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Pecan Pie Cupcakes

Pecan Pie Cupcakes are the quickest, easiest cupcakes around! You’ll be amazed how just five ingredients can make something so good!

stack of Pecan Pie Cupcakes on a white surface

Easy Pecan Pie Cupcakes

I don’t often make cupcakes. Although I do love them, they just aren’t my go-to thing to bake. When I do bake cupcakes, I like them to be simple and free of fuss. And these Pecan Pie Cupcakes fall firmly into those categories!

These are so simple to make. Basically, the five (just five!) ingredients are all mixed together and then scooped into muffin pans and baked. That’s it. Getting the batter doled out into the pans takes longer than it does to mix the batter!

pile of Pecan Pie Cupcakes on a white surface

As easy as they are to make, perhaps the best thing about these little guys is that they taste so very much like a slice of sweet, gooey pecan pie. Each time I make a batch of these, I’m enamored all over again with their amazing flavor!

ingredients for Pecan Pie Cupcakes

What You’ll Need

This is a very short list of ingredients. If you’ve got some pecans in your kitchen, then you likely have everything you need to whip up a batch of these Pecan Pie Cupcakes!

  • Pecans: Chop the pecans into small pieces so they’ll mix easily into the batter.
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar: I prefer light brown sugar for these cupcakes, but dark brown sugar will work, too.
  • Butter: I always bake with unsalted butter. There’s no salt to adjust in this recipe, so using salted butter will definitely affect the flavor.
  • Eggs

How to Make Pecan Pie Cupcakes

These mini cupcakes are wonderfully quick and easy to make. They’re a great baking project for beginners or for more experienced bakers wanting a simple recipe. Just grab a mixing bowl, a mixing spoon, and a mini muffin pan!

Prepare for baking. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line 24 mini muffin cups. Liners will create softer sides, while omitting the liners will make for crisper sides.

Combine the ingredients. Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Remember to let the butter cool a bit before mixing.

Portion the batter. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. I like to use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to make sure they’re all the same size for even baking. Keep in mind that there is no leavening in the batter, so they won’t rise much. If your muffin pans are filled three-quarters full, that’s pretty much what size cupcake you’ll get in the end.

Bake for 18-20 minutes. When the cupcakes are done, the edges will be brown and the centers will be set. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cupcakes from the pan to a rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

These Pecan Pie Cupcakes are so very easy to make, but here are a few tips to help things go as smoothly as possible.

  • Measure accurately. Many bakers tend to over-measure flour. With so few ingredients in this recipe, any inaccuracies will be magnified. Use a kitchen scale to measure by weight if possible. Alternatively, use the spoon and sweep method to minimize measuring errors.
  • Use a scoop to portion the batter. It will make quick, accurate work of dividing the batter.
  • Don’t over-bake. Too much time in the oven can lead to too-crisp edges and an overly-chewy texture.
  • Embrace the simplicity! These bite-size treats are wonderfully flavor and don’t need anything extra. They may not be the prettiest things you’ll ever bake, but they’re just so good that you won’t care one bit that there’s no frosting or other added element.
close-up view of a stack of Pecan Pie Cupcakes

How to Store Pecan Pie Cupcakes

These cupcakes should keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes in an airtight freezer-safe container. They should keep up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Find more cupcake recipes in the Recipe Index.

Pecan Pie Cupcakes

Yield 24 cupcakes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Pecan Pie Cupcakes are the quickest, eapesiest cupcakes around! You'll be amazed how just five ingredients can make something so good!

stack of Pecan Pie Cupcakes on a white surface

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup (150g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line 24 cups of a mini muffin tin.
  2. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Fill each muffin cavity about 3/4 full.
  3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the centers are set.

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    73 Comments on “Pecan Pie Cupcakes”

  1. I made these at Christmas. They really do taste like pecan pie! My husband who is a huge pecan pie fan really liked them.

  2. I’m not a huge fan of pecan pie. but in cupcake form!? I may be swayed. The chocolate drizzle is helping change my mind for sure!

  3. I am Pecan Pie’s BIGGEST fan!! I will defnitely bookmark this one for the near future.

    P.S. I almost fainted when I saw them drizzled in chocolate, lol. Yum!

  4. These sound fabulous!

  5. These looks so moist and with all that chocolate drizzled all over them… yum!!!

  6. I have had this recipe sitting in my file forever. Like you, I have been skeptical, because pecan pie is my favorite pie! But, I’ll definitely have to give these a try, soon!

  7. I love pecan pie with chocolate chips thrown in so these are up my alley. And only 5 ingredients, sound like I should try them for Easter. Yum!

  8. Cindy, I’m glad to hear from someone else who has made these. I still can’t believe how much they taste like pecan pie.

    Joy, I’m always amazed when someone doesn’t like pecan pie. I just love it! Maybe you could like the cupcake version!

