The soul of a holiday classic—captured in a single, golden-bubbled bite.
Imagine breaking into a warm muffin top and discovering a river of caramelized pecans tucked inside a maple-kissed, custardy center… no pie plate required.
This isn’t just muffins with nuts.
This is pecan pie—reimagined.
A tender, buttery base cradles a molten filling of toasted pecans, brown sugar, and a whisper of bourbon (optional, but transformative). Crisp at the edges. Gooey at the center. Best enjoyed warm, with your hands, while the aroma of caramel and toasted pecans fills your kitchen like a sweet holiday memory.
Ingredients
For the Muffin Base
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling
1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
½ cup (120 ml) maple syrup
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 large egg
Preparation Method
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2️⃣ Prepare the Muffin Base
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Gently fold in flour and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
3️⃣ Make the Pecan Filling
In a separate bowl, mix pecans, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, bourbon (if using), and egg.
Stir until glossy and fully combined.
4️⃣ Assemble
Fill muffin cups halfway with batter.
Top each with a generous spoonful of pecan filling.
(The filling will slightly sink while baking.)
5️⃣ Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set but still slightly soft.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Serve warm for the ultimate gooey pecan pie experience.
Professional Serving Ideas
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Serve with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate
Storage Tips
- Room temperature (airtight container): up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months (reheat gently before serving)
These Pecan Pie Muffins deliver everything you love about the classic holiday dessert—rich flavor, gooey texture, and nostalgic warmth—in an easy handheld trea