Are you craving a delicious dessert but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? These mini chocolate pecan pies are the perfect solution! They offer all the rich, nutty, and chocolatey goodness of a classic pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized package. Perfect for parties, holidays, or simply a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers amazing results. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delectable homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crusts
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the pie crusts and use a 3-inch cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut out small circles. Gently press each circle into a mini muffin tin, ensuring the crust goes up the sides.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and beaten egg until well combined. Fold in the pecan halves.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Spoon the chocolate pecan filling evenly into the prepared mini pie crusts. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Let the mini pies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- For even baking, use a mini muffin tin with a dark color to absorb heat better.
- Don't overfill the mini pie crusts; leave a little space at the top.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake for a few extra minutes.
- You can easily adapt this recipe to make larger pies by increasing the ingredient quantities proportionally and using a standard pie dish.
Variations:
- Add a touch of spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Make it healthier: Reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute. You can also experiment with different types of nuts.
- Get creative with toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cooled pies for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Nutritional Information (per mini pie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-12g
- Saturated Fat: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
These mini chocolate pecan pies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and flaky crust is simply irresistible. This easy recipe makes a stunning dessert, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers seeking delicious and quick dinner ideas or healthy meals with a sweet ending. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating this amazing dessert!