    Marq, if you love pecan pie, these are definitely for you. Let me know what you think!

    Katie, they are indeed fabulous!

    Aran, they are quite moist. Of course, warm with that chocolate on top is just amazing!

    Amy, let me know how you like them!

    Megan, I’m sure these would be great for Easter. I hope you like them!

  9. I’m the only one in my family that likes (loves, really) pecan pie, so I hardly ever get to have it. I should make these and make them all jealous because I have cupcakes and they don’t, lol!

  10. Brilliant recipe! I haven’t seen anything similar before. They kind of look like little coffee cake bites…maybe good for easter brunch.

  11. These are so original, and I really want to try them out!!

  12. They look delish, Jen, and I can’t believe the recipe calls for only 5 ingredients – I have got to bake these.

  13. Elle, go for it! Hope you like them.

    Julie, these would be great for an Easter brunch. Good idea!

    Deborah, let me know what you think if you try them.

    Patricia, they’re so amazingly simple. Hope you like them!

  14. Any recipe with “pecan pie” in it has to be great. This one fits the bill, deliciously.

  15. Got them baking in the oven right now. I couldn’t resist, they look so yummy. My husband loves pecan pie and I just know he’s going to love them.

  16. Those pics are amazing and if they really taste like pecan pie, I know of quite a few people who would love them!

  17. Cupcakes that taste like pecan pie! I will have to try these.

  18. Susan, I agree! I do love pecan pie.

    Rain, I hope you and your husband liked them!

    Brilynn, they really do taste like pecan pie. I still don’t quite understand it.

    Kevin, let me know what you think if you try them.

  19. i tried baking these last night and they ended up not really tasting like pecan pie =( i also threw in a couple of chocolate chips in half of the batter, but found that the chocolate overwhelmed the wee bit of pecan pie flavor the ones with out chocolate had.

    i think next time i’d also add a touch of vanilla.

  20. I’ve always liked the flavor of pecan pie but I can’t hack that layer of corn syrup goo. These muffins could be the answer!

    • Tracy, 
      If you don like the pecan pie filling, try making it In a
      10 1/2” or 11” pie pan. They are thin and chewy and they are wonderful.
      You can find them on eBay and sometimes at Thrift Stores. They must not make them anymore.
      Mine are Pyrex and are clear glass.
      As for the corn syrup, I Googled it, it is a completely different type of corn syrup than high fruitose corn syrup and isn’t bad for you.

  21. Melody, I’m sorry you had trouble with these!

    Tracy, my cousin Jenna says the same thing about pecan pie. Let me know what you think if you make them!

  22. I had the same results as Melody, mine didn’t taste like pecan pie either. My husband agreed with me but went on to eat several of them so he seems to think they’re OK.
    I kind of like the goo ‘-)

  23. My husband loves pecan pie….I will give these a try.

  24. Beautiful photos as always. I’ll have to save this recipe!

  25. Rain, that’s so strange. Oh, well, at least it sounds like your husband still liked them! (And I agree with you about the pecan pie “goo.” That’s good stuff!)

    Peabody, I hope you and your husband like them!

    Thanks, Ashley!

  26. Yum! I love the chocolate drizzled over them.

  27. wow—these are amazing! You’re right you just can’t eat one! I’ve made 4 batches since I’ve made them—in 4 days!!! Thanks for sharing!

  28. Thanks, Stacie!

    Wow, Steph! Sounds like you really do like them. Thanks!

  29. Oh my goodness…. pecan pie?!? I might have to try this with a bourbon cream cheese frosting recipe that I’ve been meaning to make…. yummmmmmmmmm!

  30. caracakes – bourbon cream cheese frosting? Seriously? That sounds absolutely delicious! I’ll be on the lookout for that on your blog.

  31. I have been thinking about making miniature pecan pie, but I am going to try these instead. My first visit to your site I have enjoyed myself. Thanks……….

  32. Thank, Kim! I hope you like the cupcakes.

  33. I made these (in no time flat!) in mini bundt cake form. The way they baked made them come out with a caramelized “Crust” and tender chewy “filling”. Tasted familiarly like pecan pie. Yumminess! I gave extras to my friends who proclaimed that I should open a bakery. Thank you for a simple and delicious dessert!

  34. Kelly, I’m so glad you liked them! I like the idea of baking them in mini bundt pans. Cute!

  35. Thanks. I might try these today.

  36. i’m in love with your blog…….if i was not too
    busy i’ll be baking now.just happen to check it
    yummmm.

    i think baking is easier than cooking as long
    as you follow the recipe .will be leaving in few days to vietnam, hopefully i could attend some cooking class,

    mareza

  37. I just posted this great find on our food blog as well……..they are dreamy, taste treats.

  38. These are really out of this world. I can’t believe they taste exactly like little pecan pies. Thanks for sharing the recipe!!

