Pecan Pie Muffins Southern Comfort Muffin Style

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get a craving for pecan pie but want something a bit more…portable? These pecan pie muffins are your answer.

Think all the warm, nutty, southern comfort food flavors you adore, but in a cute little muffin.

Brief Overview

Originating from the desire to simplify a classic dessert, these pecan muffins bring the taste of pecan pie to your fingertips.

This muffin recipe is a medium difficulty bake and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes, including chilling time. This recipe yields 12 perfect dessert muffins , ideal for sharing or a delightful personal treat.

Main Benefits

These aren't just any nutty muffins ; they offer a dose of healthy fats from the pecans. They're perfect for a fall baking session.

What makes these pecan pie muffins special is the combination of a soft muffin base and a rich, decadent pecan pie filling .

Craving pecan pie muffins ?

Honestly, who doesn't love a good pecan pie ? But sometimes, you want something a bit less…committal, you know? That's where these pecan pie muffins come in.

They are perfect for autumn get-togethers.

The recipe for the muffin recipe isn't too tricky, even for beginner bakers. It combines a simple buttermilk muffins base with a luscious pecan pie filling .

So good!. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool down before you devour them all!

The secret? Don’t skimp on the pecans! And lightly toasting them before adding them to the filling? Game changer! It really brings out their nutty flavor.

Let's get baking this easy muffin recipe !

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Pecan Pie Muffins

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. You'll need a few key ingredients. Don't worry, it's not rocket science. These pecan pie muffins are easier than you might think! We're aiming for that amazing pecan pie filling taste, but in muffin recipe form.

Main Ingredients Rundown

• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (192g) . Plain flour will work!
• Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon . Adds warmth.
• Ground nutmeg: 1/8 teaspoon . A hint goes a long way!
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g; 1 stick) , softened. It has to be soft for the best texture!
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) . The base sweetness.
• Large eggs: 2 . Free range if you can!
• Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon . Pure extract is best.
• Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . This is key for buttermilk muffins magic! If you don't have it, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes .
• Unsalted butter (melted): 1/2 cup (1 stick; 113g) . For the goo!
• Packed light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) . Adds depth.
• Honey: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Makes it extra special.
• Large egg: 1 . Just one!
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon . Can't get enough of it.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• Pecan halves or pieces: 1 1/2 cups (150g) , toasted and roughly chopped. Toasted is crucial . It brings out the nutty flavor. I usually bake mine at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 5- 7 minutes . Watch them closely!

Seasoning Notes: Spicing Up Your Southern Comfort

Cinnamon and nutmeg are the stars here. They scream fall baking recipes ! Vanilla elevates everything. A tiny pinch of salt balances the sweetness.

Honestly, don't skip the salt! For a bit of extra something, try adding a dash of Southern Comfort food to the filling.

You know, for a boozy kick?

Equipment Needed: Nothing Too Fancy

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Muffin liners (optional). Makes cleanup easier.
• Mixing bowls (various sizes).
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer).
• Whisk.
• Rubber spatula.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Wire rack. For cooling those nutty muffins properly.

You don't need a super fancy stand mixer. A handheld one will do. If you don't have muffin liners, just grease the tin really well.

I learned the hard way once. Talk about a sticky mess! These pecan muffins are super tasty, so you want every single one.

This easy muffin recipe is all about simplicity and maximum flavor. Perfect for those dessert muffins cravings!

Getting Started With Pecan Pie Muffins

Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? We're diving headfirst into pecan pie muffins . This isn't just any muffin recipe.

This is Southern comfort food in portable form! Think of it: all that gooey, nutty goodness, without needing a fork.

It's the perfect grab and-go treat. I like this easy muffin recipe because everyone can make and eat it! This recipe captures all the warm, buttery, and nutty flavors of a classic Southern pecan pie in a convenient and portable muffin, creating a delightful treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.

Prep Steps for Pecan Pie Perfection

Mise en place , people, mise en place ! Get everything measured and ready. Soften that 1 stick butter, toast your 1 1/2 cups pecans (trust me, it's worth it!), and measure out all those spices.

Time saving tip: Chop your pecans while they're toasting. Honestly, it's a game changer. And safety first, always! Don't burn those pecans.

