There’s something irresistible about sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked Pecan Mini Pie Recipe. Each bite delivers the rich, caramelized crunch of pecans, wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust—all in an adorable, handheld size. Whether you know them as pecan tassies, pecan pie bites, or simply Pecan Mini Pies, these sweet treats are a guaranteed showstopper at any gathering.
For generations, my family has perfected this Pecan Mini Pie Recipe, creating the ideal balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. This timeless recipe is proof that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasers in no time. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s effortless yet unforgettable, this Pecan Mini Pie Recipe is the one to try.
Why You'll Love These Pecan Mini Pies
For decades, Pecan Mini Pie Recipes have been a cherished staple at Southern gatherings, and it's easy to see why. These perfectly portioned delights bring all the rich, nutty flavors of a classic pecan pie into a bite-sized treat, making them a must-have for holiday dessert tables. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, these Pecan Mini Pie Recipes allow guests to indulge in multiple desserts without committing to a full slice.
One of the best things about this Pecan Mini Pie Recipe is its incredible versatility. These pecan tartlets can be made ahead of time for parties, beautifully packaged as homemade gifts, or served with a cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Plus, their grab-and-go size means no messy slicing—just pop one in your mouth and enjoy!
Not only are these Pecan Mini Pie Recipes delicious, but they’re also ideal for potlucks and bake sales. Unlike full-sized pecan pies, these personal-sized desserts hold their shape better, making them easier to transport without the risk of a crumbling mess. Whether you're sharing them at a family gathering or gifting them to loved ones, this tried-and-true Pecan Mini Pie Recipe is guaranteed to impress.
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Ingredients
For the Mini Pie Crust:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Salt
- Ice water
For the Pecan Filling:
- Pecans
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Pure maple syrup
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Bourbon (optional)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients. The combination of brown sugar and maple syrup creates a rich caramel flavor that perfectly complements the nutty pecans. For those avoiding corn syrup, this maple syrup version offers the same gooey texture without the processed ingredient.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust and Muffin Tin
- Make the dough by combining flour and salt, cutting in cold butter, and mixing in cream cheese until a soft dough forms. Add ice water if needed, then wrap and chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Form the crusts by dividing the chilled dough into portions, pressing them into the muffin cups, and pricking the bottoms with a fork.
The cream cheese in this dough creates an incredibly tender and flaky crust that perfectly complements the sweet pecan filling. It's much easier to work with than traditional pie crust, making it ideal for creating these small treats.
Mix the Filling and Assemble
- Create the filling by whisking together eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans and optional bourbon.
- Fill the crusts about ¾ full with the pecan mixture. Don't overfill as the mixture will expand while baking.
- Top each mini pie with a pecan half for an attractive presentation.
The filling should be thick but pourable. The chopped pecans help distribute the nutty flavor throughout each bite while maintaining the signature gooey texture that makes pecan pie so irresistible.
Bake and Cool
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to remove the mini pies.
- Remove carefully by gently loosening the edges with a small knife and lifting each pie out of the tin.
These individual pecan pies bake much more quickly than a full-sized pecan pie, making them perfect for when you need a quick dessert solution.
These individual pecan pies bake much more quickly than a full-sized pecan pie, making them perfect for when you need a quick dessert solution.
- prepare_crust_muffin_tin: Cutting, rolling, and pressing the dough into mini muffin tins to form the base of the pecan pies.
- mix_filling_assemble: A rich, nutty filling being poured into prepared mini crusts, ensuring even distribution.
- bake_cool_pies: Golden brown mini pecan pies cooling on a rack, with one being carefully lifted out.
Equipment
- Mini muffin tin - A 24-cup mini muffin tin creates the perfect bite-sized treats that cook evenly
- Pastry cutter - Makes cutting butter into flour easier (two forks work as an alternative)
- Small cookie scoop - Helps portion the filling evenly among all the mini crusts
- Mixing bowls - For preparing both the crust and filling
- Measuring cups and spoons - For accurate ingredient measurements
- Wire cooling rack - For cooling the mini pies after baking
Hints and Tips
For the best texture in your pecan mini pies, make sure your ingredients are at the proper temperature before mixing. Cold butter is essential for the flaky crust, while room temperature eggs help the filling mix more evenly.
If you're looking for even easier mini pecan pies, you can use store-bought mini pie crusts or create a simple graham cracker crust for mini pecan pies with graham cracker crust. Simply mix 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and press into the muffin cups before adding the filling.
A mini muffin pan is the ideal tool for making these pecan tartlets, but if you don't have one, you can use a regular muffin tin to make slightly larger pecan mini pies. Just adjust the baking time by adding 5-7 minutes.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
These pecan mini pies are naturally high in protein from the nuts and eggs, making them more nutritionally balanced than many other desserts. The maple syrup version also contains beneficial minerals and antioxidants not found in corn syrup.
For a stunning dessert spread, serve these mini pecan pies alongside small scoops of vanilla ice cream or dollops of freshly whipped cream. They pair beautifully with after-dinner coffee, especially rich, dark roasts that complement the nutty flavor.
For a truly Southern experience, serve your pecan pie bites with a small glass of bourbon or a cup of sweet tea. The combination of sweet treats and refreshing beverages is a hallmark of Southern hospitality.
Recipe Variations
Gluten-Free Mini Pecan Pies
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to create gluten-free mini pecan pies that everyone can enjoy. Most cup-for-cup gluten-free flours work well in this recipe.
Chocolate Pecan Mini Pies
Add ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-lover's variation that combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible bite.
