Petite Pecan Pleasures Mini Pecan Pies

Mini Pecan Pies: Tiny Bites of Southern Heaven

Ever find yourself craving something sweet but not wanting the guilt of a whole pie? I do! And honestly, these Mini Pecan Pies are the answer.

They're basically individual servings of pure, unadulterated pecan-y goodness. The key flavor profile? Think buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet.

Where do Pecan Pies Come From?

These little darlings are like a miniaturized hug from the South. The full sized Pecan Pie itself is a Southern staple, usually brought out for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Baking these Miniature Pecan Pie Recipe is pretty straightforward, even if you're a baking novice. It's a medium level bake that takes about 50 minutes from start to finish.

This Pecan Pie Recipe yields around 24 Small Pecan Pies , perfect for sharing or, you know, not sharing.

Why You'll Love These Holiday Mini Pies

Honestly, who can resist bite sized pecan desserts ? These Mini Pecan Pies are packed with pecans, which are a good source of healthy fats.

Plus, they're the perfect dessert for any get-together. They're so easy to eat and always a crowd pleaser, I’ve never seen anyone refuse a Holiday mini pie ! What makes this Pecan Recipes special? Their size! Pop one in your mouth and you are good to go.

Ready to Make Some Mini Pecan Tassies ?

First, gather your ingredients. For the dough, you'll need flour, salt, cold butter, and ice water. The filling calls for brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, salt, an egg, and, of course, chopped pecans.

I recommend using good quality ingredients, it makes a world of difference, you know? Especially that butter! Don't skimp on the butter! Next step, we dive into the ingredient list.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Mini Pecan Pies

Let's chat about what you'll need to bake these adorable Mini Pecan Pies ! It’s easier than you think, honestly.

Don't be put off by the pastry - we'll get through it together.

Main Ingredients for Pecan Recipes

Here’s what you’ll need, broken down for easy peasy assembly:

For the Dough (aka the bit that sounds scary):

• 1 ¼ cups (156g) all-purpose flour. Just your standard plain flour will do.
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt. A pinch to balance the sweetness.
• ½ cup (113g/1 stick) unsalted butter, seriously cold and cubed. This is KEY for flaky pastry. If it is melty, your dough will be sad.
• 3-5 tablespoons (45-75ml) ice water. Add it slowly!

For the Gooey, Gorgeous Filling:

• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar. The darker, the richer.
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar. For extra sweetness.
• ¼ cup (57g/½ stick) unsalted butter, melted. Yep, more butter!
• ¼ cup (60ml) light corn syrup. Essential for that classic pecan pie texture.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract. Adds warmth and depth.
• ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt. Balances the sweetness (again!).
• 1 large egg . Binds everything together.
• 1 ½ cups (150g) pecan halves, roughly chopped. Quality matters here. Look for plump, fresh pecans. Nobody wants stale nuts in their Individual Servings !

Seasoning Notes for Small pecan pies

Want to amp up the flavor of your Miniature pecan pie recipe ?

• Vanilla and salt are your best friends. They make everything taste better.
• For an extra kick, add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling. Trust me on this one. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds.
• No corn syrup? Honey or golden syrup can work in a pinch. But the texture will be slightly different.

Equipment Needed to Make Holiday mini pies

Right, let's talk gear. You don't need a fancy kitchen to make these Pecan Pies :

• A 24-cup mini muffin tin . Obvious, but essential!
• Rolling pin. For rolling out the dough.
• A 2 inch round cookie cutter . Or, if you're feeling brave, a sharp knife.
• Mixing bowls. For mixing, duh!
• Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is important, my friend.
• Pastry blender or food processor. Optional, but makes the dough process much easier.

Petite Pecan Pleasures: Making Mini Pecan Pies !

Honestly, who can resist a Mini Pecan Pie ? These small pecan pies are seriously addictive. I mean, you can't just eat one! These bite sized pecan desserts are perfect for any occasion.

Let's dive into my favourite Pecan Pie Recipe .

Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Success

Alright, before we get our aprons on, let's get organised. We need the mise en place . This fancy French term just means "everything in its place.

" Grab your flour, sugars, butter, eggs, and those gorgeous pecans. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way.

Cold butter is absolutely key! Cube that butter and chill it, along with your water. Cold ingredients mean flaky crust.

