Get ready to indulge in the perfect bite-sized dessert with these German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites! Imagine the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie, with the decadent twist of creamy, chocolaty goodness that’s so iconic in German chocolate cake. These little gems are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves both chocolate and nuts. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a sweet little indulgence, these bites will steal the show and leave everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these again and again!

Why You’ll Love German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites

Here’s why these little treats are going to become your new favorite:

Two Desserts in One: They’re like a hybrid of pecan pie and German chocolate cake, so you get the best of both worlds. It’s the perfect balance of rich, chocolatey, nutty goodness.
Easy to Eat: They’re mini and bite-sized, making them ideal for parties or casual snacking. No need to slice up a pie, just grab one (or two… or three!) and enjoy.
Sweet and Nutty: With the sweet, sticky pecan filling and the smooth, chocolate topping, these bites are the ultimate combo of crunch, sweetness, and creaminess.
Perfect for Sharing: They’re so easy to pop in your mouth, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Everyone will love them, and they’re sure to disappear fast!
Homemade Goodness: These little bites may look fancy, but they’re super easy to make, so you can impress your friends without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible bites:

Pecan Pieces: The star of the show! Chopped pecans add that signature crunch and rich flavor to each bite.

Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling that pairs perfectly with the pecans.

Butter: You can’t go wrong with butter. It helps make the filling rich and silky smooth while binding everything together.

Eggs: They provide structure and help set the filling, so each bite holds together perfectly.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, giving it a warm and inviting undertone.

Coconut Flakes: A key ingredient in traditional German chocolate cake. The coconut adds a chewy texture and tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy ingredient makes the filling smooth, rich, and perfectly sweet.

Chocolate Chips: We’re using semi-sweet chocolate chips to make the delicious chocolate topping that goes over the pie bites. It gives that melt-in-your-mouth decadence.

Pie Crust: Pre-made pie crusts make things easy and quick. You’ll cut them into circles to form the bases for your pecan pie bites.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into the steps to make these delicious bites? Let’s get started!

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures the pies bake evenly and gives them that golden, crispy crust.

2. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pre-made pie crust and use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out small circles. Press each circle into a mini muffin tin to form little pie crust cups. You should get about 12 to 14 cups, depending on your cutter size.

3. Make the Pecan Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the pecan pieces, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Add the Coconut and Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gently fold in the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. This will give the filling that deliciously rich texture.

5. Fill the Crusts: Spoon the pecan mixture into each pie crust, filling them almost to the top. Be generous with the filling!

6. Bake: Bake the pecan pie bites in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the top is lightly caramelized.

7. Make the Chocolate Topping: While the pies bake, melt the chocolate chips and a small splash of milk in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and glossy.

8. Drizzle the Chocolate: Once the pecan pie bites have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each bite. You can get creative with how much or how little you drizzle!

9. Let It Set: Allow the chocolate to firm up at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the process.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is set, you’re ready to enjoy these sweet, nutty bites of heaven. Serve them at your next gathering or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!).

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites

These bites are perfect for any occasion! Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

At a Party: Serve them on a platter as part of a dessert spread. They’re small enough for people to grab and go, but fancy enough to impress your guests.
For Afternoon Tea: Pair these with a cup of tea or coffee for an indulgent afternoon snack. The chocolate and pecans make them rich, but the small size makes them perfect for nibbling.
As a Gift: Package them up in a cute tin or box, and they make a delightful homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
With Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make these bites even better:

Chill the Pie Crusts: Before baking, you can chill the pie crust cups in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.
Toast the Pecans: For an extra burst of flavor, toast your pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the filling.
Experiment with Chocolate: Feel free to swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer a different flavor.
Make Mini Tarts: If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a standard muffin tin for larger bites or even a tart pan to make larger individual pies.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Pre-made pie crust saves time and is just as delicious in these mini bites. Just be sure to roll it out thin enough to fit your mini muffin tin.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! You can bake the pie bites in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add the chocolate drizzle just before serving.

Q3: Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped pecans?
A3: Yes, you can! Just chop them into smaller pieces before using them in the filling, so they fit better in the mini crusts.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store the leftover bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the baked bites (without the chocolate drizzle) for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight and drizzle with chocolate before serving.

Q6: Can I make these without coconut?
A6: Yes, you can skip the coconut if you’re not a fan. The pecans and chocolate will still make these bites irresistible.

Q7: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
A7: Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give these bites a richer flavor and complement the sweetness of the filling.

Q8: How do I keep the pie crust from getting soggy?
A8: To prevent the crust from getting soggy, you can bake the crusts for about 5 minutes before filling them with the pecan mixture. This will help them hold their shape.

Q9: How can I make the chocolate drizzle more even?
A9: For a smooth drizzle, use a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. This allows you to control the amount of chocolate and drizzle it evenly over each bite.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Feel free to double the recipe if you need more bites for a crowd. Just be sure to use two muffin tins or bake in batches.

Conclusion

These German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites are the perfect combination of chocolatey, nutty, and sweet. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special occasion, or just because you want a treat, these little bites are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, so delicious, and guaranteed to disappear in no time. Get ready to enjoy a mini dessert that’s big on flavor!