Nutty Pecan Pie Bites Recipe: Sweet Treats in Mini Form

Tiny pecan pie bites deliver a delightful explosion of southern sweetness in every single morsel.

These miniature desserts pack rich caramel and nutty flavors into bite-sized perfection.

Crisp pastry shells cradle a luscious filling that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Each small treat captures the essence of classic pecan pie in a convenient, elegant form.

Simple ingredients come together to create an irresistible dessert that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort.

Guests will adore these delicate morsels that serve up pure indulgence in just one delectable bite.

Prepare to enchant your taste buds with this easy and elegant dessert that promises to be the star of any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 211 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s Inside Pecan Pie Bites

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for your delicate pie bites, choosing unbleached flour ensures the best texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust, balancing the rich pecan filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control gluten development in the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates flaky, tender layers with its cold temperature crucial for perfect pastry texture.
• Ice Water: Binds the dough together without developing too much gluten, keeping the crust delightfully tender.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel undertones and creates a luscious, sticky base for the pecan mixture.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures a silky smooth filling that prevents crystallization and adds glossy shine.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to complement the nutty pecan flavor.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the filling set and creating a rich, custardy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor profile.

• Pecans: Provides crunchy texture and rich, buttery flavor, selecting fresh, plump nuts guarantees the best taste.

Tools You’ll Need For Pecan Pie Bites

• Food processor: Essential for creating a perfectly mixed and textured crust.
• Round cutter (2 1/2 inches): Used to cut precise dough circles for mini tart shells.
• Mini muffin tin: Helps shape and bake individual bite-sized pecan pies.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the smooth, rich filling.
• Whisk: Ensures the filling ingredients blend seamlessly.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough to an even 1/8-inch thickness.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows bites to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Plastic wrap: Keeps the dough fresh while chilling.

How To Make Pecan Pie Bites At Home

• Dough Preparation

A buttery foundation starts your culinary adventure. Blend flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Toss in chilled butter cubes and pulse until the mixture looks like sandy crumbs. Slowly introduce ice water, letting the dough come together naturally. Shape into a smooth disk, wrap carefully, and let it rest in the refrigerator for a peaceful 30-minute chill.

• Filling Magic

Create a luscious mixture by whisking brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and egg until silky smooth. Gently fold in nutty pecan pieces, creating a rich, decadent filling that promises pure indulgence.

• Tiny Tart Formation

Warm your oven to a cozy 350F. Lovingly roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface. Cut delicate circles and nestle them into a mini muffin tin, forming adorable little shells. Carefully spoon the pecan mixture into each tiny tart, ensuring a perfect balance.

• Golden Transformation

Bake these delightful morsels until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the filling sets beautifully. After emerging from the oven, let them rest briefly in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.

• Serving Delight

Enjoy these bite-sized treasures at room temperature. For an extra touch of elegance, crown them with a soft cloud of whipped cream. These little gems are perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Tasty Tricks For Pecan Pie Bites

• Butter Backup Strategy: Keep extra cold butter on hand for an ultra-flaky crust that crumbles perfectly with minimal handling. Minimal mixing prevents tough pastry and ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough and filling up to 2 days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. This smart prep technique saves time and allows flavors to develop more intensely.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Replace wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend to make these bites celiac-friendly. Add a pinch of xanthan gum to help bind the alternative flour and maintain the crust's delicate structure.
• Nutty Flavor Variations: Experiment with different nuts like toasted walnuts, almonds, or a mixed nut blend to create unique flavor profiles. Lightly toast nuts beforehand to enhance their natural richness and add depth to the filling.
• Quick Storage Solution: Store cooled pecan pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore their original delightful texture.

Best Ways To Serve Pecan Pie Bites

• Sweet Holiday Party Platter: Arrange these pecan pie bites beautifully on a festive wooden board with sprigs of fresh mint and dusted powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
• Dessert Buffet Companion: Pair these mini bites with small glasses of bourbon, port wine, or vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful tasting experience that complements their rich flavor profile.
• Afternoon Tea Centerpiece: Serve these bite-sized treats alongside classic tea sandwiches and scones, creating a delectable spread perfect for elegant gatherings or weekend brunches with friends and family.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Package the cooled pecan pie bites in small clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, making them a charming homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or holiday hosts.

Plan Ahead And Store Pecan Pie Bites Smartly

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep these delicate bites in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, maintaining their crisp texture and rich flavor.
• Quick Freezing Trick: Wrap individual pecan bites tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. These treats will stay delicious for 3 months, ready for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.
• Room Temperature Magic: Let frozen bites thaw naturally on the counter for 30-45 minutes. Warm them gently in a 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive their original crispy crust and gooey filling.
• Make-Ahead Genius: Prepare the dough and filling up to 2 days before baking. Store the dough in the refrigerator and filling in a sealed container. Assemble and bake when ready for fresh, homemade goodness.

Crispy Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Miniature pecan pie bites deliver classic Southern dessert magic in one perfect nibble. Small pastry shells cradle rich caramel-like filling with toasted pecans, offering delightful holiday party pleasure you can savor in a single elegant bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 23 tbsps (1.4375 cups / 340 ml) ice water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor, then integrate cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, pulsing until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Filling Creation: Whisk brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and egg until smooth. Gently fold in chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
3. Dough Shaping: Roll the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut circular rounds and delicately press into a lightly greased mini muffin tin, forming petite tart shells.
4. Filling and Baking: Carefully spoon pecan mixture into each shell, avoiding overflow. Position the tin in a preheated 350F (175C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling sets and crust turns golden-brown.
5. Cooling and Serving: Rest the bites in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Plate at room temperature or slightly warmed, optionally garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

Notes

• Optimize Dough Texture: Work quickly when handling butter to keep it cold, ensuring a flaky, tender pastry crust that crumbles perfectly in each bite.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Blind bake the mini shells for 5-7 minutes before adding filling to create a crisp, non-soggy base that maintains structural integrity.
• Control Pecan Distribution: Gently fold pecans to avoid sinking; lightly coat nuts in a sprinkle of flour before mixing to help them suspend evenly throughout the filling.
• Manage Baking Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to check filling temperature (around 200F) for consistent set and avoid over-browning, guaranteeing a smooth, glossy finish without burning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 211
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg