Autumn Delight Mini Pecan Pies

Oh wow, I just made the cutest mini pecan pies! They’re called Autumn Delight, and they’re so tiny and fun. I love how they fit in my hand!

The filling is sweet and nutty, with a little crunch. And the buttery crust? It’s just perfect. I couldn’t stop nibbling on them!

These mini pies are awesome for fall parties or cozy nights. They’re easy to bake, and they make everyone smile. Want to make them with me?

Let’s grab our ingredients and get started! You’ll see how simple and fun it is to make these little pies. Ready? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: The warm, spiced filling brings out the essence of autumn in every bite.
• Mini and Adorable: These single-serving pies are easy to enjoy and serve at any gathering.
• Great for Holiday Meals: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special fall gathering, these pies are guaranteed to be a hit.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and crust ahead of time, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.
• Sweet & Nutty Delight: The perfect combination of crunchy pecans and a caramel-like filling, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we jump into the recipe, here’s a quick list of the tools you’ll need to make these Autumn Delight Mini Pecan Pies:

• Mini Muffin Tin: A standard mini muffin tin works best for this recipe, as it gives you the perfect pie portion.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
• Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium bowls for mixing the crust and filling.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: For cutting the butter into the flour when making the crust.
• Whisk: For mixing the ingredients in the filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for perfect results.
• Oven Thermometer: To ensure your oven is at the right temperature.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the mini pies after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious mini pecan pies. You might already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, and if not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store:

For the Pie Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: This provides the base structure for your pie crust.
• Unsalted Butter (Chilled & Cubed): Adds richness and flakiness to the crust.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes in the crust.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps to enhance the flavors.
• Ice Water: Used to bring the dough together and keep it cold.

For the Pecan Filling:

• Pecan Halves: The star of the show! Fresh, crunchy pecans are essential for that signature taste.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel flavor to the filling.
• Maple Syrup: Deepens the sweetness with its unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the pecans.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Creates a smooth, rich filling.
• Large Eggs: Help to bind the filling together and give it that custard-like texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy kick that makes these pies feel like autumn in a bite.
• Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg deepens the warmth and aroma of these pies.

Variations for Autumn Delight Mini Pecan Pies

While these mini pecan pies are already a hit in their classic form, you can customize them to make them your own! Here are some fun variations:

• Add Chocolate: Incorporate a small handful of chocolate chips into the filling for a gooey, chocolatey twist.
• Try Different Nuts: If you prefer walnuts or almonds, swap them for pecans to create your own nutty filling.
• Coconut Touch: Add a small amount of shredded coconut to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spiced Up: If you love bold spices, add a dash of ground ginger or cloves to your spice mix for a warmer flavor.
• Use a Different Syrup: While maple syrup is a classic, you can try using dark corn syrup or honey for different textures and flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pie Crust

The first step in this recipe is making the buttery pie crust. It’s simple, and once you taste it, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again!

a. Prepare the Dough:

Start by combining the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in pea-sized pieces.

b. Add Ice Water:

Slowly add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as that can result in a tough crust. Once it’s formed, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has chilled, lightly flour your countertop and roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut the dough into small circles that fit your mini muffin tin.

Tip:

Make sure the dough circles are just a bit larger than the muffin tin cups to ensure you can press them into place easily.

3. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is chilling, it’s time to prepare the filling!

a. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, and whisk everything until well combined.

b. Add the Pecans:

Finally, fold in the pecan halves. This will give you that perfect nutty, crunchy filling that you love in pecan pie.

4. Assemble the Mini Pecan Pies

Now comes the fun part—assembling the pies!

a. Press the Crust into the Tin:

Once your dough is cut into circles, press each circle into a muffin tin, ensuring they line the sides well and cover the bottom.

b. Fill with Pecan Mixture:

Spoon the pecan filling into each crust. Be sure not to overfill, as the pies will puff up a little during baking.

5. Bake the Mini Pecan Pies

Place the filled muffin tin into a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C). Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until the filling is set, and the crust is golden brown. You may want to check them halfway through to ensure they’re baking evenly.

Tip:

If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with a strip of foil to prevent burning.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the pies to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, and then transfer them to a cooling rack to fully cool. These pies are best served slightly warm, but they’re delicious at room temperature too!

How to Serve Autumn Delight Mini Pecan Pies

These mini pecan pies are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are a few ideas for serving:

• Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for extra flair.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream complements the rich filling and buttery crust.
• Add a Drizzle of Chocolate: A light drizzle of melted chocolate adds a rich and indulgent touch.

