Pecan Pie Muffins — The Gooey, Buttery, Bite-Sized Southern Treat

If you love pecan pie but don’t want to fuss with making a crust, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Pecan Pie Muffins. They’ve got everything you adore about the classic dessert — buttery richness, caramelized brown sugar, and toasty pecans — baked into a simple, handheld treat that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

The magic of these muffins is in the texture: the tops bake into a crisp, golden shell while the insides stay soft, moist, and almost fudge-like — just like the gooey center of a pecan pie. They’re sweet, nutty, and absolutely irresistible fresh from the oven.

Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a holiday gift, these muffins are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark — dark gives deeper caramel flavor)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously with butter or nonstick spray — these muffins have a sticky, pie-like texture, so you want to make sure they release easily.

Pro Tip: You can also use paper liners sprayed lightly with nonstick spray, but greased muffin tins give that perfect caramelized edge.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Stir until the pecans are evenly coated — this helps keep them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins while baking.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until everything is just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky — that’s exactly what you want!

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix. Stir only until the dry ingredients disappear. Overmixing can make the muffins tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.

Because the batter is dense and rich, it won’t rise as much as traditional muffins, so don’t worry if they look quite full.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are just set.

The edges should be slightly crisp, and the middle should look glossy — like a perfect slice of pecan pie.

Pro Tip: Every oven is different! Start checking at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking. You want them gooey inside, not dry.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before gently removing them. (They’ll firm up as they cool.)

Serve them warm or at room temperature — both are divine!

For the ultimate indulgence, top with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

All the flavor of pecan pie, no crust required!
Quick & easy: Simple ingredients, one bowl, no mixer needed.
Perfect texture: Crispy edges, gooey middle, nutty crunch in every bite.
Make-ahead friendly: They taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Variations

Chocolate Pecan Muffins: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a turtle pie twist.
Bourbon Pecan Pie Muffins: Stir in 1 tablespoon bourbon to the wet ingredients for a rich Southern flavor.
Maple Pecan Muffins: Replace half the brown sugar with maple syrup for a softer, maple-sweet taste.
Mini Muffins: Bake in a mini muffin tin for 10–12 minutes — perfect for parties or brunch trays!

Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge: Keep for up to 5 days — just warm before serving.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.

Serving Ideas

These muffins are fantastic on their own, but if you want to take them over the top:

Serve warm with a pat of butter that melts right in.
Add a drizzle of warm caramel or maple glaze.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a quick, impressive dessert.
Enjoy with coffee for a sweet morning treat.

Final Thoughts

These Pecan Pie Muffins are proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most extraordinary. Each bite bursts with buttery, nutty sweetness and that gooey, pie-like center that melts in your mouth.

They’re elegant enough for the holidays yet easy enough to whip up anytime you crave something sweet and homemade. Once you make them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a beloved Southern staple — comforting, nostalgic, and downright irresistible.