Pecan Pie Muffins are a delightful combination of sweet, nutty flavors and a gooey, soft texture, much like traditional pecan pie. Made with simple ingredients like brown sugar, pecans, and butter, these muffins offer a cozy, comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. The muffins have a crisp top and a soft, slightly gooey center, making them irresistible. Serve them warm for the best flavor, or pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy treat any time of the day.
Pecan Pie Muffins offer all the delicious flavors of classic pecan pie in a sweet, nutty muffin form. These muffins are made with a simple combination of brown sugar, chopped pecans, butter, and eggs, creating a gooey, rich center that mimics the filling of a pecan pie. They have a crisp top and a soft, slightly gooey interior, making them perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or even dessert. Serve these muffins warm to experience their full, comforting flavor, and pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a satisfying treat.
INGREDIENTS
- Light brown sugar: 1 cup, packed, for sweetness and a soft texture.
- All-purpose flour: ½ cup, to form the base of the muffins.
- Chopped pecans: 2 cups, for a nutty flavor and crunch.
- Butter: ⅔ cup, softened, to add richness and moisture.
- Eggs: 2, beaten, to bind the ingredients together.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease mini or regular muffin cups to prevent sticking.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup packed light brown sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and 2 cups chopped pecans.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl, beat together ⅔ cup softened butter and 2 beaten eggs until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a soft texture.
- Step 5:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 12-13 minutes for mini muffins or 15-17 minutes for regular-sized muffins, or until golden brown on top.
- Step 7:
- Run a knife around the edge of each muffin to release it from the pan. Let the muffins cool slightly before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These muffins are best served warm for a gooey, pie-like center. Pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Helpful Notes
- To achieve a gooey center, slightly under-bake the muffins and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Marie suggests adding a splash of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for a richer flavor.
How to Make the Perfect Pecan Pie Muffins
For the perfect Pecan Pie Muffins, be sure to use fresh pecans and pack the brown sugar tightly to achieve a gooey, moist center. Generously greasing the muffin cups will help prevent sticking, making it easier to remove the muffins after baking. Slightly under-baking the muffins will create a softer, pie-like center, similar to classic pecan pie.
FAQs
Can I use a muffin liner?
Yes, using muffin liners can help prevent sticking, but be sure to grease the liners for easier removal.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, adding chocolate chips to the batter can create a sweet, chocolaty variation of these muffins.
Summary
Pecan Pie Muffins are sweet, nutty muffins inspired by classic pecan pie, offering a gooey, delicious bite in each muffin. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy snack, delivering all the flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, portable form. Made with brown sugar, chopped pecans, butter, and eggs, they are simple to prepare and make a satisfying treat for any time of the day. Serve warm to enjoy their best flavor and texture.