That said, did you know that approximately 96 million pounds of pecans are grown in the United States each year?

step-by-step to Nutty Muffins

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Line that 12-cup muffin tin!
2. Whisk dry stuff: 1 1/2 cups flour , baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt .
3. Cream together 1 stick softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar . Make it fluffy!
4. Beat in 2 eggs one at a time. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and 1/2 cup buttermilk , beginning and ending with the dry. Don't overmix!
6. Chill the muffin batter for 30 minutes .
7. Fill each muffin cup halfway. Spoon pecan pie filling on top. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until a toothpick comes out clean.

Pro Tips for Epic Muffins

Don't overmix the batter! Seriously, it's the key to tender buttermilk muffins . A common mistake is skipping the chilling time, but I always chill the batter for the best rise.

If you want to make these ahead of time, bake and freeze the muffins, sans the pecan pie filling topping.

Then, make the filling fresh when you're ready to bake. It's perfect for planning ahead for the holidays.

These pecan pie muffins are amazing. They're also great dessert muffins ! They're so good you'll forget about fall baking recipes and want to make them all year long.

That said, give this muffin recipe a try!

Recipe Notes for the Best Pecan Pie Muffins

Right, so you're ready to tackle these pecan pie muffins ? Ace! Let's run through some notes. Honestly, these aren't difficult but a little prep will save you time and angst.

This muffin recipe is all about that southern comfort food feel!

Ace Serving Suggestions

Fancy pants plating? Nah, not needed. These pecan muffins are brill just as they are. For a bit of "wow," a simple dusting of icing sugar works.

You could also serve them warm with a dollop of clotted cream. Proper delish! For drinks? Coffee, tea, or even a wee glass of dessert wine are all winners.

You know?

Storage Savvy

Right, let's talk storage. These dessert muffins are best eaten fresh, obviously. But, if you’ve got leftovers, pop them in an airtight container.

Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to freeze them? You can! Wrap them individually in cling film, then bung them in a freezer bag.

They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature. A quick zap in the microwave will bring them back to life.

Honestly, these nutty muffins are so moorish they probably will not last long, so enjoy!.

Variations on a Theme

Feeling adventurous? Why not add a glug of bourbon to your pecan pie filling ? Makes them extra special and gives them real kick.

Also, for a dairy-free version, try using a plant based butter and almond milk. You can create truly amazing buttermilk muffins this way.

For autumnal swaps, use maple syrup instead of honey. You end up with lovely fall baking recipes . I actually made a batch using brown butter once.

..game changer!

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, so these pecan pie muffins aren't exactly health food. They're dessert muffins ! But, pecans are a great source of healthy fats and fiber.

So that is good! These are a southern comfort food that is all about moderation and enjoyment, and that is important too!

So, there you have it. All the notes you need for easy muffin recipe success! These pecan pie muffins are absolute treat.

Give them a go and let me know how you get on, alright? Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pecan pie muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pecan pie muffins are great for making ahead. They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can even freeze them for longer storage just make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Imagine pulling one of these out for a quick and easy breakfast sorted!

Help! My pecan pie muffins are sticking to the pan. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded sticky muffin! This usually happens if the muffin tin isn't properly greased or if you aren't using muffin liners. Next time, either grease the muffin tin really well with butter or cooking spray, or use muffin liners (which are a bit like wearing wellies to a muddy festival - always a good idea!).

Also, let the muffins cool slightly in the tin before attempting to remove them; this helps them firm up and release more easily.

I'm not a huge fan of pecans. Can I substitute them in these pecan pie muffins?

While pecans are the star of the show, you can definitely experiment! Walnuts are a classic alternative that would work beautifully. You could also try using chopped almonds or even a mix of different nuts. Think of it as your own personal "Great British Bake Off" challenge get creative with those nuts!

What's the best way to store these pecan pie muffins to keep them fresh?

To keep your pecan pie muffins in tip-top condition, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near a heat source. If you live in a humid climate, storing them in the fridge might be a better option to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. No soggy bottoms here!

My muffin batter is really thick. Is that normal for these pecan pie muffins?

Yes, the muffin batter for these muffins is thicker than some other muffin recipes. This is perfectly normal and helps to create a nice, sturdy base for the pecan pie filling. Remember not to overmix the batter, as this can make the muffins tough. Mixing until just combined is key!

And don’t forget to chill it for 30 minutes for the best texture.

Are pecan pie muffins healthy?

Let's be honest, pecan pie muffins are more of a treat than a health food! They are relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar due to the butter, sugar, and pecans in the recipe. However, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

You can also try using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar content slightly to make them a bit healthier. Everything in moderation, as they say!