Pecan Pie Bites

If you’re craving the rich, nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie but don’t have the time or patience to make a whole pie, Pecan Pie Bites are the perfect solution. These bite-sized treats are a quick and easy version of the classic dessert, offering the same sweet and crunchy flavor in a convenient mini form. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a potluck, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these pecan pie bites are sure to impress.

What Are Pecan Pie Bites?

Pecan pie bites are mini versions of the classic pecan pie, made by filling bite-sized pastry cups with a rich mixture of pecans, sugar, butter, and eggs. They offer the same signature taste of pecan pie but in a portable, easier-to-serve form. These individual servings make them ideal for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun dessert to enjoy without the mess of cutting slices from a large pie.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 package of mini phyllo cups (or pre-made tart shells)
• 1 cup of chopped pecans
• 3/4 cup of light corn syrup or maple syrup for a deeper flavor
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Pecan Pie Bites

this recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the mini pecan pie bites bake evenly and get that golden, crisp texture.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. This creates the sweet, gooey filling that binds the pecans together. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated with the syrupy mixture.

3. Fill the Mini Phyllo Cups

Carefully spoon the pecan mixture into each of the mini phyllo cups. Be sure not to overfill the cups as the filling will bubble slightly while baking. A little goes a long way in these bite-sized treats!

4. Bake to Perfection

Place the filled phyllo cups on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is set and the phyllo cups are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking and to ensure they don’t burn.

5. Cool and Serve

Let the pecan pie bites cool in the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. These treats can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Bites

1. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday celebration, family dinner, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these pecan pie bites are sure to delight. Their small size makes them great for any event where finger foods are preferred.

2. Mini But Mighty

The combination of crispy, flaky phyllo dough and the sweet, nutty filling delivers the classic pecan pie flavor in a smaller, more manageable portion. You get all the flavors of pecan pie in just one bite!

3. Make-Ahead Friendly

Pecan pie bites can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This makes them a great make-ahead dessert for busy hosts who want to prepare in advance.

4. Easy to Customize

Feel free to experiment with different nuts or flavorings. For example, you can add a bit of cinnamon, bourbon, or even a touch of chocolate to the filling for a unique twist on this classic dessert.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bites

• Use quality pecans: The flavor of the pecans is key in these bites, so opt for fresh, high-quality pecans for the best taste and texture.
• Don’t skip the egg: The egg helps the filling set properly, giving your pecan pie bites that classic, gooey texture.
• Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on your pecan pie bites as they bake. Since they are small, they can go from golden to overdone quickly.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these pecan pie bites with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bites are a fun and delicious twist on the classic dessert that everyone will love. They are quick to prepare, easy to serve, and perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday parties. With their crunchy phyllo cups and gooey, nutty filling, these mini treats capture all the goodness of a traditional pecan pie in one bite. So, the next time you’re craving a sweet, nutty treat, give these pecan pie bites a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Serving and Storage Tips for Pecan Pie Bites

Serving Tips:

1. Serve at Room Temperature or Warm: Pecan pie bites can be served at room temperature, which allows the sweet filling to be at its most flavorful. However, if you prefer them warm, you can easily heat them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to re-crisp the phyllo cups and warm the filling.
2. Add a Topping: Enhance your pecan pie bites with a variety of toppings:
   • Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the rich, sweet flavor of the pecan filling.
   • Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve your pecan pie bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even cinnamon ice cream for a festive touch.
   • Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness.
3. Presentation Matters: Arrange the pecan pie bites on a decorative platter or tiered stand to make them look extra appealing at your next event. Garnish with a few whole pecans for a simple, elegant touch.

Storage Tips:

1. Store in an Airtight Container: Pecan pie bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents the filling from becoming soggy. Be sure to layer the bites with parchment paper to avoid them sticking together.
2. Refrigeration: While pecan pie bites are best stored at room temperature, they can also be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week. However, keep in mind that the phyllo cups might lose some of their crispness when refrigerated. If you prefer them warm, reheat in the oven or microwave just before serving.
3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage: If you’d like to store pecan pie bites for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled pecan pie bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your pecan pie bites at their best for days to come!

1. Can I make Pecan Pie Bites ahead of time?
Yes! Pecan pie bites are great for making ahead. You can prepare them in advance, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week. For long-term storage, they can be frozen for up to 1 month. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought pie crust for these bites?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use phyllo cups, you can make your own mini pie crusts or use pre-made tart shells or pie dough. Just make sure to fit the dough into mini muffin tins or tart pans to create the mini crusts, then proceed with filling and baking as directed.

3. How do I prevent the phyllo cups from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, don’t overfill the phyllo cups. Use just enough of the pecan filling to fill each cup without spilling over. If you’re storing the bites for later, let them cool completely before storing, and keep them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

4. Can I customize the filling with other nuts or flavors?
Yes! You can easily customize the filling by swapping out pecans for other nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds. You can also add flavorings like cinnamon, bourbon, or chocolate chips for a unique twist on the classic pecan pie filling. Just be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.

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