Heavenly Pecan Pie Cupcakes Recipe: Bite-Sized Sweet Magic

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when these irresistible pecan pie cupcakes burst onto the dessert scene.

Sweet memories of grandma’s baking waft through the air with each decadent bite.

Warm, rich flavors of caramel and toasted pecans dance together in every carefully crafted cupcake.

The delicate balance of nutty crunch and silky smooth texture makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Perfectly golden brown tops promise a delightful experience that goes beyond ordinary desserts.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently create these magical treats that blend the comfort of classic pecan pie with the playful charm of cupcakes.

Let’s find out this recipe and watch your kitchen transform into a haven of sweet, nutty bliss.

Ways to Present Pecan Pie Cupcakes Beautifully

• Pecan Pie Cupcake Serving Suggestions
• Cozy Autumn Brunch Delight: Serve these cupcakes alongside hot coffee or spiced apple cider for a warm, comforting weekend morning treat that captures the essence of fall flavors.
• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Create an elegant dessert display by arranging cupcakes on a rustic wooden board, garnishing with extra toasted pecans and a light dusting of cinnamon for a festive touch.
• Southern-Style Dessert Pairing: Complement these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance their rich, nutty sweetness and add a creamy contrast.
• Gifting Gourmet Treat: Package individual cupcakes in clear gift boxes with a rustic twine bow, perfect for hostess gifts or sharing with friends and family during holiday gatherings.

How to Store and Freeze Pecan Pie Cupcakes

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Cooling Corner: Let cupcakes reach room temperature completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store frosted cupcakes in sealed containers inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Remove 30 minutes before serving to allow them to soften and reach optimal taste.
• Freezing Technique: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for 2-3 months. Wrap each cupcake separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and frost before serving for best results.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cupcake batter and toasted pecans one day ahead. Store batter in refrigerator and pecans in sealed container at room temperature to streamline baking process and save time on event day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 23 minutes

Total Time: 43 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 25

What’s in Pecan Pie Cupcakes You Should Know

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation that ensures tender and moist cupcakes, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, delicate texture in the cupcake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, ensuring a smooth and consistent batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers warm, deep flavor that complements the pecan profile, use pure vanilla for best results.
• Whole Milk: Creates moisture and helps bind ingredients, opt for fresh, full-fat milk.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cake Flour: Combination provides perfect protein balance for soft, delicate crumb, sift together to prevent lumps.
• Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise evenly and achieve light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic undertone that pairs beautifully with pecans.

• Pecans: Brings rich, toasty flavor and delightful crunch, choose fresh, high-quality nuts without any rancid smell.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, smooth base for frosting, ensure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize frosting, soften to room temperature.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements pecan flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives frosting its classic smooth and spreadable consistency.

Equipment for Pecan Pie Cupcakes Done Right

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter, mixing batter, and preparing frosting smoothly.
• Large skillet: Perfect for toasting pecans evenly and developing rich flavor.
• Cupcake pan: Necessary for shaping and baking cupcakes uniformly.
• Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cupcakes to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps fold pecans gently into batter.
• Piping bag: Allows elegant frosting application on cooled cupcakes.
• Toothpicks: Helps check cupcake doneness by testing center.

How to Bake Pecan Pie Cupcakes Easily

• Oven Preparation

Warm the kitchen’s heart to a cozy 350°F, setting the stage for delightful cupcake magic.

• Pecan Roasting

Gently dance pecans in a skillet, coaxing out their rich, nutty essence until golden and fragrant.

• Butter and Sugar Symphony

Whip butter and sugar into a cloud-like embrace, creating a smooth, dreamy foundation.

• Egg and Vanilla Harmony

Invite eggs one by one to the mixture, welcoming vanilla’s sweet whisper.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Combine flour, baking powder, and a hint of cinnamon in a gentle whisper of anticipation.

• Mixing Melody

Slowly weave dry ingredients and milk together, creating a velvety batter that sings with potential.

• Pecan Embrace

Fold toasted pecans into the batter with tender care, distributing nutty treasures throughout.

• Baking Transformation

Let cupcakes bake until they rise with golden pride, signaling their readiness with a clean toothpick test.

• Cooling Moment

Allow cupcakes to rest and breathe, cooling completely on wire racks.

• Frosting Creation

Blend cream cheese and butter into a silky canvas, building layers of sweet complexity.

• Sweet Finishing Touch

Fold in brown sugar and cinnamon, then dust with powdered sugar until the frosting reaches heavenly perfection.

• Cupcake Finale

Crown each cupcake with a swirl of frosting, perhaps adorned with a pecan jewel to complete this delectable journey.

Creative Twists for Pecan Pie Cupcakes

• Carefully toast pecans in butter to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire cupcake experience.
• Prepare the cupcake batter and frosting a day ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to save time and reduce day-of baking stress.
• For extra moisture, substitute some butter with sour cream or Greek yogurt, which adds tenderness and keeps cupcakes incredibly soft and delightful.
• Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips, bourbon-soaked pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to give these cupcakes a personal twist that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Store frosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days, bringing them to room temperature before serving to maintain peak deliciousness.

Decadent Pecan Pie Cupcakes Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Southern pecan pie cupcakes blend classic dessert flavors into irresistible miniature treats. Nutty, caramel-rich cupcakes deliver pure comfort with each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (240 g) cake flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/8 cups (256 g) butter, softened
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ⅔ cup pecans, toasted and chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, creating a warm, inviting baking environment.
2. Pecan Roasting: In a skillet, gently toast pecans over medium heat, carefully stirring to develop a rich, nutty flavor without scorching, then set aside to cool.
3. Batter Foundation: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture, creating the perfect base for the cupcakes.
4. Wet Ingredients Fusion: Introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring complete incorporation, then blend in vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon, creating a smooth, lump-free dry mixture that will provide structure to the cupcakes.
6. Batter Assembly: Carefully alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, gently folding in the toasted pecans and distributing the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Baking Process: Place the cupcakes in the preheated oven and bake for 21-23 minutes, watching for a golden-brown finish and testing with a toothpick for doneness; allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually incorporate brown sugar and cinnamon, beating to develop a creamy, rich consistency.
9. Final Frosting Touch: Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches a perfect, spreadable texture that will beautifully crown the cupcakes.
10. Decoration and Serving: Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes with an elegant swirl, garnishing with additional toasted pecans for a stunning presentation that captures the essence of a classic pecan pie.

Notes

• Toast Pecans Carefully: Constant stirring prevents burning and develops a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire cupcake.
• Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better batter consistency.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold pecans into batter to maintain a light, tender cupcake texture and prevent tough, dense results.
• Frosting Consistency Tips: Add powdered sugar gradually to control thickness and prevent a grainy or runny cream cheese frosting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 47 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg