Southern Pecan Pie Bites: The Gooey, Buttery Mini Dessert That Disappears Fast
By Jason Griffith
There are a few desserts that instantly transport me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, and a classic pecan pie is at the top of that list. The rich, buttery crust, the gooey filling, the crunch of the toasted pecans—it’s pure Southern comfort. But let’s be honest: a traditional pecan pie can be a bit intimidating to make and messy to serve.
That’s where these Southern Pecan Pie Bites come in.
I’ve taken everything you love about that classic holiday dessert and shrunk it down into a perfectly portioned, incredibly easy, bite-sized treat. Baked in a mini muffin tin, these are gooey, crunchy, and packed with that familiar caramelized flavor. They’re the ideal sweet to serve at a party, bring to a potluck, or just keep around for when a serious pecan craving hits. The best part? There’s no fussy pie crust required!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made dozens of pecan desserts, including my popular Pecan Pie Bars, but this mini version is special for a few simple reasons:
- Portability: No slicing or serving needed! Just grab a mini muffin liner and go. This makes them fantastic for feeding a crowd or boxing up as a gift.
- Ease: The batter comes together in one bowl with no mixer required. It’s truly a beginner-friendly baking project.
- Perfect Ratio: Every bite delivers the ideal balance of the rich, chewy filling and the crunchy, toasted nuts. You get the full flavor experience without the heaviness of a full slice.
- Speed: From mixing to cooling, you can have these ready much faster than a standard pie.
If you’re looking for a simple, impressive, and deeply satisfying sweet treat, this recipe is a winner.
🍽️ Ingredients List
This recipe relies on pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Chopped Pecans | 1 cup | Make sure they are roughly chopped, not ground. |
| Packed Brown Sugar | 1 cup | Light or dark brown sugar works; dark adds a richer molasses flavor. |
| All-Purpose Flour | 21 cup | Provides structure and helps the filling set. |
| Butter | 21 cup | Melted. Unsalted is best, but salted is fine—just omit the extra pinch of salt. |
| Large Eggs | 2 | Must be large; they are the main binder for the filling. |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile. |
| Salt | Pinch | Balances the sweetness. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Toasted Pecans: To deepen the flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes before chopping.
- Nut Swaps: You can substitute walnuts or almonds, but the flavor won’t be the same classic Southern profile.
- Adding Chocolate: Stir in 41 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips with the pecans for a chocolate-pecan bite.
- Using a Full Muffin Tin: This recipe is designed for a mini muffin tin (about 24 cups). If you use a standard 12-cup muffin tin, the baking time will be closer to 30–35 minutes.
👩🍳 How to Make Southern Pecan Pie Bites
These mini pies are incredibly straightforward to bake.
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin well, or line it with mini paper cupcake liners. I prefer liners for easy cleanup and serving!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and pinch of salt. Whisk them together until they are fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and glossy. The batter will be thin, which is exactly right!
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold the chopped pecans into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each one about 43 full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes. The centers should look set (not liquidy) and the tops should be a lovely golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bites cool slightly in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully pop them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. They are best served warm or at room temperature.
💡 Tips for Success
- Do Not Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of a gooey pecan filling! Start checking them at 18 minutes. They should be set, but if you press lightly on the center, it should still feel slightly soft.
- The Muffin Liners: While optional, using good-quality mini muffin liners makes removal a breeze, ensuring the gooey filling doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Accurate Measuring: Ensure your brown sugar is firmly packed into the measuring cup, as this provides the necessary moisture and sweetness.
🥂 Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These little treats are versatile enough for any occasion.
- Classic Comfort: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- A Warm Beverage: They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy mug of spiced cider.
- For a Party: Arrange them on a platter with other miniature desserts like my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites or something lighter, like fresh strawberries.
- Cocktail Pairing: A classic pairing for a rich pecan dessert is a glass of bourbon or a sweet port wine.
📊 Nutritional Information Per Serving
(Based on 24 servings)
| Metric | Amount |
| Calories | ≈150 |
| Total Fat | ≈9g |
| Carbohydrates | ≈16g |
| Protein | ≈2g |
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Disclaimer: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown.
🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: Store cooled pecan pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: If you like them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
- Freezing: These freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of easy, sweet, and comforting desserts, you’ll love these other treats from the Chef Maniac kitchen:
- For another easy dessert bar, try these Pecan Pie Bars.
- If you’re craving a no-bake option, check out my Grasshopper Pie.
- Need to use up some ripe fruit? My Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is always a winner.
- Looking for another great holiday option? Give this Pumpkin Delight Dessert a try.
- For a savory comfort dish that’s easy on a Sunday, check out these Easy Turkey Wings.
Final Thoughts
These Southern Pecan Pie Bites prove that sometimes, less is more. By ditching the full pie crust and the complexity of slicing a sticky dessert, you get all the incredible flavor in a simple, portable package. They bring all the warmth and nostalgia of a classic Southern treat right to your table, whether it’s the holiday season or just a Tuesday afternoon.
Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how they turned out! What’s your favorite way to serve them?
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