Pecan Pie Muffins

Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe - Delicious All-American Treat

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Pecan Pie Muffins are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the flavors of a classic pecan pie in a convenient muffin form. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.

History

Pecan Pie Muffins are a modern twist on the traditional pecan pie, which is a popular dessert in the Southern United States. The combination of buttery crust, sweet filling, and crunchy pecans has been a favorite for generations. By turning this classic dessert into a portable muffin, you can enjoy the flavors of pecan pie on the go.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of softened butter
0.75 cup of packed light brown sugar
2 beaten eggs
0.5 cup of all-purpose flour
0.75 cup of chopped pecans

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease and flour 8 muffin tins or use paper liners.
In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
Add the eggs and mix well.
Add the flour and stir until just combined.
Stir in the pecans.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 0.67 full.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Serve warm with butter.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
Drizzle the muffins with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.
Substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender muffin.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a tough muffin.

- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter can enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the muffins.

Serving Suggestions

Pecan Pie Muffins are best served warm with a pat of butter on top. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is an important step in making tender muffins. Be sure to mix the batter until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans on hand, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or any other nut of your choice. You can also use margarine instead of butter, but the flavor may be slightly different.

Make Ahead Tips

Pecan Pie Muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pecan Pie Muffins on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation. You can also top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Pairing Recommendations

Pecan Pie Muffins pair well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, milk, or hot chocolate. They also go well with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a scoop of ice cream for a more indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Pecan Pie Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the muffins for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pecan Pie Muffins contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pecan Pie Muffins contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pecan Pie Muffins contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pecan Pie Muffins contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pecan Pie Muffins are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.

Alergens

Pecan Pie Muffins contain nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter, eggs).

Summary

Pecan Pie Muffins are a delicious treat that is relatively high in fats and calories, but also provide essential nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and vitamins.

Summary

Pecan Pie Muffins are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie in a portable form. With a buttery crust, sweet filling, and crunchy pecans, these muffins are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Pecan Pie Muffins. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that I had collected over the years. As I sifted through the delicate cards, my eyes lit up when I came across a weathered, yellowed card that simply read "Pecan Pie Muffins."

The memories of that day flooded back to me as I held the card in my hand. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I had been visiting my dear friend Clara. Clara was a wonderful baker, and she had a knack for creating the most delicious treats. On that particular day, she had surprised me with a batch of her famous Pecan Pie Muffins. I remember taking a bite and being transported to a world of sweet, nutty goodness.

As I sat at Clara's kitchen table, savoring the muffin, I begged her for the recipe. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me the card and told me that this was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. I thanked her profusely and vowed to make these muffins for my own family one day.

And now, all these years later, I found myself holding that precious recipe card in my hand once again. With a sense of determination, I set out to recreate Clara's Pecan Pie Muffins in my own kitchen.

The first step was to gather all the necessary ingredients. I pulled out the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt from my pantry, along with a stick of butter and some eggs from the refrigerator. But the star of the show was the pecans. I had a jar of freshly roasted pecans that I had picked up from the local farmers market, and I knew they would add the perfect crunch to the muffins.

As I began to mix the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, I couldn't help but think of Clara and the many afternoons we had spent baking together. She had taught me so much about the art of baking, and I was grateful for her knowledge and friendship.

Next, I melted the butter and whisked in the eggs, creating a smooth, velvety batter. The smell of butter and sugar filled the air, and I knew I was on the right track. I gently folded in the chopped pecans, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

I spooned the batter into a muffin tin, filling each cup to the brim. The muffins rose beautifully in the oven, their tops turning a golden brown as they baked. The scent of warm pecans and butter wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, the timer dinged, and I carefully removed the muffin tin from the oven. The muffins looked perfect, with a slight crust on the top and a gooey, pecan-filled center. I couldn't wait to taste them.

I let the muffins cool for a few minutes before taking a bite. The first taste brought me back to that summer day with Clara, the flavors of butter, sugar, and pecans mingling on my tongue. The muffins were just as delicious as I remembered, and I knew that Clara would be proud of my recreation.

As I sat at the kitchen table, enjoying a Pecan Pie Muffin with a cup of hot tea, I thought about the many recipes I had collected over the years. Each one held a special memory, a story of where it came from and who had taught it to me. And now, Clara's Pecan Pie Muffins had joined the ranks, a treasured recipe that I would pass down to future generations.

I couldn't help but smile as I savored every bite of the muffin, grateful for the joy that baking had brought me over the years. And as I finished the last crumb, I knew that Clara's recipe would always hold a special place in my heart – a reminder of friendship, love, and the magic of a well-made muffin.