Storing Autumn Delight Mini Pecan Pies

These mini pecan pies are perfect for making in advance and storing for later. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping them fresh:

How to Store Mini Pecan Pies:

• Room Temperature: Once they’ve completely cooled, you can store your mini pecan pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This works great for keeping them fresh if you plan to serve them soon after baking.
• Refrigeration: If you need to store them for a longer period, place your mini pecan pies in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, simply allow them to come to room temperature or warm them up slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
• Freezing: These mini pies freeze wonderfully, making them a great make-ahead option! To freeze, place the cooled mini pecan pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 2-3 hours. After they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best parts about this recipe is how convenient it is to make ahead. Whether you’re planning for a holiday gathering or simply want to have a batch ready for busy days, these mini pecan pies can be prepped in several ways.

Make the Dough Ahead of Time:

You can prepare the pie crust dough up to 2 days in advance. After making the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

Make the Pecan Filling Ahead of Time:

The pecan filling can be prepared ahead of time as well. Simply make the filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies, just stir the filling well and proceed as usual.

Assemble and Refrigerate:

You can even assemble the mini pecan pies (with the crusts and filling) ahead of time. Just cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option if you want to have everything ready and then just pop them in the oven right before serving.

FAQs for Autumn Delight Mini Pecan Pies

Can I use a different type of nut for the filling?

Yes, you can absolutely swap out pecans for another nut of your choice! Walnuts or almonds work well as alternatives, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly. Keep in mind that pecans provide the classic taste and texture that we know and love in pecan pies, but feel free to experiment!

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

While homemade pie crust always adds that extra touch of flavor, you can definitely use store-bought pie crust to save time. Just make sure to roll it out and cut it into circles to fit the mini muffin tin, following the same instructions for assembling the pies.

What can I do if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can still make larger versions of these pies using a regular muffin tin. Simply use a larger cutter to make bigger dough circles, and fill the muffin cups with more of the pecan filling. You’ll need to bake them a little longer—around 25-30 minutes—or until the crust is golden and the filling is set.

Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes, chocolate chips are a wonderful addition to pecan pie! If you want a little extra indulgence, add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling before baking. The combination of chocolate and pecans is heavenly, and it gives the pies an extra layer of richness.

How can I make these pies spicier?

If you’re a fan of spiced desserts, feel free to add more cinnamon or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. This will give your pies a nice warming kick without overpowering the sweetness. Experiment with small amounts until you reach the perfect balance!

Can I make these mini pies without eggs?

Absolutely! To make an egg-free version, you can use a substitute like flaxseed meal mixed with water, applesauce, or silken tofu. The flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water) works well as a binder and will give the filling a similar consistency to the original recipe.

How to Serve Autumn Delight Mini Pecan Pies

These mini pecan pies are an excellent choice for various occasions. They’re easy to serve and can be paired with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

As a Dessert Table Favorite:

These little pies are perfect for any dessert table or buffet. They’re the right size for guests to grab and go, and their mini size makes them a crowd-pleaser. You could also serve them alongside other fall treats, like apple cider donuts or pumpkin spice cookies.

Perfect with a Cup of Coffee or Tea:

Pair these mini pecan pies with a hot drink for the perfect cozy afternoon treat. A cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced chai would complement the flavors of the pie beautifully.

Serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas:

These mini pecan pies are especially perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re small enough to be part of a dessert spread without feeling overwhelming, but they pack a delicious punch that will make them a favorite among guests. You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a festive touch.

Nutrition Information for Autumn Delight Mini Pecan Pies

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts for one mini pecan pie (based on the ingredients listed and assuming 12 pies are made from the recipe). Keep in mind that this can vary slightly depending on the exact brands or quantities used:

Nutrient	Amount per Mini Pie
Calories	220 kcal
Total Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	3.5 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	50 mg
Total Carbohydrates	25 g
Dietary Fiber	1.5 g
Sugars	16 g
Protein	2 g
Vitamin A	4% DV
Vitamin C	0% DV
Calcium	2% DV
Iron	6% DV

Final Thoughts

Autumn Delight Mini Pecan Pies are a delicious and adorable treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Their rich, buttery crust and sweet, nutty filling make them a favorite for any occasion, from Thanksgiving feasts to casual family get-togethers. With just the right amount of spice and sweetness, these mini pies will bring a little taste of warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to serve pecan pie or need a dessert that’s easy to store and make ahead, these mini pecan pies have got you covered. They’re versatile, simple to prepare, and absolutely delicious. Plus, with make-ahead options, you can have them ready whenever the craving strikes!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start baking! I promise you won’t regret it, and neither will your friends and family. Enjoy these mini pecan pies, and make them part of your fall traditions!