Maple Pecan Mini Tarts
Increase the maple flavor by replacing the brown sugar with pure maple sugar and adding ¼ teaspoon of maple extract to the filling.
Vegan Pecan Mini Pies
Replace the butter with coconut oil, the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and the eggs with a flax egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Mini Pecan Pies with Puff Pastry
For a quick shortcut, use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the crust from scratch. Cut the pastry into circles and press into the muffin cups before adding the filling.
Storage
One of the best things about these mini pecan pies is how well they store. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container separated by layers of parchment paper. They'll keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can you freeze mini pecan pies? Absolutely! These pecan tartlets freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.
If you want to make them ahead for a special occasion, prepare and freeze them, then refresh in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes just before serving for that freshly-baked taste and aroma.ing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma’s Secret: The Story Behind the Perfect Pecan Mini Pie Recipe
Long before Pecan Mini Pie Recipes became a holiday favorite, my grandmother had a secret method that made hers unforgettable. Every Thanksgiving, her kitchen would fill with the warm, caramelized aroma of pecans and buttery crust. But what set her Pecan Mini Pies apart wasn’t just the recipe—it was the little-known tricks she swore by.
She always whispered, "The secret is in the touch." She never overmixed the dough, knowing that too much handling would make the crust tough instead of melt-in-your-mouth tender. "Just bring it together and let it rest," she’d say with a knowing smile. And her second trick? Toasting the pecans. While others tossed them in raw, she carefully spread them on a baking sheet, letting the oven coax out their deep, nutty richness.
When I finally inherited her Pecan Mini Pie Recipe, I realized that it wasn’t just about following instructions—it was about honoring the little details that make a dessert truly exceptional. So, if you want your Pecan Mini Pies to have that unforgettable taste, remember: less is more with the crust, and never skip the toasted pecans.
Now, every time I bake these, I can almost hear her voice reminding me: "It’s not just a recipe—it’s a legacy."
FAQ
How long to cook mini pecan tarts?
Mini pecan tarts or pecan mini pies should be baked at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Look for a slightly jiggly center that will set as they cool. Smaller tarts (1-inch diameter) may need only 15-18 minutes, while slightly larger mini pies (2-3 inches) require the full 25 minutes. Always place them on the middle rack for even baking.
What's the difference between shoo fly pie and pecan pie?
Shoo fly pie and pecan pie differ significantly in ingredients and origin. Shoo fly pie, a Pennsylvania Dutch creation, features molasses filling with crumb topping but no nuts. Pecan pie, originating from the Southern United States, has a rich custard filling made with eggs, sugar, and corn syrup or maple syrup, topped with pecan nuts. The textures and flavors are entirely different.
Who makes Walmart mini pies?
Walmart mini pies, including their popular mini pecan pies, are primarily produced by The Bakery at Walmart, their in-house bakery operation. Some seasonal varieties might be supplied by commercial partners like Edwards Desserts, Sara Lee, or Mrs. Smith's. These pre-made mini pies offer convenient alternatives to homemade versions while maintaining the classic pecan pie flavor profile.
Do mini pecan pies need to be refrigerated?
Mini pecan pies should be refrigerated if not consumed within 24 hours. Due to their egg-based filling, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator extends freshness up to one week. For room temperature serving, remove them 30 minutes before eating. Mini pecan pies can also be frozen for up to three months when properly wrapped.
Bringing Sweet Traditions to Your Table
These Pecan Mini Pies prove that great things truly come in small packages. With their perfect balance of buttery crust and caramelized pecan filling, they offer a bite-sized taste of Southern heritage that’s both comforting and unforgettable. Whether you're preparing a holiday dessert spread, a cozy afternoon treat, or a homemade gift, this Pecan Mini Pie Recipe is guaranteed to impress.
But why stop here? If you love easy, crowd-pleasing desserts, be sure to check out my Delicious Canned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe, a foolproof way to enjoy a classic with minimal effort. Or, if you're in the mood for a fruity twist, try these Easy Apple Turnovers with Pie Crust—flaky, golden, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples. Each of these recipes brings something special to the table, making them perfect for any occasion.
I can’t wait for you to try this Pecan Mini Pie Recipe and see why it's been a staple in my family for generations. If you give it a go, be sure to share your results in the comments below! Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the sweet aroma of homemade goodness.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pecan Mini Pie Recipe
Pecan Mini Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mini Muffin Tin 24-cup for even baking
- 1 Pastry cutter To cut butter into the dough
- 1 Small cookie scoop Ensures even filling distribution
- 2 Mixing bowls One for crust, one for filling
- 1 Measuring cups/spoons For precise ingredient measurement
- 1 Wire cooling rack Helps cool pies evenly
Ingredients
For the Mini Pie Crust
- 1 ¼ cups All-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy
- ½ cup Unsalted butter Cold and cubed
- 4 oz Cream cheese Softened
- ¼ teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor
- 1 tablespoon Ice water If needed for consistency
For the Pecan Filling
- 1 cup Pecans Chopped toasted for extra flavor
- 2 large Eggs Room temperature
- ½ cup Brown sugar Light or dark packed
- ¼ cup Pure maple syrup Rich flavor substitute for corn syrup
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted butter Melted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Pure for best taste
- ¼ teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon Optional for depth of flavor
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, butter, and cream cheese until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Set to 350°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Divide dough, press into muffin cups, and prick with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Whisk eggs, sugar, maple syrup, butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in pecans.
- Spoon filling into crusts, filling ¾ full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and set.
- Let cool in the pan before gently removing.
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