No one wants a tough crust, right?

step-by-step: From Humble Ingredients to Heavenly Pies

Ready to get baking? Here's the lowdown:

1. Make the Dough: Combine 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/2 tsp salt. Cut in 1/2 cup cold, cubed butter until crumbly. Slowly add 3-5 tbsp ice water until it just comes together. Don't overmix! Chill for at least 15 minutes .
2. Whip Up the Filling: Whisk together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk in 1 egg until smooth.
3. Add the Pecans: Stir in 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans.
4. Assemble: Roll out the dough and cut out 2 inch circles. Gently press into a mini muffin tin.
5. Fill 'em Up: Spoon the pecan filling into each pie crust, about ¾ full.
6. Bake: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes . The crust should be golden, and the filling set.
7. Cool Completely: Let the pies cool in the tin before removing. This is super important, the filling continues to set as it cools.

Pro Tips: Elevating Your Pecan Recipes

Want to take these from good to amazing ? Toast your pecans for extra flavour. It really makes a difference.

Watch them closely, as you wouldn't want to burn anything. Another tip? Don't overbake. A slightly wobbly center is better than a dry pecan pie .

Also, these can be made a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container. They make absolutely amazing holiday mini pies .

You can even try making these as pecan tassies recipe .

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Mini Pecan Pies

Right, so you’re ready to tackle these Mini Pecan Pies ? Awesome! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to help you along.

These small pecan pies are seriously addictive. Honestly, once you start, it's hard to stop at just one! I can speak for experience as I did them a lot during the holidays.

Plating & Presentation: Show Off Those Pecan Pies !

Okay, so they taste amazing, but let's make them look the part, yeah? A dusting of icing sugar adds a touch of elegance.

I like to arrange them on a pretty platter think vintage china for that proper afternoon tea vibe. Or, for a more rustic feel, arrange them in a wooden box lined with parchment paper.

They're beautiful anyway you arrange them, right? I love making these holiday mini pies

Complementary Sides & Beverages: Classic vanilla ice cream is a winner every time. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce? Oh my gosh, yes! For a grown-up touch, pair them with a glass of tawny port.

Or, you know, a good old cup of tea works a treat, too.

Storage Tips: Making Pecan Pie Recipe Last

Refrigeration Guidelines: These Pecan Pies will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days . Pop them in an airtight container to keep that lovely pastry nice and crisp.

Freezing Options: Want to get ahead? No problem! These Miniature Pecan Pie Recipe freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag.

They’ll happily keep for up to 2 months .

Reheating Instructions: To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can warm them slightly in a low oven ( 300° F or 150° C ) for about 5- 10 minutes if you fancy them warm.

I prefer them room temperature, honestly. I think it is the best way to enjoy your bite sized pecan desserts .

Variations: Making Pecan Recipes Your Own

Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free version? Swap the regular flour for a good quality gluten-free blend. It works a charm!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, try adding a pinch of warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.

It gives them a lovely festive twist. You could even use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a slightly different flavour profile.

Nutrition Basics: Just a Little Treat!

Alright, so let's be real, these Mini Pecan Pies are a treat. Each one is about 150 calories . They offer a little bit of protein (2g) and some fat (10g) but a hefty dose of those delicious carbohydrates (15g).

Pecans themselves are a good source of healthy fats, which is a plus.

So there you have it! Making these Mini Pecan Pies is easier than you think. With these notes, you'll be whipping up perfect Individual Servings of Pecan Tassies Recipe in no time.

Now get baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Mini Pecan Pie crust turn out tough?

A tough crust on your Mini Pecan Pies is usually caused by overworking the dough. Be careful not to overmix the dough when combining the ingredients, as this develops the gluten and results in a less tender crust. Also, ensure your butter is cold before you start and chill the dough as directed.

Remember, we're going for Mary Berry approved perfection!

Can I make Mini Pecan Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These little beauties are great for making in advance. You can bake the Mini Pecan Pies a day or two ahead of when you need them. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze well, so you can make them even further in advance, thaw, and serve.

Just remember to give them enough time to defrost!

How do I prevent the filling from bubbling over in my Mini Pecan Pies?

To prevent the filling from bubbling over, don't overfill the mini pie crusts; ¾ full is usually just right. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate; an oven that's too hot can cause the filling to puff up and spill over.

If you notice them browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the muffin tin with foil during the last few minutes of baking, like a pro!

What can I substitute for corn syrup in the Mini Pecan Pie filling?

If you don't have corn syrup on hand, or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind that both maple syrup and honey will impart a slightly different flavour to the Mini Pecan Pies compared to corn syrup.

Experiment to find your perfect flavour profile; maybe even add a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist!

Are there any variations I can make to these Mini Pecan Pies?

Oh, the possibilities! You can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking to enhance the sweetness. For a chocolate twist, add some chocolate chips to the pecan filling. You can also experiment with different nuts, like walnuts or almonds, or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warmer flavour.

Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on these Mini Pecan Pies!