Introduction
Pecan Pie Bites are the perfect miniature twist on the beloved Southern classic. Each bite-sized morsel captures the gooey, buttery, and nutty goodness of a traditional pecan pie, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Originating from the American South, pecan pie is a symbol of hospitality and indulgence. These Pecan Pie Bites pack all the charm of the original into a fun, portable size.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions and Methods
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin to ensure easy release.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
- Using a round cookie cutter, cut circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cups.
- Gently press each circle into the mini muffin tin, ensuring the edges form a little cup.
Step 3: Create the Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until the mixture is well combined and slightly glossy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the filling into each prepared pie crust cup. Avoid overfilling to prevent overflow during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the mini muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crusts are golden brown.
- Allow the bites to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
History
Pecan pie is a quintessential Southern dessert that gained popularity in the late 19th century. Often associated with holidays like Thanksgiving, it showcases the region’s love for pecans, which are native to North America. The invention of corn syrup in the early 1900s further boosted pecan pie’s rise, providing the perfect base for its gooey filling. Miniature versions, like these Pecan Pie Bites, have become a modern favorite for their convenience and charm
Pecan pie, the larger inspiration behind Pecan Pie Bites, is deeply rooted in Southern American culinary tradition. Pecans themselves are native to North America, with the word “pecan” derived from the Algonquin language, meaning “a nut requiring a stone to crack.” Indigenous people introduced settlers to this nutrient-rich nut, and it quickly became a staple in the Southern United States.
The origins of the modern pecan pie are unclear, but historians often trace its rise to prominence back to the late 19th century. Recipes combining pecans, sugar, and eggs started appearing in Southern cookbooks, showcasing the nut’s rich flavor and natural abundance. The creation of corn syrup by the Karo company in the early 20th century popularized the gooey consistency we associate with pecan pie today.
Miniature versions, like Pecan Pie Bites, became a more modern adaptation, likely emerging in the mid-20th century as bite-sized desserts gained popularity for parties and entertaining. These convenient, individual servings maintained all the nostalgic flavors of traditional pecan pie while offering practicality and a fun presentation.
Today, Pecan Pie Bites are beloved for their portability and irresistible flavor, becoming a go-to treat during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, where pecan-based desserts are a must on Southern tables. They represent the perfect marriage of history, flavor, and innovation!
Benefits
- Portion Control: These bites allow you to indulge in a treat without overindulging.
- Convenient for Gatherings: Their small size makes them perfect for potlucks, parties, and holiday celebrations.
- Rich in Nutrients: Pecans are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal effort, these bites deliver maximum flavor
- Portion Control
- These mini desserts are pre-portioned, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying treat without overindulging.
- Rich in Nutrients
- Pecans are the star ingredient, providing heart-healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins such as Vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
- Quick and Easy Preparation
- With simple steps and ingredients, Pecan Pie Bites can be prepared in under 40 minutes, saving you time without compromising flavor.
- Convenient for Sharing
- Their small, handheld size makes them perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or any gathering. No forks or plates are required!
- A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite
- Each bite combines the flaky, buttery crust with gooey, nutty filling, offering a satisfying flavor and texture combination.
- Customizable
- You can add chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a touch of bourbon to suit your preferences.
- Satisfies Sweet Cravings
- These bites are perfect for when you need a quick fix for your sweet tooth, offering indulgence in moderation.
- Energy Boost
- Pecans and the brown sugar in the filling provide quick energy, making these bites a great option for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Perfect for Celebrations
- They are a festive addition to dessert tables, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, when pecan-based treats are a tradition.
- Easy to Store and Transport
- Pecan Pie Bites store well in airtight containers and are easy to transport, making them a practical dessert choice.
These benefits make Pecan Pie Bites not only delicious but also a thoughtful dessert option for any occasion!
Formation
Pecan Pie Bites form perfectly when the crust is shaped snugly in the muffin tin and the filling is proportionately distributed. This ensures even baking and that every bite is a delightful balance of flaky crust and rich filling.
Nutritional Information (Per Bite)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
Nutritional Information (Per Bite)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 55mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugars: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 1% of daily value
- Vitamin E (from pecans): 3% of daily value
- Magnesium: 3% of daily value
- Iron: 2% of daily value
Key Nutritional Highlights:
- Healthy Fats: The pecans provide monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and reduce bad cholesterol levels.
- Antioxidants: Pecans are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E, which help fight oxidative stress.
- Fiber: With 1g of fiber per bite, these treats support healthy digestion.
- Energy-Boosting Carbs: The brown sugar and corn syrup provide quick energy, perfect for celebrations or a mid-day snack.
While Pecan Pie Bites are a dessert, they offer some nutritional perks, making them a more wholesome choice compared to many other sugary treats!
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Bites offer a nostalgic trip to the heart of Southern cuisine, packed into a convenient, bite-sized treat. Whether for a casual afternoon snack or a sophisticated dessert table, these little delights deliver all the charm of a classic pecan pie.
For the Lovers of Pecan Pie
These bites are a crowd-pleaser among pecan pie enthusiasts. Their portability and richness make them an irresistible treat for anyone who loves the combination of buttery crust and nutty sweetness. Serve them warm or at room temperature and watch them disappear in no time!