Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites Recipe: Bite-Sized Dessert Bliss

Tiny pecan pie bites bring magic to traditional dessert expectations.

My grandmother’s southern kitchen inspired these miniature treats years ago.

Crisp pastry shells cradle a rich, caramelized filling that melts instantly.

Compact and elegant, these bite-sized delicacies emerge perfect for gatherings or quiet afternoon snacking.

We discovered this recipe during a cozy weekend experiment with classic ingredients.

Nutty, sweet pecans create an irresistible center that promises pure deliciousness.

Each morsel delivers a concentrated burst of comfort that tempts you to savor every last crumb.

Pecan Pie Bites That Capture Classic Flavor

  • Super simple recipe that takes minimal time and effort to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a fast dessert solution.
  • Miniature pecan pie bites offer adorable portion control, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or elegant dessert presentations.
  • Straightforward food processor technique means even novice bakers can successfully create these delectable treats without extensive culinary training.
  • Compact size and classic flavor make these pecan pie bites crowd-pleasers at potlucks, holiday events, or casual get-togethers with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pecan Pie Bites

Pie Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base for the tender, flaky pie crust that holds the filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crust.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Fat and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Cold Butter Cubes: Creates layers and flakiness in the pie crust, best when very cold.
  • Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without developing gluten, use sparingly.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Plastic Wrap: Used for wrapping and chilling the dough to prevent moisture loss and relax the gluten.

Baking Directions for Perfect Pecan Pie Bites

Step 1: Prepare Dough Base

In a food processor, blend these ingredients until they form a fine, powdery texture:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Salt

Pulse the ingredients to ensure even mixing.

Step 2: Incorporate Butter

Add cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Pulse quickly and repeatedly until the texture transforms into coarse, pebble-like crumbs. The mixture should look slightly clumpy and not smooth.

Step 3: Create Dough Consistency

Drizzle ice water gradually into the processor, adding one tablespoon at a time. Continue pulsing until the dough starts to clump together and forms a cohesive mass. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Shape and Chill Dough

Gently shape the dough into a compact disk using your hands. Wrap the disk tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator and let it rest for a minimum of 30 minutes. Chilling helps the gluten relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.

Quick Tips for Golden, Sticky Pecan Pie Bites

  • Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate pie dough for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow gluten to relax and butter to firm up, ensuring a flaky, tender crust.
  • Handle Dough Gently: Avoid overworking the pastry to prevent tough, dense bites; mix just until ingredients come together for the most delicate texture.
  • Use Cold Ingredients: Keep butter and water extremely cold to create distinct butter layers that result in a perfectly crisp, light pastry.
  • Perfect Pulse Technique: Pulse the food processor in short bursts when combining ingredients, stopping just when the dough starts to clump together to maintain the right consistency.
  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and water to guarantee consistent, reliable pie bite results every single time.

Storing and Warming Pecan Pie Bites with Ease

  • Store leftover pecan pie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bites tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor.
  • Warm gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until just heated through. This helps restore the crispy crust and keeps the filling soft.
  • Transfer frozen bites to the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes until completely heated.

Tasty Matches for Pecan Pie Bites

  • A smooth bourbon mixed with vanilla and caramel notes perfectly complements the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie bites, enhancing the dessert's warmth and sweetness.
  • Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, crunchy texture of the pecan pie bites, creating a harmonious balance of temperatures and flavors.
  • A bold, intense espresso cuts through the sweetness of the pecan bites, offering a robust counterpoint that refreshes the palate and highlights the pie's deep, caramelized notes.
  • This rich, amber-colored wine brings out the nutty undertones of the pecans, with its own caramel and dried fruit characteristics creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Recipe Variations for Mini Pecan Pie Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals, maintaining the same mixing technique.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based egg replacer to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of the pecan pie bites.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute white sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the classic pie bite flavor profile.
  • Nutty Variation: Mix in chopped walnuts or almonds alongside pecans to create a multi-nut texture and add extra crunch to the traditional recipe.
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Pecan Pie Bites Recipe

Pecan Pie Bites Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Miniature Pecan Pie Bites deliver Southern charm in compact, irresistible morsels packed with rich nutty flavor. Crisp pastry crusts embrace sweet caramel-like filling, promising delightful moments of indulgence you’ll savor with pure pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1 ¼ cups (157 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
  • 23 tablespoons (341 milliliters) ice water

Filling:

  • ½ cup (110 grams) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) light corn syrup
  • 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Blitz flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor until uniformly combined, creating a fine dry mixture.
  2. Introduce cold butter cubes into the processor and pulse rapidly, breaking down the butter into tiny fragments that resemble grainy sand-like texture.
  3. Stream ice water incrementally while continuing to pulse, allowing the dough to gradually bind and transform into a cohesive mass that pulls away from processor sides.
  4. Gently shape the freshly mixed dough into a compact, smooth disk using light hand pressure.
  5. Encase the dough disk completely in transparent plastic wrap, sealing edges to prevent moisture loss.
  6. Chill the wrapped dough in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes, allowing gluten to relax and butter to firm, which ensures a flakier pastry texture.

Notes

  • Chill butter thoroughly before cutting into cubes to ensure a flaky, tender pastry crust that crumbles perfectly when baked.
  • Use the pulse function on your food processor carefully to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the crust tough and dense.
  • When adding ice water, add just enough to help the dough bind without becoming too wet, preserving the delicate texture of the pie bites.
  • Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator to relax the gluten, preventing shrinkage during baking and creating a more stable crust.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 186
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 56 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 23 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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