  39. pecan cupcakes definitely must try to make these, I love pecans. nice photos too..thx for sharing

  40. what kind of brown sugar do you use – light or dark brown?
    these look nice, are they as sweet as pecan pie? i like pecans, but not the overly sweet taste a lot of pecan pies seem to have. thanks

    • Ona, I used light brown sugar. It’s just a preference thing. Either would work. They are a little tamer than pecan pie, but still pretty sweet.

  41. Wow! These look perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert! I’m thinking about trying them with a cream cheese icing instead of the chocolate though. How do you think that would work out?

  42. I love pecan pie also. I am going to try this recipe. Thank you.

  43. What if you use butter with salt in it?

  44. These sound amazing…can’t wait to try them! I think I will top them with a Bourbon-Brown Sugar Swiss Meringue. Thanks for the recipe.

  45. promised my husband a pecan pie for thanksgiving but too lazy to make the crust so I found this recipe! Oh my gosh , they are so yummy! Tastes just like pecan pie! Was going to make a cream cheese frosting for the top but they don’t need any extras, terrific just the way they are! Husbands happy!!

  46. How long to bake if I were to use, a regular size muffin pans.

  47. I made these as a mini cupcake using liners. Once cooled, I sprinkled some confectioners’ sugar on top…A new addition to my xmas cookie tin and a huge hit. Much, much easier to pack in the tin than previous years’ pecan pie squares. All the flavor, a lot less hassle. Plus, I added some vanilla bean powder and WOW! A keeper!

  48. These are my new favorite dessert! I’ve been having them after lunch with Greek yogurt, which cuts the sweetness. Mine stuck badly to my mini cupcake tin so next time I might use paper liners. Nonetheless, these taste just like pecan pie, have a wonderful crispy crust, are chewy inside, and have a nutty crunch. I will be making these a lot!

  49. Could your recipes actually get any better? These a super easy, super tasty and super addictive! I made these for the secretary of the school where I work, because she’s been helping me out a lot with reports and things. She ate 5 in the span of 10 minutes! She took the rest of them home and her son polished them off. I love the chewiness from the brown sugar!

  50. I made these in 1/2 cup muffin moulds and baked them for 17 minutes. On the first day, I was wishing I’d only had them in for 15–they were yummy but drier and cakeier than I was expecting. However, over the next couple of days they kept getting more moist and chewy. They were still good after a week in the freezer. I’ll definitely be trying this one again!

  51. I love pecan pies … I will be trying these soon. I want to drizzle the chocolate on them but I’m not sure what kind of chocolate to use … What do you recommend. I love your blog. Thank you for all the time you put into it and thank you for all the recipes, ideas and tips you share!!!!

    • Thank you so much, Virginia! Store-bought chocolate syrup is the easiest way to do that. You can also just melt some chocolate with a little bit of butter (about 1 teaspoon for every 1/2 cup of chocolate) for a simple homemade chocolate drizzle.

  52. I have been making these beauties for a few years. They are so easy to make and are so delicious. Everyone always loves them – great by themselves but also a perfect snack with tea or coffee. I do add about a teaspoon or two of grated lemon zest. I add lemon to almost everything I bake.

  53.  I made the pecan pie muffins.  I added chocolate chips. They are delicious. 

  54. Absolutely delicious; quickly devoured. I baked a second batch the next day.  This recipe is a keeper; adding it to my IWON5YAYholiday baking collection.  Thank you!

  55. Made these yesterday for an afternoon snack, and the hubby and I just had a few with our coffee this morning. They are moist, chewy and chock full of pecans! Love how quick and easy they are to make. Baking another batch later to send to my college senior. She can pop them in the freezer and grab a few as she heads out the door to class. Thanks for all the deliciousness you provide on Instagram 💕

  56. These are amazing! I’ve made them several times each time so delicious. Might I suggest you use foil lined cupcake liners because they will stick to paper or parchment cupcake liners. The recipe itself if PERFECT!! 

  57. Are the ingredients weights correct?  I’ve just started the recipe and weighed out the pecans & 198 g of pecans was a little bit more than 1-1/2 cups, not 1 cup, as in the recipe, which seems like quite a bit more.  I measured out the flour and brown sugar and they were closer (1/2 cup of flour, spooned and levelled, weighed 51 g vs 60 g and the 1 cup of packed brown sugar weighed 223 g vs 200 g).

    • Hi, Mary. The measurements are correct. Measuring by volume is notoriously inaccurate, which is why I prefer to measure by weight. I’m not sure where the 198g of pecans is referenced, as the weight in the recipe is 120g.

  58. Thank you for this incredibly tasty recipe! My son likes them more than the mini pecan pies I usually make. Only thing is there was a lot of butter sitting at the bottom of the paper wrapper and pooled in the muffin tray. Is this normal? Thank you!

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