Pecan Pie Muffins

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Zohra

Mini pecan pie muffins with golden edges and gooey centers, topped with pecans on a ceramic plate

The smell of brown sugar and butter always pulls me back to my grandmother’s tiny kitchen. One fall afternoon, she handed me a warm muffin, its edges golden and crisp, the center gooey and sweet. I took a bite and whispered, “It tastes like pecan pie.” She winked and said, “It’s quicker than making the real thing.” These Pecan Pie Muffins are just that—homey, comforting, and ready in a flash.

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Muffins

“Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.”

These little muffins are everything cozy packed into a single bite. You get the rich, nutty sweetness of classic pecan pie with the soft, cake-like texture of a muffin. The crisp edges contrast beautifully with the soft, gooey center.

They’re perfect for holiday trays, Sunday brunch, or a sweet snack with coffee. Because they only need five simple ingredients and one bowl, they come together in no time. You’ll be surprised how something so easy can taste so special.

Ingredients Overview

Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need. The ingredient list is short, but each one brings its own charm.

Pantry Staples

Start with brown sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs, and butter. Brown sugar gives a caramel warmth, while flour helps the muffins hold their shape. The eggs bind everything, and melted butter brings richness and that signature soft bite.

Key Flavor

The real star here? Chopped pecans. You can toast them first for even more depth, but they’re wonderful straight from the bag too. Their crunch plays so well against the soft muffin base.

How to Make Pecan Pie Muffins

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This way, it’s ready when your batter is.

Two whole eggs and butter sticks in a glass bowl on a light gray kitchen surface

Next, grease a mini muffin pan really well, or use mini muffin liners if you want easier cleanup.

In a bowl, mix the chopped pecans with brown sugar and flour. In another bowl, whisk your eggs, then stir in the melted butter.

Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—the batter should look a little rustic.

Pecan pie muffin batter mixed with chopped pecans in a glass bowl on a gray kitchen surface

Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden and the centers have just set.

Freshly baked pecan pie muffins cooling in a silver muffin tin on a kitchen counter

Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before lifting them out. Trust me, they smell so good it’ll be hard to wait.

Pro Tips for Success

Use a nonstick spray or muffin liners. These muffins are sticky by nature and need a little help coming out clean.

Try not to overbake. A slightly gooey center gives these muffins their pecan pie charm.

And lastly, avoid overmixing. It keeps the texture tender and light.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These muffins stay fresh on the counter for several days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

Warm them slightly before serving for that just-baked texture. It brings out the gooey middle and makes the pecans taste freshly toasted.

Customization Ideas

Feel like getting creative? Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped dates for a twist.

You can also swap in walnuts or do a half-and-half blend of pecans and walnuts. Each nut adds its own warmth and crunch.

If you love cozy, nutty sweets, you’ll also enjoy my Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars—they’re like Thanksgiving in bar form.

Or try Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies for a swirl of creamy and rich.

Need something quick and portable? My Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies never last more than a day.

For muffin lovers, Flourless Pumpkin Muffins are a lighter, protein-packed favorite around here.

Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe Card

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Mini pecan pie muffins with golden edges and gooey centers, topped with pecans on a ceramic plate

Pecan Pie Muffins


  • Author: Zohra
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mini muffins 1x

Description

These gooey Pecan Pie Muffins taste like your favorite pie but bake in a flash. With crispy edges, soft centers, and rich pecan flavor, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat for holidays or cozy mornings.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1/2 cup butter, melted


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Grease a mini muffin pan generously or line with mini muffin liners.

3. In a medium bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, and flour.

4. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and stir in melted butter.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups about 2/3 full.

7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until edges are crispy and center is set.

8. Let muffins cool for a few minutes in the pan before removing.

Notes

Muffins are best slightly underbaked for a gooey center.

Use mini muffin liners or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

These taste like a cross between pecan pie and muffins.

Store in an airtight container for several days or freeze up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert Recipes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini muffin
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 27mg
Stacked pecan pie muffins with glossy pecans and gooey center on ceramic plate

FAQ

How long does pecan pie need to rest?

Typically, a pecan pie needs at least two hours to cool and set. However, these muffins need only 5–10 minutes in the pan before you can dig in.

What is the most important rule of making muffins?

Don’t overmix! Overmixing makes muffins tough. Stir gently and stop when the batter just comes together.

What makes a pecan pie not set up?

Usually, it’s underbaking or too much liquid. These muffins set beautifully with just the right amount of eggs and flour.

How do you know when a pecan pie is fully baked?

A fully baked pecan pie has a slightly puffed center and no jiggle. For muffins, look for golden edges and a set top that springs back lightly.

Final Thoughts

These Pecan Pie Muffins are the kind of treat that feels like a little hug. They’re simple, sweet, and packed with cozy flavor. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or holiday morning, they bring warmth to the table.

If you try them, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment or share a photo! And if you’re looking for more sweet inspiration, come visit me over on Pinterest. I always have something fresh baking in the oven.

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