Sweet Bite-Sized Pecan Pie Treats Recipe

Easy Sweet Bite-Sized Pecan Pie Treats Recipe for Every Occasion

Dessert enthusiasts go crazy for these delightful pecan pie treats that pack a rich, nutty flavor into one small bite.

Southern bakers have long cherished this miniature pecan pie recipe as a crowd-pleasing delicacy.

Each tiny morsel bursts with classic caramel and toasted pecan goodness that melts in your mouth.

The compact size makes these treats perfect for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

Elegant yet simple, these bite-sized desserts deliver maximum flavor in a compact package.

No pastry skills required – just pure deliciousness awaits.

Prepare to fall in love with these irresistible little pecan pie wonders that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Bite-Sized Pecan Pie Treats So Special

  • These pecan pie bites offer a perfect handheld dessert that captures all the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie without the complexity of baking a full pie.
  • With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, anyone can create these delicious treats quickly, making them ideal for novice bakers or busy home cooks.
  • These bite-sized delights are excellent for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations, allowing guests to enjoy a sweet treat without cutting a whole pie.
  • Bakers can adjust spices like cinnamon or swap graham cracker crumbs for different textures, making these treats versatile and adaptable to personal preferences.

All About Pecan Pie Treats Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Pecans: A classic nutty ingredient that provides a rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture to these sweet treats.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, sticky base that helps hold the balls together and adds additional sweetness.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a delicious graham cracker base and helps with the texture of the treats.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Helps combine all ingredients and adds a rich, smooth quality to the mixture.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon: Add a final touch of sweetness and warm spice to complete the treats.

Kitchen Tools for Making Pecan Pie Bites

  • Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized, sturdy vessel for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking Sheet: Flat metal pan for evenly baking your pecan treats.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner to prevent treats from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps treats cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Optional Rolling Pin: Can help crush graham crackers if needed.

Simple Steps for Pecan Pie Treat Magic

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grab a baking sheet.

Line the sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your delicious ingredients:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Graham cracker crumbs

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed and create a rich, cohesive mixture.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Treats

Use your hands to roll the mixture into small, compact balls about the size of a golf ball.

Gently place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them to ensure even baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, watching carefully until the treats turn a beautiful golden brown color.

The edges should look slightly crisp and the aroma should be irresistibly nutty.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touch

Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

While still slightly warm, carefully roll each ball in powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet coating that melts in your mouth.

Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy these bite-sized delights.

Tips for Buttery and Nutty Pecan Bites

  • Use parchment paper or silicone baking mat to ensure easy removal and prevent the treats from burning.
  • Reduce brown sugar by 1-2 tablespoons if you prefer less sweet desserts or want a more nutty flavor profile.
  • Lightly toast pecans before mixing to intensify their rich, nutty taste and create a deeper, more complex flavor.
  • Keep treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe gluten-sensitive friendly.

Creative Twists on Classic Pecan Pie Treats

  • Vegan Nutty Bites: Replace butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of corn syrup, and swap graham crackers for crushed vegan cookies.
  • Gluten-Free Pecan Treats: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour as a base, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Chocolate Drizzled Pecan Balls: After cooling, dip or drizzle the treats with melted dark chocolate for an extra rich flavor.
  • Spiced Autumn Pecan Bites: Add a pinch of nutmeg and ground ginger to enhance the warm, seasonal taste of the original recipe.

Serving Up Pecan Pie Bites for Celebrations

  • Party Platter Presentation: Arrange these sweet pecan bites on a decorative wooden board with fresh mint leaves and small chocolate drizzles for a stunning dessert display.
  • Gifting Delight: Package these treats in cute mini mason jars tied with ribbon, perfect for holiday gifts or special occasion take-home treats.
  • Coffee Companion: Serve alongside espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon snack that complements rich, warm beverages beautifully.
  • Ice Cream Topper: Crumble these bite-sized treats over vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra layer of nutty, sweet crunch.

How to Store Pecan Pie Treats

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them cool and fresh with layers of parchment paper between each treat.
  • Wrap individual pecan balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
  • Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and delightful.
  • Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their original warmth and softness.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor profile. Just make sure to chop the nuts finely before mixing with other ingredients.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not in its current form. The graham cracker crumbs contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or replace them with ground oats or almond flour.

  • How long can these pecan balls stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats will remain fresh for up to 5 days. For best taste and texture, keep them in a cool, dry place.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sweet Bite-Sized Pecan Pie Treats Recipe

Sweet Bite-Sized Pecan Pie Treats Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Miniature pecan pie delights showcase Southern charm in compact, irresistible morsels. Crisp pastry shells cradle rich caramel and toasted pecans, promising delectable indulgence you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) butter, melted
  • 1 cup (120 g) graham cracker crumbs

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Coating:

  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal non-stick surface.
  2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs until the mixture achieves a consistent texture.
  3. Using clean hands, carefully form the mixture into compact, uniform 1-inch spherical shapes, ensuring each ball is tightly packed and maintains structural integrity.
  4. Arrange the formed balls evenly across the prepared baking sheet, maintaining sufficient spacing between each treat to allow proper heat circulation during baking.
  5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, watching for a golden-brown coloration that indicates caramelization and perfect doneness.
  6. Remove from the oven and allow the treats to cool for 3-5 minutes, which helps them firm up and prevents crumbling during the final coating process.
  7. Gently roll each slightly cooled ball in powdered sugar, ensuring complete and even coverage to create a delicate, sweet exterior that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Notes

  • Swap out corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness and unique flavor profile.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the pecan’s richness and create a delightful sweet-salty balance.
  • For gluten-free options, replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain the texture.
  • Keep the balls uniform in size by using a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon for consistent baking and presentation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star