Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe

Buttery Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe: A Sweet Bite of Heaven

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these delectable pecan pie muffins with their irresistible charm.

Sweet aromas waft through home spaces, promising comfort in every bite.

Nutty kernels nestle perfectly within soft, golden exteriors that crumble delicately.

Delightful textures blend memories of traditional holiday desserts with convenient morning treats.

Warm spices dance alongside rich, caramelized notes that recall grandmother’s cherished recipes.

Baking these morsels connects generations through shared culinary traditions.

Whip up a batch and savor the magical intersection of pie and muffin in one incredible experience.

Why You’ll Crave Pecan Pie Muffins

  • These pecan pie muffins are perfect for busy mornings and last-minute gatherings.
  • Whip up these delectable treats in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Delivers the rich, sweet flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, portable muffin format that appeals to all ages.
  • Enjoy warm for breakfast, pack for school lunches, or serve as a delightful afternoon snack that requires zero complicated techniques.

What You Need for Pecan Pie Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Sweet base that provides rich caramel-like flavor and helps create tender texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural component that binds ingredients and creates muffin's crumb.
  • Chopped Pecans: Adds nutty crunch and authentic pecan pie taste, best when fresh and crisp.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Eggs: Classic binding agents that create moisture and help muffins hold together, room temperature butter blends smoothly.
Baking Essentials:
  • Cooking Spray or Muffin Liners: Prevents muffins from sticking and ensures easy removal, non-stick options work best.

How to Bake Pecan Pie Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab your muffin tin and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or line with paper liners.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Brown sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • Chopped pecans

Stir everything together until they’re best friends.

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat:
  • Room temperature butter
  • Eggs

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the buttery egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined- don’t go crazy mixing!

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups

Scoop the batter into each muffin cup, filling about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise and look gorgeous.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and bounce back when you touch them.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and get ready to devour these nutty, sweet treats warm or at room temperature.

Top Tips for Pecan Pie Muffins

  • Grease Like a Pro: Use Baker's Joy or melted butter spray for effortless muffin removal and a perfectly non-stick surface.
  • Prevent Over-Mixing: Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep muffins tender and light, avoiding a tough texture.
  • Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles while maintaining the same delicious muffin base.
  • Check Doneness Smartly: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin- if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they're perfectly baked.
  • Store for Later: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze up to 2 weeks for quick breakfast treats.

Storing & Reheating Pecan Pie Muffins

  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Warm muffins in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until heated through, restoring their delightful soft texture.
  • Remove muffins from freezer, let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then gently reheat using microwave or oven method for best results.

What to Serve with Pecan Pie Muffins

  • Complement the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie muffins with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, enhancing the caramel and pecan notes while providing a warm, spirited finish.
  • Brew a velvety vanilla latte that mirrors the muffins' sweetness, with the espresso's warmth cutting through the dessert's richness and the milk creating a luxurious texture contrast.
  • Elevate the muffins by adding a homemade salted caramel sauce, intensifying the brown sugar and pecan flavors while introducing a delightful salty-sweet complexity to each bite.
  • Offer a warm, spiced apple cider that complements the muffins' nutty profile, with cinnamon and apple notes creating a cozy, autumn-inspired pairing that brings out the dessert's comforting qualities.

Try These Pecan Pie Muffin Twists

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Muffins: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Nutty Muffins: Substitute butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
  • Maple Pecan Variation: Swap brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add a splash of vanilla extract for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and increase the number of pecans for a low-carbohydrate alternative.
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Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe

Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Pecan pie muffins blend Southern comfort with sweet indulgence, creating a delightful breakfast or dessert treat. Nutty pecans and rich caramel notes combine in these irresistible morsels you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ⅔ cup (151 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (220 grams) packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour

Baking Ingredients:

(no additional ingredients)


Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by thoroughly coating with cooking spray or lining with paper liners.
  2. Create a delectable dry mixture by combining brown sugar, flour, and finely chopped pecans in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together softened butter and eggs until the mixture achieves a smooth, silky consistency.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until the components are incorporated without overmixing.
  5. Carefully distribute the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  6. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the tops transform into a rich golden brown and respond with a light springy touch when gently pressed.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the muffins rest in the tin for several minutes to stabilize their structure.
  8. Transfer the muffins to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely or serve while still slightly warm for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

  • To achieve the perfect texture, avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough, dense muffins.
  • Enhance the nutty flavor by toasting pecans briefly in a dry skillet before chopping and adding to the mix.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Create a decadent twist by drizzling warm caramel or maple syrup over the muffins just before serving for extra indulgence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 288
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 98 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 62 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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