Pecan Pie Muffins: A Southern Classic in Muffin Form
All the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie—packed into a warm, golden muffin with a crisp top and tender center
Introduction: Pie Meets Muffin in the Sweetest Way
If you love the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie but want something quicker and easier to make, these Pecan Pie Muffins are your dream come true. They’re soft and chewy with a crisp, caramelized top, loaded with chopped pecans and brown sugar, and finished with a hint of vanilla. No crust, no fuss—just pure comfort in every bite.
Perfect for holiday breakfasts, cozy weekend baking, or gifting to friends and neighbors, these muffins deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They come together in minutes, bake up beautifully, and taste like the best parts of pecan pie—without the need for a fork.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these muffins so irresistible:
Dry Ingredients:
- Chopped pecans (1 cup)
Nutty, crunchy, and the star of the show. Toast them for extra flavor. - Brown sugar (1 cup, packed)
Adds sweetness and a caramel-like depth. - All-purpose flour (½ cup)
Provides structure while keeping the texture tender. - Salt (¼ tsp)
Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Wet Ingredients:
- Eggs (2 large)
Bind the batter and add richness. - Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted)
Adds moisture and buttery flavor. - Vanilla extract (½ tsp)
Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
Tip: Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin tin (12-cup)
- Paper liners or nonstick spray
- Wire rack for cooling
Optional: Use silicone muffin cups for easy release and cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Tip: Use baking spray with flour for extra nonstick power.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl:
- Combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and salt.
Stir until evenly mixed.
Optional: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
- Beat eggs slightly.
Add melted butter and vanilla extract.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Tip: Let butter cool slightly before adding to eggs to prevent curdling.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
Stir until just combined.
The batter will be thick and sticky—this is normal.
Optional: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a twist.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until:
- Tops are golden brown
- A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tip: Don’t overbake—these muffins are best slightly gooey in the center.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for:
- Holiday breakfasts
- Afternoon snacks
- Dessert platters
- Bake sales
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pair with:
- Hot coffee
- Spiced tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Yields:
- 12 muffins
Tip: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Variations to Try
Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:
Chocolate Pecan
Add mini chocolate chips to the batter.
Coconut Pecan
Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Apple Pecan
Fold in diced apples and a pinch of cinnamon.
Vegan Version
Use plant-based butter and egg substitute.
Mini Muffins
Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare batter and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
- Refrigerate: Store baked muffins in airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in oven.
Tip: Wrap individually for grab-and-go snacks.
Nutrition Notes (Per Muffin, ~1 of 12)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fat: ~14g
- Sugar: ~16g
- Sodium: ~120mg
- Fiber: ~1g
These muffins are:
- Rich and nutty
- Quick and easy
- Perfectly sweet
- Great for gifting
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Pie Muffins are more than just a treat—they’re a cozy, nostalgic dessert that brings the flavor of pie to your fingertips. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something sweet, they’re guaranteed to satisfy.