Heavenly Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe

Fluffy Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe: Bite-Sized Bakery Bliss

Southern bakers have long cherished these pecan pie muffins that blend the rich, decadent flavors of classic pie with tender, comforting baked goods.

Crumbly and moist, these delightful treats capture the essence of traditional Southern desserts with every bite.

The sweet pecan pie muffins marry nutty warmth with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.

Butter and brown sugar create a luscious base that highlights the deep, caramel-like notes of pecans.

Each muffin offers a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness that makes them irresistible at breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

These muffins are so simple to prepare, even novice bakers can master them with ease.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that brings the comfort of homemade goodness straight to your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 246 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Muffin Goodness

For Base Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness and helps create a rich, moist texture in muffins.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and helps bind the muffin ingredients together smoothly.
For Nutty Crunch:
  • Pecans: Adds delightful crunch, earthy flavor, and classic southern pie-inspired texture to the muffins.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps create tender, soft muffin consistency.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients, adds protein, and contributes to the muffins' light and fluffy structure.

Tools That Help You Bake Mini Pecan Treats

  • Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for perfect individual muffins.
  • Medium Mixing Bowls: Two needed for separating dry and wet ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: For beating butter and eggs smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent results.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring batter gently.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps muffins cool evenly without getting soggy.

Muffin Instructions for That Pie-Like Texture

  • Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F and get your muffin tin ready by giving it a generous spray or lining with cute paper cups.

  • Create the Dry

Grab a mixing bowl and dance together brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans until they’re beautifully blended.

  • Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whip softened butter and eggs into a smooth symphony, then pour this creamy mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir just until everything looks friends.

  • Fill the Muffin Homes

Scoop your delightful batter into the waiting muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full – they’ll want some breathing room to rise.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your muffin tin into the oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and bounce back with a gentle touch.

  • Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the pan for a few moments, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Serve these beauties warm or at room temperature for a sweet, nutty treat.

Optional Mix-Ins for a New Spin on the

  • Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan to prevent crumbling and ensure easy removal.
  • Prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before, then mix and bake in the morning for fresh breakfast treats.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate wheat-sensitive guests without compromising flavor.
  • Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different twist, or toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their rich, deep flavor profile.
  • Drizzle warm muffins with maple syrup or honey for an extra indulgent touch that complements the caramel-like brown sugar notes.

Serving Muffins for Breakfast or Dessert

  • Breakfast Bliss: Pair these warm pecan pie muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat that feels like a cozy hug.
  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Serve alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs to create a balanced breakfast plate that combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Transform these muffins into an elegant dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
  • Gifting Delight: Package these muffins in cute boxes or wrap with rustic twine for a homemade gift that will make friends and family feel truly special.

Muffin Storage Tips to Keep Them Moist

  • Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
  • Store in sealed container for up to 5 days, letting them reach room temperature before enjoying to maintain delicious taste and crumbly consistency.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for convenient grab-and-go breakfast or snack option.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore just-baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

  • Are Pecan Pie Muffins similar to traditional muffins?

These muffins are different from classic muffins because they’re inspired by pecan pie, with a rich, sweet flavor and dense texture that mimics the gooey filling of a traditional pecan pie.

  • Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds, but keep in mind this will change the classic pecan pie muffin flavor profile.

  • How do I know when the muffins are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown tops that spring back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

  • Do I need any special baking equipment for these muffins?

You’ll need a standard 12-cup muffin tin, which can be greased or lined with paper liners, and basic mixing bowls to prepare the ingredients.

Print
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Heavenly Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe

Heavenly Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Pecan Pie Muffins blend Southern comfort with classic dessert charm. Nutty pecans and brown sugar create a moist, irresistible treat you’ll crave with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ⅔ cup (151 g / 5.3 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (220 g / 7.8 oz) packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
  2. Dry Ingredients: Blend brown sugar, flour, and pecans in a medium bowl, ensuring uniform distribution and breaking up any potential lumps.
  3. Wet Mixture: Whisk butter and eggs together until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture with no visible streaks.
  4. Combining Components: Delicately integrate wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent tough muffins, stopping when just combined.
  5. Filling and Baking: Distribute batter evenly across muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until tops turn golden and springs back when lightly touched.
  6. Cooling Process: Allow muffins to rest in the tin for several minutes to set their structure, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling or serve warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter just until ingredients combine to ensure tender, light muffins without developing tough gluten structures.
  • Check Moisture Balance: Add an extra tablespoon of butter if batter seems too dry, which helps maintain the muffins’ soft, rich texture.
  • Monitor Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate heat, preventing uneven baking or burnt edges on delicate pecan muffins.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour and use alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar for low-glycemic options.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 246
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 52 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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