Chewy Pecan Pie Bites: A Sweet Southern Tradition (Print Version)

Whip up these delightful Pecan Pie Bites, a classic Southern dessert. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat, these bites are easy and irresistible.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24 Bites
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Sweet Filling Base

01 - 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup

→ The Pecan Star

09 - 1 cup chopped pecans

→ Crust Components

10 - 2 sheets refrigerated pie crusts

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those mini muffin tins ready. I usually grab two 12-cup tins and give them a good spray with cooking oil—or better yet, grease them with a tiny bit of butter. It makes a huge difference when you're trying to get those precious Pecan Pie Bites out later. Then, roll out your refrigerated pie crusts. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter or even just the rim of a small glass, cut out 24 circles. Gently press each circle into the prepared muffin cups. This is where I always get a little flour on my nose, but it's part of the fun!
02 - Now for the good stuff! In a medium bowl, whisk together your melted butter, both brown and granulated sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, salt, and light corn syrup. Give it a good whisk until it's all smooth and beautifully combined. You want a consistent, slightly thick mixture. This is the heart of your Pecan Pie Bites, so take your time here. I didn't expect how easy this part would be compared to a full pie, honestly. Don't worry if it looks a little thin; it will thicken up during baking.
03 - Once your filling is mixed, it's time for the pecans! Stir in your chopped pecans until they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture. I like to make sure every bite will have a good amount of crunch. You can really smell that rich pecan aroma now, can't you? It's the best! Try not to snack on too many raw pecans, though, save them for the Pecan Pie Bites!
04 - Carefully spoon about a tablespoon of the pecan filling into each pie crust-lined muffin cup. This is where I learned the hard way not to overfill, or you'll have sticky, bubbly overflow that's a nightmare to clean. Aim for about two-thirds full; it gives the filling room to puff up a little without spilling over. Each tiny cup is just waiting to transform into a delicious Pecan Pie Bite!
05 - Pop those muffin tins into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You're looking for the crusts to be golden brown and the filling to be set, with a slight jiggle in the very center. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point? Oh my goodness, it's pure heaven! It's that classic, warm, sweet aroma of baking Pecan Pie Bites.
06 - Once baked, pull those beautiful Pecan Pie Bites out of the oven and let them cool in the muffin tins on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes. This is crucial! I've been impatient and tried to take them out too soon, and they just fall apart. Let them firm up. Then, gently remove them and let them cool completely on the wire rack. They get even chewier and more delicious as they cool. Honestly, resisting eating them hot is the hardest part!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overbake your Pecan Pie Bites; they'll lose their gooey center if you do.
02 - Always grease your muffin tins really well and let them cool completely before removal.
03 - If you're out of light corn syrup, a mix of maple syrup and extra brown sugar can work, but the texture will be slightly different.
04 - A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking seriously elevates these Pecan Pie Bites.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Mini muffin tins (two 12-cup)
02 - mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - measuring cups and spoons
05 - 2-inch round cookie cutter (or small glass)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 9g
Total Carbohydrate: 17g
Protein: 2g

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