Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe

These pecan pie muffins capture the essence of traditional pecan pie in a tender, buttery muffin. They have a lightly crisp top, a soft, rich interior, and an irresistible caramelized nutty flavor. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or even dessert, these muffins are incredibly easy to make and require just a handful of pantry staples.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup whole pecans (for topping)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. If not using liners, grease each cup well to prevent sticking, as these muffins have a slightly sticky, caramelized texture.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This helps coat the nuts in the flour, preventing them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and slightly foamy. Add in the melted butter and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins dense instead of tender.

4. Fill the Muffin Cups & Add Toppings

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Place whole pecans on top of each muffin for a visually appealing finish and added crunch.

5. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. If they appear too gooey, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to overbake, as this can dry them out.

6. Cool & Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious warm, but they also develop a deeper caramel flavor as they cool.

Cooking Tips & Notes

Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality pecans rather than ones that have been sitting in the pantry for too long. Stale nuts can impart a bitter taste.
Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans in a dry pan or oven for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the batter enhances their natural richness and makes the muffins even more flavorful.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing will create dense muffins rather than the soft, cake-like texture you want.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet muffin, reduce the brown sugar slightly to ¾ cup—the pecans will still provide natural sweetness.
Storage Tips: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—simply reheat in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix, and the muffins will still turn out tender and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast Treat: Pair these muffins with a cup of coffee, hot tea, or a glass of milk for a warm and cozy breakfast. If you want to add some extra indulgence, serve them with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Brunch Staple: These pecan pie muffins fit perfectly on a holiday brunch table alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a light yogurt parfait. They add a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
Dessert Twist: Warm a muffin slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a pecan pie-inspired dessert. A drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to the next level!
Make It a Gifting Idea: These muffins make a fantastic homemade gift. Wrap them up in a decorative box or a tin and give them to friends and family for a holiday treat, hostess gift, or special occasion surprise.
Fall & Holiday Pairing: These muffins are perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast or a cozy autumn snack. Pair them with a warm spiced cider or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate seasonal indulgence.

These pecan pie muffins are the perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and buttery goodness in a portable form. Whether you enjoy them in the morning or as a sweet snack, they’re guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort with every bite!