Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

If you’re a nut lover who enjoys a perfect blend of buttery crust and rich, gooey filling, you’re going to adore this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites pack all the delicious warmth of a classic pecan pie into a perfectly sized treat that’s so easy to share or enjoy on the go. These pecan pie bites are a fantastic option when you want all the flavor without fussing over a whole pie.

This recipe works beautifully for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in when you’re craving something sweet but not overwhelming. What makes this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe truly special is the toasted pecans layered right inside, giving them that toasty, caramelized crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, because they’re bite-sized, you can easily control portion sizes and even double the batch without hesitation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe come together beautifully to create a balance of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors. The toasted pecans bring out the best flavor, and the homemade dough provides a rich but tender base that’s easy to work with.

• Butter: Softened butter makes for a tender crust, and a bit of melted butter helps the filling come together smoothly.
• Brown Sugar: This gives both the crust and filling that caramel richness that pecan pie is famous for.
• Pecans: Chopped and toasted pecans add incredible flavor and crunch – don’t skip the toasting step!
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the crust without it becoming too dense.
• Light Corn Syrup: This helps the filling stay sticky and luscious once baked.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch amplifies all those warm flavors perfectly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Variations

I love how versatile this Pecan Pie Bites Recipe is because you can tweak it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want them a bit sweeter, nutty-er, or even dairy-free, there’s a way to make it work.

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, just make sure it has xanthan gum for structure. I’ve done this before with great results!
• Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a vegan corn syrup or maple syrup to keep that sticky filling intact – this one’s a bit of an experiment but super tasty.
• Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm twist that’s perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the bites for a decadent treat my family can’t resist.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Toast Those Pecans to Perfection

Start by melting the 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped pecans and keep stirring often so they toast evenly without burning. About 10 minutes and you’ll notice a warm, nutty aroma and a golden brown color – that’s your cue to take them off the heat. Toasted pecans make such a difference here, lending a deeper flavor you’ll appreciate in every bite.

Step 2: Whip Up a Buttery Crust

While the pecans cool, grab your electric mixer and cream together the softened butter with the brown sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. This step is key to a tender crust. Next, add your flour and salt, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing; you want your dough to be soft, not tough.

Step 3: Press Dough into Mini Muffin Pans

Lightly spray your mini muffin pan so the bites release easily. Take a heaping tablespoon of your dough and firmly press it into the bottom and up the sides of each cup, creating a little crust cup that will hold your filling. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfectly even – these little bites are rustic and charming.

Step 4: Mix and Fill the Gooey Center

Now for that luscious filling! In a large bowl, stir together brown sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add in the toasted pecans and combine well so each nut is coated in sweetness. Spoon about a tablespoon of this filling into each crust cup, only filling about three-quarters full. This prevents overflow when baking, but don’t worry – you’ll add more filling after baking to get that perfect gooey top.

Step 5: Bake and Add More Filling

Pop your pan in the oven preheated to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes, until the crust edges start to turn a lovely golden brown. Take them out and let them sit for about 5 minutes – patience pays off! Then, scoop on another tablespoon of the filling for an extra-rich finish. Let the bites cool completely in the pan before gently removing them so they hold their shape.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the cooled pecan pie bites – it really elevates the sweetness and adds a nice contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also make for a fancy presentation if you’re serving them at a party.

Side Dishes

These bites pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy fall vibe, serve alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai latte, or hot apple cider.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great fun arranging these pecan pie bites on a tiered dessert stand, mixed with other mini treats for a festive touch. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes charming, edible favors for holiday guests or potluck giveaways.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend refrigerating them to keep the filling from getting too soft or sticky. Just bring them back to room temp before serving so the flavors shine.

Freezing

This Pecan Pie Bites Recipe freezes really well! I like to freeze them on a tray first, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag or container so they don’t stick together. They keep for up to 2 months—perfect to make ahead for holiday entertaining.

Reheating

To warm them up, pop the bites in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the crust soggy. This method keeps the crust crisp and the filling gooey.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pie Bites Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and crowd-pleasing. The combination of a buttery crust, toasted pecans, and that sticky-sweet filling always wins hearts—and I’m confident you’ll love it as much as my family does. If you want an easy dessert that feels special yet comes together without stress, give these bites a try. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to for any occasion, just like they are for me.

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