Irresistible Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe

Heavenly 5-Ingredient Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe for Sweet Breakfast

Warm ovens and sweet aromas fill the kitchen when these delectable pecan pie muffins come to life.

Southern bakers have long cherished their simple 5-ingredient pecan pie muffins that blend nostalgic flavors with remarkable ease.

Each tender morsel carries the rich, caramelized essence of classic pecan pie in a convenient muffin form.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the soft, golden interior of these irresistible treats.

Brown sugar and butter create a luxurious base that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, these muffins promise to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Let’s find out this delightful recipe and experience a taste of Southern comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 10

What You Need for 5 Ingredient Pecan Pie Muffins

For Base and Structure:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation and tender crumb for the muffins.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and creates rich, smooth texture.
  • Melted Butter: Adds moisture, richness, and helps ingredients blend seamlessly.
For Sweetness and Depth:
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel-like sweetness with soft molasses undertones.
  • Salted Caramel Sauce: Optional luxurious drizzle that elevates flavor complexity.
For Texture and Crunch:
  • Pecans: Introduces nutty richness, delightful crunch, and rustic southwestern charm.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Oil Spray: Ensures effortless muffin release and prevents sticking.

Muffin Tin and Tools for Pecan Pie Muffins

  • Muffin Pan: 12-cup standard size for perfectly portioned muffins.
  • Muffin Liners: Paper cups to prevent sticking and easy removal.
  • Large Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk or Electric Mixer: To beat eggs until foamy and well-combined.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: To gently mix ingredients and scrape batter into liners.
  • Toothpick: To test muffin doneness by checking for clean insertion.

Instructions for Pecan Pie Muffins

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a muffin pan and line it with soft paper cups, giving each a quick spray of non-stick magic.

  • Nutty Foundation

Gather your chopped pecans, sweet brown sugar, and flour in a mixing bowl. This is where the deliciousness begins to take shape.

  • Liquid Gold

Whisk those eggs until they’re light and airy, then welcome in the melted butter. Watch as they dance together in silky harmony.

  • Magical Mixing

Create a little well in your dry ingredients and let the wet mixture cascade into it. Gently fold everything together until just combined – no aggressive stirring allowed!

  • Pecan Crown

Lovingly spoon the batter into each muffin liner, nearly reaching the top. Crown each muffin with a whole pecan, like a royal jewel.

  • Baking Transformation

Slide the pan into the warm oven and let the magic happen for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the aroma fills your kitchen.

  • Cooling Moment

Let the muffins rest in the pan, allowing them to settle and become perfectly tender.

Tips for Moist and Rich Pecan Muffins

  • Transform these muffins into mini pecan pies by using a smaller muffin tin for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.
  • Swap out half the brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
  • Fold in some mini chocolate chips or butterscotch chips to add extra crunch and flavor complexity to the muffin batter.
  • These muffins freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for quick breakfast or snack options anytime.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable muffins.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Muffins Warm

  • Breakfast Bliss: Pair these warm pecan pie muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or vanilla latte for a delightful morning treat.
  • Holiday Dessert Showcase: Serve as a charming alternative to traditional pie during Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, presenting them on a rustic wooden platter.
  • Sweet Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent midday snack that satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Gifting Inspiration: Package muffins in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon as a homemade edible gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends during special occasions.

Storing Leftover Pecan Pie Muffins

  • Muffin Meal Magic: Store these delightful pecan treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping their soft texture and nutty flavor intact.
  • Freezer-Friendly Delight: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months, perfect for quick breakfast or snack options.
  • Refresh & Reheat: Bring frozen or stored muffins back to life by warming them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. A quick zap restores their just-baked warmth and softness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply scoop and bake for fresh, warm muffins with minimal morning effort.
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Irresistible Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Pie Muffins


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets quick baking with these 5-ingredient pecan pie muffins. Sweet pecans and brown sugar create a delightful breakfast or dessert treat you’ll savor down to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (237 ml) chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1⅓ sticks (170 g / 6 oz) melted butter
  • ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 9 whole pecans
  • salted caramel sauce (optional)
  • non-stick cooking oil spray

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare muffin pan with 9 paper liners, lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Dry Ingredients: Blend finely chopped pecans, dark brown sugar, and all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
  3. Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs until frothy, then fold in melted unsalted butter, creating a smooth, integrated liquid mixture.
  4. Batter Formation: Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour liquid mixture, gently folding until just combined without overmixing, preserving the delicate texture.
  5. Filling and Topping: Fill muffin liners ⅞ full, placing a whole pecan atop each muffin for visual appeal and added crunch.
  6. Baking Process: Slide muffin pan into preheated oven, baking for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Allow muffins to rest in pan for 5-7 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack; optionally drizzle with salted caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients to maintain tender, soft muffin texture; overmixing leads to dense, tough results.
  • Pecan Placement Tip: Reserve whole pecans for topping to create an attractive, professional-looking presentation with added crunch.
  • Moisture Management: Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor and moisture retention, ensuring muffins stay soft and rich.
  • Baking Precision: Check muffins early around 18 minutes to avoid overbaking; every oven varies slightly in temperature and performance.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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