Pecan Pie Muffins

These pecan pie muffins take after the classic pie but require half the work. You only need five ingredients to pull them together: brown sugar, flour, pecans, butter and eggs. In just about 30 minutes, you can have warm and soft baked goods ready to eat. Serve these sweets for breakfast alongside a banana smoothie, or for dessert topped with vanilla ice cream. Either way, if you try these, you’ll love how easy and customizable they are.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Muffins

• Brown sugar: The brown sugar in this recipe is responsible for the caramelized flavor in these pecan pie muffins.
• All-purpose flour: We rely on all-purpose flour to give these pecan pie muffins their dome-like structure.
• Pecans: The chopped pecans are folded into the batter, giving these muffins a delicate crunch.
• Butter: The melted butter contributes to the richness and moist crumb of these pecan pie muffins.
• Eggs: The eggs in this batter help the pecan pie muffins rise and become fluffy.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and pecans. In another bowl, mix the melted butter and eggs. Then mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones. 

Step 2: Bake the muffins

Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home

Fill greased and floured or lined miniature muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake the muffins until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 22 to 25 minutes. Immediately remove the muffins from the pan to wire racks to cool.

Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home

Pecan Pie Muffin Variations

• Fold in chocolate chips: If you plan on enjoying these for dessert, add milk, white or dark chocolate chips to the pecan pie muffin batter for a sweet touch.
• Mix in coconut: Fold coconut into the batter to add texture and subtle sweetness to these pecan pie muffins.
• Add caramel topping: Make a creamy and sweet caramel sauce and dip the tops of these muffins into it. (Psst: Here’s a quick and easy recipe for homemade caramel sauce.)

How to Store Pecan Pie Muffins

If you don’t finish all your pecan pie muffins, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for three to seven days. 

Can you make these pecan pie muffins ahead of time?

If you’re looking for quick and easy meal prep, this mini pecan pie muffins recipe will do the job. Simply follow the recipe and store them in an airtight container. Then you can enjoy them for three to seven days at room temperature.

Can you freeze these pecan pie muffins?

If you baked a bunch of pecan pie muffins and don’t think you’ll be able to eat them all, you can store them in the freezer. We recommend putting them in an airtight container or a freezer-friendly bag. They can stay two to three months in the freezer. 

How long do pecan pie muffins last?

You can store these pecan pie muffins in an airtight container on your counter for three to seven days, or freeze them for two to three months.

Pecan Pie Muffin Tips

Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home

Can I make a vegan version of this pecan pie muffin recipe?

If you prefer plant-based baked goods, you can easily adjust this recipe. First, swap the butter for a vegan one, and for every egg opt for 1/4 cup of applesauce. The ultimate taste may vary, but they will still be delicious. 

Can I make a gluten-free version of these pecan pie muffins?

If you want to enjoy these muffins but have a gluten intolerance, you can make some changes. Instead of all-purpose flour, mix almond flour, oat flour or coconut flour into the batter. The taste may differ from the original muffin, but they will still be delightful.

How do I know when the pecan pie muffins are finished baking?

First, take a look at their appearance. If the pecan pie muffins start to form a dome-like top and turn golden brown, you can remove them. You can also insert a toothpick into the muffins. The muffins are finished baking if the toothpick comes out clean—without any batter sticking to it.