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#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This ensures the mini pies cook evenly and the crust becomes golden and flaky.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts
Unroll the pie crusts and place them on a flat surface. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles of dough that will fit into a mini muffin tin. You should be able to make about 12-14 mini crusts, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
#### Step 3: Press the Crusts into the Muffin Tin
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press each dough circle into the muffin tin to form little pie crusts. Make sure to press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to create a nice base for your filling.
#### Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the **eggs**, **brown sugar**, **corn syrup**, **butter**, **vanilla extract**, and **salt** until smooth. Once the mixture is well combined, fold in the **pecans**, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
#### Step 5: Fill the Pie Crusts
Spoon the pecan filling into each mini pie crust, filling them almost to the top. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will puff up slightly as it bakes. You want to leave a little room for the filling to rise.
#### Step 6: Bake
Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about **20-25 minutes** or until the filling is set and golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are slightly puffed, and the filling has a firm texture. The crust should be golden and flaky.
#### Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the mini pies to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These bites can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. If you’d like, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a little extra caramel sauce for a fun finishing touch.
### Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Mini Bites:
– **Customize the Nuts**: If you prefer, you can swap out some of the pecans for other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to add a unique twist to the flavor.
– **Add Chocolate**: For a more decadent treat, you can add a few chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-pecan pie combo. Just fold in 1/4 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips along with the pecans.
– **Keep an Eye on the Baking**: Since oven temperatures can vary, check the mini pies around the 20-minute mark to make sure they’re not overcooking. The filling should be set and golden but not too dark.
– **Use Homemade Pie Crust**: If you’re feeling extra creative, you can make your own pie crust for an even flakier result. Just be sure to roll it thin enough to fit into the mini muffin tin.
– **Storage**: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.
### Why These Pecan Pie Mini Bites Are So Special:
Pecan Pie Mini Bites offer all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized form. The buttery, flaky crust contrasts perfectly with the gooey, caramel-like filling, and the crunch of the pecans adds texture and depth. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a potluck, or just to enjoy a sweet treat at home, these mini bites will be a hit with everyone!
Perfect for serving at gatherings or as an after-dinner treat, these pecan pie bites are a great way to make a classic dessert more fun and portable. Plus, they’re just the right size for satisfying your sweet cravings without overindulging.
### Conclusion:
These **Pecan Pie Mini Bites** are the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor. With their rich, nutty filling and flaky crust, these little desserts pack all the deliciousness of a traditional pecan pie, but in a more manageable and fun form. Whether you’re hosting a holiday event or just craving a sweet treat, these mini pies are sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these irresistible bites!
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