
  • Let frozen or refrigerated bites sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance their taste and texture.

Best Companions for Pecan Pie Bites

  • Savor Sweet Harmony with Perfect Pairings
  • Brew Bold Coffee Match: Dark roast or espresso cuts through the pie bites' sweetness, creating a rich complementary flavor profile that enhances the caramel and pecan notes.
  • Chill with Bourbon Cream: Serve a small bourbon-infused whipped cream alongside the bites, adding a smooth, warming complexity that elevates the dessert's nutty richness.
  • Complement with Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides cool contrast to the warm, gooey pecan filling, balancing temperatures and textures delightfully.
  • Pour Dessert Wine Splash: A small glass of tawny port or sweet Riesling offers a delicate sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the pie bites' caramelized flavor.

Pecan Pie Bites Flavor Experiments

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bites: Replace traditional pie crust with gluten-free pie crust or almond flour-based crust to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pecan Delight Bites: Swap egg with flax egg, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose maple syrup over corn syrup for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Pecan Mini Treats: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free corn syrup alternative to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Keto-Friendly Pecan Bites: Use almond flour or coconut flour for crust, replace corn syrup with sugar-free syrup, and add extra chopped pecans for higher fat content.

FAQs

  • Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, pre-made pie crusts work perfectly and save time while still creating delicious pecan pie bites.

  • How do I prevent the filling from overflowing?

Fill each mini muffin cup only about 2/3 full to prevent spillage and ensure even baking.

  • Are these pecan pie bites good for parties?

Absolutely! They’re bite-sized, easy to serve, and perfect for gatherings, holiday events, or dessert buffets.

  • Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pecan pie bites a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

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Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Pecan Pie Bites Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Miniature pecan pie bites deliver Southern comfort in one delectable morsel, channeling classic dessert flavors into perfectly portioned indulgence. Sweet, nutty, and irresistibly compact, these tiny treats will transport you to a warm kitchen filled with traditional baking magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a mini muffin tin by applying a light coating of grease to ensure easy removal of the bites.
  2. Carefully unroll pie crusts on a surface dusted with flour, using a round cookie cutter to create precise circles that perfectly fit the muffin cavities.
  3. Delicately press each pastry circle into the tin, ensuring smooth edges and even coverage.
  4. Create the rich filling by combining finely chopped pecans with brown sugar, corn syrup, butter that has been gently melted, a single whisked egg, pure vanilla extract, and a delicate sprinkle of salt in a mixing bowl.
  5. Distribute the pecan mixture evenly, filling each pastry-lined cup with approximately one tablespoon of the decadent filling.
  6. Transfer the loaded muffin tin to a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C), allowing the bites to transform for 18-22 minutes.
  7. Watch for visual cues of doneness: a golden-brown crust and a set filling that indicates perfect caramelization.
  8. Remove from the oven and permit the pecan bites to cool completely, allowing the filling to firm and flavors to settle.
  9. Gently extract the bites from the tin, revealing miniature treats ready to be savored.

Notes

  • Use store-bought or homemade pie dough for extra flexibility, ensuring a flaky and tender base that complements the sweet pecan filling.
  • Prepare these bites up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for convenient entertaining.
  • Replace corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetener option that maintains the rich caramel-like flavor.
  • Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the bite-sized desserts.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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