Pecan pie muffins blend the richness of a classic pecan pie with the convenience and charm of muffins. This recipe provides a quick way to enjoy the flavor of pecan pie in a portable form, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside your favorite cup of coffee.
Ingredients:
- For the Muffins:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- Whole pecan halves for garnish
- Coarse sugar (like turbinado sugar) for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a muffin tin with grease or paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans in a bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing just until moistened.
- Fill and Garnish: Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, top with pecan halves and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake: Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let them cool in the tin before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- Substitutions: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Also, coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that can withstand baking temperatures can be used in place of brown sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Storage: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm for a gooey texture or at room temperature for a firmer bite.
FAQs:
- Can I make these muffins nut-free? Unfortunately, pecans are integral to this recipe, and removing them would significantly alter the end product.
- How can I make these muffins moister? To increase moisture, consider adding a small amount of yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
- Can I use walnut instead of pecans? Yes, walnuts can be used as a direct substitute for pecans in this recipe.
Conclusion:
Pecan pie muffins offer a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie, bringing its beloved taste into a more casual, everyday treat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply looking for a sweet snack, these muffins provide a satisfying bite of pecan pie in a fraction of the time and effort. Enjoy baking and indulging in these little delights that promise to capture the hearts of pecan lovers everywhere.
Key Takeaway:
These muffins merge the deep, sweet flavors of pecan pie with the light, airy form of muffins, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
