Introduction
Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins capture everything people love about classic pecan pie, rich sweetness, buttery pecans, and a soft, gooey center, in a convenient muffin form. These muffins feel nostalgic and comforting, making them perfect for holidays, brunches, or whenever you want a sweet treat without committing to a full pie. I first made these when I wanted the flavor of pecan pie but needed something easier to serve and store, and they instantly became a favorite. The texture is especially appealing: slightly crisp around the edges, tender in the middle, and packed with toasted pecans in every bite. They come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and do not require any special equipment or complicated steps. Whether enjoyed warm with coffee or served as part of a dessert spread, these pecan pie muffins deliver classic Southern flavor in a charming, individual-sized treat.
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Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins That Taste Like Mini Holiday Pies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins are soft, buttery muffins that capture all the rich, caramelized flavors of classic pecan pie in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a muffin tin generously.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in flour and salt until just combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until tops are set and lightly golden.
- Allow muffins to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep centers soft.
- Use high-quality pecans for best flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These muffins are easy to make, full of nutty pecan flavor, and perfectly portioned. They taste just like pecan pie but are quicker to prepare and easier to serve. They store well and are ideal for holidays, brunch, or gifting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the muffins tender and soft.
Brown sugar adds deep sweetness and a caramel-like richness that defines pecan pie flavor.
Granulated sugar balances the sweetness and helps create a soft crumb.
Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the muffins.
Eggs bind the ingredients and contribute to the soft, custard-like texture.
Vanilla extract enhances the warm, sweet notes of theor.
Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens flavor.
Chopped pecans are the star ingredient, providing crunch, nuttiness, and classic Southern character.
Corn syrup helps create the signature gooey pecan pie texture inside the muffins.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 175°C and greasing a standard muffin tin well. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gently stir in the flour just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake until the tops are set and lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Allow the muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the tin and serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes twelve muffins. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 22 minutes, making the total time around 32 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. Reheat briefly in the microwave to restore their soft, gooey texture.
Variations and Customizations
Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins are easy to adapt. I have added a splash of maple syrup in place of part of the corn syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds subtle warmth that works beautifully during the holiday season. For extra texture, some of the pecans can be left coarsely chopped. You can also drizzle the cooled muffins with a light vanilla glaze for a dessert-style finish. If you prefer a slightly less sweet muffin, reduce the sugar slightly without affecting structure.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These muffins are rich and indulgent, containing sugars, butter, and nuts. They are best enjoyed in moderation. Pecans provide healthy fats, making them satisfying despite their small size.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Toast the pecans
Lightly toasting pecans before baking enhances their flavor.
Do not overbake
Remove muffins while centers are still soft for a pie-like texture.
Grease well
These muffins are sticky, so proper greasing is essential.
FAQs
Do these muffins taste like pecan pie?
Yes, they closely mimic the flavor and texture of pecan pie.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, they store well and can be made a day in advance.
Can I freeze pecan pie muffins?
Yes, freeze cooled muffins for up to one month.
Do I need cupcake liners?
Greasing the tin works better than liners for this recipe.
Can I use dark corn syrup?
Yes, it adds deeper flavor.
Are these muffins very sweet?
They are rich but balanced, similar to pecan pie.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, a small amount pairs well with pecans.
What size pecans work best?
Chopped pecans distribute flavor evenly.
Are these good for holidays?
Yes, they are perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Can I make mini muffins?
Yes, reduce baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins are a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie in a simple, portable form. With their gooey centers, buttery pecans, and rich sweetness, these muffins are an irresistible addition to brunch tables, holiday spreads, or anytime you crave a taste of Southern comfort.
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