🥧 Pecan Pie Muffins – Buttery, Nutty, and Irresistibly Sweet
If you love the warm, caramelized flavor of pecan pie but crave something easier and more portable, these Pecan Pie Muffins are your dream come true. 🧁✨
They’re rich, gooey, and full of toasted pecans with a crispy edge and soft, buttery center. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert — and they taste like the holidays wrapped in a muffin liner. 🍂
As Chef Ree Drummond says, “Southern baking is all about flavor, comfort, and a little sweetness in every bite.” These muffins check all three boxes — and then some. ❤️
🍯 Why You’ll Love These Muffins
- ✅ Easy to make: Only 7 simple ingredients and one mixing bowl.
- ✅ Big flavor, small effort: All the richness of pecan pie with none of the fuss.
- ✅ Perfect texture: Crisp edges and gooey centers just like the real pie!
- ✅ Great for gifting: Bake a batch, wrap in parchment, and share the love. 🎁
Whether served warm with butter or topped with whipped cream, these muffins will quickly become a household favorite.
🥧 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Yields: 18 mini muffins or 9 regular muffins
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your muffin tin — you can make 18 mini muffins or 9 regular-sized ones.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt (if using). Stir until the pecans are evenly coated with the dry mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. The butter adds richness, while vanilla enhances the warm, nutty notes. 🌰
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing — the batter should be thick and chunky, not runny.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. The batter will expand beautifully while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18–22 minutes for mini muffins or 25–28 minutes for regular-sized ones. They’re ready when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm for that irresistible pecan pie texture or room temperature for a firmer bite. 🥰
👨🍳 Pro Chef Tips
Chef Ina Garten:
“Toasting pecans before mixing adds a deeper, buttery flavor — just 5 minutes in a dry skillet makes a world of difference.”
Chef Ree Drummond:
“A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after baking gives the perfect sweet-salty contrast.”
Chef Bobby Flay:
“Add a dash of bourbon or maple syrup for a flavor twist that feels gourmet but stays simple.”
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert version.
- Pair with Southern Sweet Tea or Fresh Brewed Coffee for breakfast perfection.
- Serve as part of a holiday brunch spread.
🍁 Flavor Variations
- Maple Pecan Muffins: Replace some brown sugar with pure maple syrup for extra sweetness and moisture.
- Chocolate Pecan: Fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
- Bourbon Pecan: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the wet ingredients for a hint of Southern flair.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt for a bakery-style finish.
🥗 Nutrition & Health Benefits
While these muffins are indulgent, they’re also filled with heart-healthy pecans — rich in antioxidants, fiber, and good fats. The portion-controlled size makes them perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without overdoing it.
| Ingredient | Amount (per muffin) | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Pecans | 20g | Good fats, protein, and antioxidants |
| Eggs | ½ large | Protein and vitamins D & B12 |
| Butter | 15g | Rich in flavor and healthy fats |
| Brown Sugar | 12g | Natural sweetness with molasses flavor |
Approximate Calories per muffin: 220 kcal (mini) | 310 kcal (regular)
💡 Healthier Options:
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Swap half the brown sugar for maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener.
- Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nutty, high-fiber version.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps up to 1 week for extended freshness.
- Freeze: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
⚠️ Pro Tip:
Reheat frozen muffins in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
🔗 Related Recipes You’ll Love
Keep the Southern baking vibes going with more cozy treats from Fresh Tones Hunger:
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Muffins
1. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes! Dark brown sugar adds a deeper, richer molasses flavor for an even more decadent result.
2. Can I use paper liners instead of greasing?
You can, but because these muffins are rich and sticky, greasing the pan directly works best to prevent sticking.
3. How do I know when they’re done?
The tops should be set and slightly crackled, with a clean toothpick coming out from the center.
4. Can I make them nut-free?
Try substituting chopped walnuts or oats if pecans aren’t an option — though the flavor will vary slightly.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture stays deliciously moist.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These muffins freeze beautifully, so make a big batch for later.
7. Can I add chocolate?
Yes! Fold in ¼ cup dark chocolate chips for a chocolate-pecan pie twist.
8. How can I make them less sweet?
Reduce brown sugar to ¾ cup for a lighter version without losing texture.
9. Can I add cinnamon?
Definitely — ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
10. What’s the best way to serve them?
Warm, with a little butter or drizzle of maple syrup. They taste like mini pecan pies fresh from the oven. 🥧
💬 Final Thoughts: Bite-Sized Southern Comfort
These Pecan Pie Muffins combine the best of two worlds — the gooey sweetness of a pecan pie and the soft, handheld convenience of a muffin. They’re buttery, nutty, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. 🍂✨
As Chef Ina Garten says, “The simplest recipes often bring the most joy.” With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe brings comfort and nostalgia straight from the oven.
Serve them warm on a cool morning, bring them to a brunch, or gift them to friends — no matter how you enjoy them, they’ll disappear fast. ❤️
