Craving the flavors of a classic Southern pecan pie without the fuss of rolling out dough? These Bourbon Pecan Pie Muffins bring all the warm, nutty, and caramel-like richness of pecan pie—wrapped in a handheld, muffin-sized treat. Made with simple pantry ingredients and just one bowl, these muffins are a must-have for holiday baking, weekend brunches, or cozy comfort food cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Easy one-bowl recipe: Minimal prep and cleanup
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Perfectly portable: Ideal for parties, brunches, or gifting
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No crust needed: All the flavor of pecan pie in muffin form
Ingredients Breakdown
Dry Ingredients:
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Chopped Pecans (1 cup): The star ingredient—adds nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
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Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Sweetens the muffins and gives them a rich, caramel-like depth.
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All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): Provides structure and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
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Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and add richness.
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Unsalted Butter – Melted (½ cup): Adds moisture and a tender crumb.
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Bourbon (1 tbsp, optional): Enhances flavor with warm, toasty notes—highly recommended!
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Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Adds a sweet aroma that complements the pecans and bourbon.
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Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
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Use toasted pecans for even more depth of flavor.
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Let butter cool slightly before mixing—it helps with texture.
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Don’t skip the salt—it balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Add a pecan half on top before baking for an elegant presentation.
Variations and Customizations:
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Bourbon-Free Option: Simply omit the bourbon and add a touch more vanilla.
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Mini Muffins: Bake in mini muffin tins for 10–12 minutes for bite-sized treats.
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Chocolate Chip Version: Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Coffee or espresso drinks: Perfect for breakfast or brunch.
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Bourbon-based cocktails: Great for evening desserts.
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Vanilla ice cream: Warm a muffin and serve with a scoop on top.
Storage Instructions:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days when chilled.
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Freezer-Friendly: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Popular Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They store beautifully and are even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Do I have to use bourbon?
No—but it does enhance the pecan pie flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute with 1 extra teaspoon of vanilla.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. It doubles well for holiday baking or entertaining