Indulge in the exquisite simplicity of Mini Pecan Pies—an elegant dessert that delights both in flavor and presentation. These petite confections transform the classic pecan pie into a charming bite-sized treat, perfect for upscale gatherings or intimate celebrations. Flaky pastry envelops a rich, caramelized filling studded with crunchy pecans, creating a delightful contrast between textures and tastes.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: These mini pies provide a sophisticated touch, making any occasion feel special without requiring extensive preparation.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with just a handful of core ingredients, each element complements the others beautifully, enhancing the overall experience.
- Impressive Flavor: The depth of flavor is unmatched, thanks to the quality of ingredients and careful attention to detail in the baking process.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
For the filling:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For garnish:
- A sprinkle of sea salt
- Whipped cream (optional)
How to Make Mini Pecan Pies
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles to fit your mini muffin tin. Gently press each circle into the molds.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Fill the crusts: Carefully pour the filling into each crust, filling just below the rim.
- Bake: Place the mini pies in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the pies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt and top with whipped cream if desired.
How to Serve Mini Pecan Pies
Present your mini pecan pies on an elegant tiered stand, enhancing their visual appeal. A drizzle of caramel sauce around the plate and a few whole pecans add a touch of sophistication. Consider using delicate serving forks for a refined dining experience.
How to Store Mini Pecan Pies
To maintain their delightful texture and flavor, store the mini pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore crispness.
Tips to Make Mini Pecan Pies
- Use fresh pecans: Opt for high-quality, fresh pecans to enhance both flavor and texture.
- Chill the dough: Ensuring the crust dough is well-chilled will result in a flakier texture.
- Monitor baking closely: Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
- Experiment with flavors: Consider adding a hint of bourbon to the filling for added depth.
Variation
For an indulgent twist, replace some pecans with chocolate chips for a delicious chocolate-pecan pie hybrid. Alternatively, garnish the pies with edible gold leaf for a truly luxurious presentation.
FAQs
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and refrigerate it for up to three days before using. This not only saves time but can also enhance the flavor.
What can I substitute for corn syrup?
Maple syrup or honey can serve as a suitable alternative, imparting a unique flavor to the filling.
Can I freeze Mini Pecan Pies?
Absolutely. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Mini Pecan Pies exemplify the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, turning an everyday dessert into a sophisticated indulgence. These charming bites invite creativity in both flavor and presentation, encouraging your culinary artistry to shine. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—how would you make this dish your own?
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Mini Pecan Pies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these exquisite bite-sized pecan pies, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- A sprinkle of sea salt (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, and cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into circles to fit your mini muffin tin. Gently press each circle into the molds.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Pour the filling into each crust, filling just below the rim.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the pies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt and top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Use fresh pecans for enhanced flavor and monitor baking closely to avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg