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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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