If you love the rich, gooey sweetness of a classic pecan pie but want something quicker and easier to make, these Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins are the answer. They capture all the indulgent flavors of the traditional dessert — toasted pecans, brown sugar, and buttery richness — in a handheld, muffin-sized treat. I once baked these for a Sunday brunch and served them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup; everyone thought I’d spent hours in the kitchen. They’re moist, nutty, and perfectly chewy — a little bite of Southern comfort in every muffin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pecan pie muffins combine the ease of a muffin with the decadence of pecan pie. You only need a few simple ingredients, no mixers, and just one bowl. The texture is incredible — crisp edges with a gooey, caramel-like center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting, these muffins are everything you love about Southern baking in one easy recipe.
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Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins – Sweet, Nutty, and Irresistibly Buttery
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins taste just like classic pecan pie — sweet, buttery, and nutty — but in an easy-to-make muffin form. With crisp edges and gooey centers, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, salt, and chopped pecans. Stir until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined (batter will be thick).
- Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until tops are golden and set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
- Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature — delicious on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Use toasted pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- For mini pecan pie bites, bake in a mini muffin pan for 12–15 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pecans: The star of the show. Toasted pecans add a deep, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
Brown sugar: Provides the caramel sweetness that mimics the filling of a traditional pecan pie.
All-purpose flour: Gives the muffins structure while keeping them tender.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and creates that slightly gooey center.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the muffins a moist, soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the buttery flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan. Lightly toast the pecans in a skillet for a few minutes until fragrant, then roughly chop and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly coated with the flour mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until combined — don’t overmix.
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and set but slightly soft in the center. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature. These muffins are delicious on their own, but even more heavenly with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Makes 12 muffins
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: About 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. These muffins also freeze beautifully — store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Chip Pecan Muffins: Add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich twist.
Maple Pecan Muffins: Substitute part of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a softer texture and sweet maple flavor.
Bourbon Pecan Pie Muffins: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the batter for a subtle Southern flair.
Cinnamon Pecan Muffins: Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for warm, cozy flavor.
Mini Pecan Pie Muffins: Use a mini muffin pan for bite-sized treats — reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes.
Coconut Pecan Muffins: Add shredded coconut to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Salted Caramel Pecan Muffins: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for an indulgent finish.
Orange Pecan Muffins: Add orange zest to the batter for a citrusy brightness.
Nut Mix Muffins: Combine pecans with walnuts or almonds for a mixed-nut variation.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds also work, though pecans give the best traditional flavor.
Should I toast the pecans first?
Toasting enhances their nutty aroma, so it’s highly recommended.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, they stay moist and flavorful for days, perfect for make-ahead baking.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown?
Brown sugar gives a richer flavor and chewy texture, but white sugar will work in a pinch.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine can be used if necessary.
Are these muffins very sweet?
They’re sweet, but not overwhelmingly so — like a pecan pie in muffin form.
Can I add chocolate?
Definitely — mini chocolate chips melt beautifully into the batter.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 2 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
What can I serve these with?
They’re perfect with coffee, tea, or even as a dessert with ice cream.
Conclusion
These Southern-Style Pecan Pie Muffins deliver all the rich, buttery sweetness of pecan pie in a quick, easy-to-make muffin. Each bite has the perfect balance of crisp edges, soft centers, and nutty caramel flavor. Whether served for brunch, dessert, or as a snack, they embody true Southern comfort in every bite. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a staple — simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
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