Gather around the table and indulge in the ultimate holiday treat – Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites! These bite-sized morsels combine the rich, buttery goodness of classic pecan pie with a delightful twist of maple and bourbon. Prepare to impress your guests with this festive and irresistible dessert that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites
These Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites are the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and boozy flavors. The flaky pastry crust and gooey, caramelized pecan filling will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The addition of maple syrup and a touch of bourbon add depth and complexity, elevating this dessert to new heights of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy, indulgent treat, these bites are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites include a buttery pie crust, a rich and gooey pecan filling made with brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and eggs, and of course, plenty of pecans for that satisfying crunch. Together, these elements create a harmony of flavors that will have your guests swooning.
- 1 recipe homemade or 1 store-bought pie crust – for the pastry shells
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans – for the filling
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar – for the filling
- 1/2 cup (120ml) maple syrup – for the filling
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) bourbon – for the filling
- 2 large eggs – for the filling
- Pinch of salt – for the filling
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bourbon: Substitute with dark rum or brandy for a different spin on the flavors.
- Pecans: Try using walnuts or almonds to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert.
How to Make Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites
The process for these Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites is simple and straightforward, with a few key steps to ensure delicious results.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by rolling out your homemade or store-bought pie crust and cutting it into small rounds using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass. Grease a mini muffin tin and carefully press the dough rounds into the cups, creating a delicate pastry shell.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, eggs, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling. Carefully spoon the pecan mixture into the prepared pastry shells, filling them almost to the top.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18-20 minutes, until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Allow the bites to cool slightly before gently removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of additional maple syrup, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan filling for a festive touch.
- Change the Shape: Try shaping the dough into mini tarts or bite-sized tartlets for a different presentation.
- Amplify the Bourbon Flavor: Increase the amount of bourbon used in the filling for a more pronounced flavor.
- Serve with a Dollop: Top the bites with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the filling is at its gooiest and the crust is flaky and crisp. They can also be served at room temperature, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.
Storage: Any leftover bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the bites in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: The pecan pie filling and pastry shells can be prepared separately in advance. On the day you plan to serve, simply assemble and bake the bites for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Each Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bite is a delightful indulgence, providing a satisfying blend of sweet, nutty, and boozy flavors. While these bites are not the healthiest option, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pecan pie filling and the pastry shells separately in advance. Simply assemble and bake the bites on the day you plan to serve them for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust works perfectly fine for this recipe. Simply follow the instructions for cutting and shaping the dough into the mini muffin cups.
Do I have to use bourbon, or can I substitute it with something else?
While the bourbon adds a delightful depth of flavor, you can certainly substitute it with another spirit, such as brandy or dark rum, if you prefer. Alternatively, you can omit the alcohol altogether and use additional maple syrup or a splash of vanilla extract instead.
How do I know when the Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites are done?
The bites are ready when the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. You can also use a toothpick or skewer to test the center – it should come out clean when the bites are fully baked.
Can I freeze the Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled bites for up to 3 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Try These Next
- maple bourbon roasted brussels sprouts with candied pecans
- maple pecan pancakes with bourbon vanilla drizzle
- maple pecan glazed chicken with sweet potato mash
Decadent Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites are the perfect sweet treat for your festive gatherings. With a rich filling flavored with maple syrup and bourbon, all nestled in a flaky crust, they are sure to impress!
Ingredients
1 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup bourbon
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into small circles to fit a mini muffin tin.
3. Place the crusts into the mini muffin tin, pressing them down firmly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the pecans, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Fill each pie crust with the pecan mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
7. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
These bites can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Feel free to reduce or increase the bourbon according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pecan pie, dessert, holiday, festive, bourbon