These mini pecan pie bites are a perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors packed into bite-sized treats. Ideal for holidays or any occasion, they’re easy to make and serve, providing all the deliciousness of a full pecan pie without the need for slicing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bite-Sized Delight: Miniature versions of pecan pie make for easy serving and eating.
- Perfect for Parties: These treats are a hit at gatherings, offering a mess-free alternative to traditional pie.
- Simple and Quick: With a pre-made crust, these bites come together quickly, saving time.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips or drizzle caramel sauce for a twist.
- Make-Ahead: These can be prepared ahead of time and stored for a convenient, delicious dessert.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Pie Bites:
- Pecan halves: The star ingredient, giving each bite its signature nutty crunch.
- Mini phyllo shells: These pre-made shells form the crispy base, saving you time.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the rich, nutty flavor.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a caramelized flavor.
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture for the filling.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together to create a custard-like filling.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a hint of warmth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 2 large eggs. Add ¼ cup of melted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in 1 cup of pecan halves, mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Fill the Phyllo Shells
Place your mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the pecan filling into each shell, filling them almost to the top.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. The center should be firm and not jiggly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the pecan pie bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use regular pie crust instead of phyllo shells?
Yes, you can cut regular pie crust into small circles and place them in muffin tins, but phyllo shells provide a crispier texture.
Q2: How do I store leftover pecan pie bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q3: Can I freeze these pecan pie bites?
Yes, these bites freeze well. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll last up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Q4: Can I add chocolate to the filling?
Absolutely! You can stir in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a sweet twist.
Q5: Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, you can use a flax egg or an egg replacement to make these bites egg-free.
Q6: Are these bites gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free phyllo shells, the bites will be gluten-free. Always check the ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Q7: How many pecan pie bites does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 24 mini pecan pie bites, depending on the size of your phyllo shells.
Q8: Can I add a topping to these bites?
Yes, you can add whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Q9: How do I know when the pecan pie bites are done baking?
The filling should be firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges. If the center is still jiggly, bake for a few more minutes.
Q10: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Enjoy these delicious, bite-sized pecan pies—they’re the perfect treat for any holiday celebration!
PrintPecan Pie Bites Recipe
Miniature versions of classic pecan pie, these bite-sized treats are buttery, gooey, and absolutely irresistible! Perfect for parties, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, nutty treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Prepare Pie Crusts: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles to fit your mini muffin tin. Gently press each circle into the tin.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Fill Crusts: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into each crust-lined mini muffin cup.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to let the bites cool completely before removing them from the tin to ensure they hold their shape.
- You can top each bite with a little extra pecan for added decoration and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg