Mini Pecan Pies
Mini pecan pies are the bite-sized, adorable versions of the traditional Southern pecan pie, a staple on many holiday tables.
These pies pack all the flavours and textures of the classic pie into a miniature form, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or just as a sweet, individual treat for dessert or afternoon tea.
Crust: The foundation of mini pecan pie is the crust. Made from a combination of butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt, the crust is flaky, buttery, and a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the filling. The crust becomes even more crucial in mini form, as the crust-to-filling ratio is a bit higher than in a full-sized pie, thus emphasising its texture and flavour.
Filling: The show’s star is, of course, the filling. A rich medley of chopped pecans, melted butter, sugar, pecans and a splash of vanilla extract. When baked, this combination melds into a thick, gooey, caramel-like texture interspersed with the crunchy, nutty goodness of the pecans. The sweetness of the syrup of the sugar is offset by the earthy, rich taste of the pecans, creating a harmonious balance of flavours in every bite.
Appearance: Mini pecan pies usually have a golden-brown crust with a shiny, slightly bubbly filling from the caramelisation of sugars. These pecan pieces rise to the top during baking, giving the pies a rough, textured surface that contrasts beautifully with the smooth crust.
Serving and Pairing: These delicious mini pecan pies can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence—their sweet profile pairs wonderfully with a cup of black coffee or milk.
In conclusion, these mini pecan pies are not just a downsized version of the traditional pecan pie but a celebration of its essence. Every bite delivers the rich, nutty, and caramelised taste that fans of the classic pie adore, but in size, perfect for individual enjoyment. Whether you’re introducing someone to the delights of pecan pie for the first time or serving them to die-hard fans, these mini wonders are sure to be a hit.
Mini Pecan Pies
Ingredients
For Pie
- 2&1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 230 g Butter Cold
- 1/2 tsp Slat
- 7 tbsp Water Cold
For Filling
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/3 cup Maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Butter melted
- 1/2 cup Pecan
- 1 tsp Vanilla
Instructions
For Pie
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt into the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times to combine.
- Add the cold diced butter and pulse the mixture until coarse crumbs form. The mixture should remain dry and powdery
- Add 6 – 7 Tbsp of cold water and pulse again just until moist clumps form. (Be careful not to add too much water to the dough)
- Gather dough together into a ball (it should not be smooth and DO NOT knead the dough)
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
For Filling
- In a bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined, then mix in the chopped pecans.
Assemble
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the pie dough out into a circle. Using a 3 & 1/2inch cookie cutter (or glass), cut out circles from the dough.
- Set the dough in the pan, you may need to stretch the dough just a bit.
- Evenly distribute the filling.
- Bake at 350°F 180 C for about 25 minutes or until the filling is set.
Nutrition
Mix flour, sugar, and salt into the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times to combine.
Add the cold diced butter and pulse the mixture until coarse crumbs form. The mixture should remain dry and powdery
Gather dough together into a ball (it should not be smooth and DO NOT knead the dough)
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
In a bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined, then mix in the chopped pecans.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pie dough out into a circle. Using a 3 & 1/2-inch cookie cutter (or glass), cut out circles from the dough.
Set the dough in the pan, you may need to stretch the dough just a bit.
Bake at 350°F 180 C for about 25 minutes or until the filling is set.
