Pecan Pie Muffins

Why Make This Recipe

Pecan Pie Muffins are a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. They combine the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the sweet, gooey filling you find in pecan pie, all in a convenient muffin form. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. They are easy to make and bring a taste of comfort and warmth to any table.

How to Make Pecan Pie Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Stir to mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs slightly. Then, add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
5. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Muffins

These muffins are delicious served warm, right out of the oven. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also go well with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

How to Store Pecan Pie Muffins

To keep your Pecan Pie Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.

Tips to Make Pecan Pie Muffins

• Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot; adding it to the eggs can cook them.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the batter for extra flavor.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolate-pecan combination. You can also swap some of the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Mix in the wet ingredients just before baking for the best results.

2. Can I use different nuts?
Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or another nut you enjoy. Each nut will give a unique flavor to the muffins.

3. Are these muffins gluten-free?
No, these muffins are not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make them suitable for a gluten-free diet.