Imagine a decadent mashup of your favorite fall flavors, all wrapped up in a portable, handheld package. Introducing the Maple Bacon Pecan Pie Muffins – a delightful union of sweet, salty, and crunchy that’s sure to become your new signature treat. These muffins combine the rich, gooey filling of a pecan pie with the savory crunch of crispy bacon, all enhanced by the cozy warmth of maple. Grab one (or two) for a satisfying breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or an after-dinner indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Pecan Pie Muffins
These muffins are the ultimate comfort food, blending the heartwarming flavors of fall into a portable, portion-controlled package. The combination of a buttery, flaky muffin base, a luscious pecan pie-inspired filling, and the salty-sweet contrast of maple-glazed bacon is simply irresistible. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they’re also easy to make, with a straightforward recipe that yields consistently impressive results. Serve them up for a special occasion, or enjoy them as a cozy, everyday treat – either way, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
To create these Maple Bacon Pecan Pie Muffins, you’ll need a handful of kitchen staples, including all-purpose flour, brown sugar, butter, eggs, pecans, bacon, and of course, pure maple syrup. The muffin batter comes together quickly, and the filling is a simple blend of chopped pecans, maple syrup, and a few other ingredients that create a decadent, gooey center.
- 2 cups (250g) – All-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) – Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 – Large eggs
- 1 cup (120g) – Chopped pecans
Ingredient Substitutions
- Nuts: You can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans (they all pair beautifully with the maple and bacon flavors).
- Dairy: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter or coconut oil in the muffin batter.
How to Make Maple Bacon Pecan Pie Muffins
Let’s dive into the easy, step-by-step process for creating these delectable muffins.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or a generous coating of non-stick spray. Fry the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. Set the bacon aside and let it cool. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Scoop the muffin batter into the prepared tin, filling each cup about halfway.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Spoon a generous amount of the pecan filling into the center of each muffin, pressing it down gently. Top each muffin with the reserved chopped bacon.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Maple Glaze: For an extra decadent touch, drizzle the cooled muffins with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
- Mix-In Ideas: Experiment with different mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, cinnamon, or a sprinkle of flaked sea salt.
- Baking Tip: To ensure the muffins bake evenly, be sure to scoop the batter into the tin with a light hand, being careful not to overfill the cups.
- Texture Tip: For the best texture, let the muffins cool completely before serving.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a hot cup of coffee or tea, or alongside a fresh fruit salad for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Make-Ahead: These muffins can be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week. Bake the muffins, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
These Maple Bacon Pecan Pie Muffins are a decadent treat, with each serving providing a satisfying balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors. While they may not be the healthiest option, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins can be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week. Simply bake the muffins, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, you can reheat them in the microwave for a quick and easy treat.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, you can freeze these muffins for longer-term storage. Once the muffins have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen muffins to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave the muffins at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make these muffins gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed, as gluten-free flours can sometimes require a slightly longer baking time.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are the traditional choice for pecan pie, you can experiment with other nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts, to create your own unique twist on these muffins.
How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
To make these muffins dairy-free, simply replace the butter in the muffin batter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. You can also use a dairy-free milk or milk alternative in place of regular milk.
Try These Next
- maple bourbon glazed sweet potato pie with pecan crunch
- savory maple pecan pumpkin muffins
- bacon wrapped maple apple pie bombs
Maple Bacon Pecan Pie Muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Bacon Pecan Pie Muffins are a delightful blend of sweet maple syrup, crispy bacon, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Extra bacon for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, maple syrup, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the crumbled bacon and chopped pecans.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Top each muffin with additional crumbled bacon if desired.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: maple, bacon, pecan, muffins