The Best Pecan Pie Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Holiday Magic

Pecan pie cupcakes blend classic Southern comfort with modern bakery innovation.

Nutty, sweet sensations dance within these miniature dessert masterpieces.

Soft cake layers provide the perfect foundation for rich, caramelized pecan goodness.

Decadent textures and complex flavor profiles convert an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

Each compact cupcake delivers a nostalgic yet contemporary culinary experience that connects generations of dessert enthusiasts.

Subtle hints of warm spices complement the robust pecan essence, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and depth.

Prepare to fall in love with these irresistible little indulgences that promise pure deliciousness.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cupcakes

• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Watch nuts carefully during toasting to achieve a golden-brown color without burning, which releases deeper, richer flavors.
• Prevent Flour Lumps: Sift dry ingredients together to ensure smooth, lump-free batter and create a more consistent cupcake texture.
• Master Even Baking: Fill cupcake liners uniformly to two-thirds full, which helps each cupcake bake evenly and rise consistently.
• Create Creamy Frosting: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free frosting consistency.
• Decorate with Flair: Use a piping bag for professional-looking frosting and sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Storing and Reheating Pecan Pie Cupcakes

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Pecan Pie Cupcakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain their delicious texture. Cover the cupcakes with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container to protect their frosting and keep them fresh.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cupcakes carefully in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze these delectable treats for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their incredible flavor and soft texture.
• Reheating: Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. Gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired, but be cautious not to overheat and dry out the delicate cake.

Pairing Pecan Pie Cupcakes with Coffee

• Enhance Sweet Sensations with Coffee: Pair these decadent pecan pie cupcakes with a rich, medium-roast coffee that complements the warm cinnamon and nutty pecan flavors. The smooth coffee will cut through the sweetness and highlight the cupcake's buttery undertones.
• Elevate Dessert with Bourbon Caramel: Serve alongside a small glass of smooth bourbon or bourbon-based caramel liqueur. The caramel notes will dance perfectly with the toasted pecans and brown sugar frosting, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: A scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, silky contrast to the warm, spiced cupcake. The vanilla's subtle sweetness will beautifully balance the rich pecan and cinnamon profile without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
• Refresh with Sparkling Moscato: A chilled, light Moscato wine offers a bubbly, sweet counterpoint to the dense cupcake. Its fruity and floral notes will cleanse the palate between bites, creating a delightful dessert pairing that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Variations of Pecan Pie Cupcakes

• Maple Pecan Pleasure: Replace vanilla extract with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile that enhances the pecan's natural sweetness.
• Bourbon Boost: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the batter and frosting for a sophisticated adult version with deep, warming notes.
• Chocolate Pecan Dream: Incorporate 1/4 cup cocoa powder into the dry ingredients and mix dark chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent chocolate-pecan combination.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle crushed pecans on top for an extra layer of indulgent texture.

Pecan Pie Cupcakes: A Delicious Twist

• Savor Nutty Richness: Toasted pecans bring a deep, sophisticated crunch that elevates these cupcakes from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a delightful nutty flavor profile that dances on your taste buds.
• Indulge in Decadent Comfort: The combination of cream cheese frosting and warm cinnamon creates a luxurious, comforting dessert that feels like a hug from your favorite bakery, perfect for special gatherings or sweet personal moments.
• Master Foolproof Baking: This recipe offers surprisingly simple steps that even novice bakers can conquer, with clear instructions and forgiving techniques that ensure delicious results every single time you make these irresistible cupcakes.
• Customize Your Sweetness: The flexible frosting recipe allows you to adjust sugar levels and consistency, giving you complete control to create the perfect treat that matches your exact taste preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Pecan Pie Cupcakes

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation for tender texture that provides deep flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential sweetener that helps create light, fluffy cupcake structure.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and moisture to the cupcake batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm, aromatic flavor enhancer that complements the pecans.
• All-Purpose Flour, Cake Flour: Flour blend creating soft, delicate cupcake crumb.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps cupcakes rise and become light.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that balances sweetness in the recipe.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and complements pecan flavor.
• Milk: Liquid ingredient that ensures moist, tender cupcake texture.

• Pecans: Nutty, rich ingredient that provides crunch and signature flavor.
• Butter: Used for toasting pecans to enhance their natural nuttiness.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base that creates smooth, rich frosting texture.
• Brown Sugar: Deep, caramel-like sweetener that adds complexity to frosting.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances frostings flavor profile.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetener that helps thicken and stabilize frosting consistency.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with liners, ensuring even spacing.

Step 2: Toast Nutty Goodness

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add pecans and toast carefully for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create Creamy Butter Base

In an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg Mixture

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract smoothly.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cake flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients to the mixer, alternating with milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients for perfect blending.

Step 7: Fold and Bake Cupcakes

Gently fold in toasted pecans using a spoon. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake for 21-23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cupcake Bases

Allow cupcakes to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Using an electric mixer, cream together cream cheese and butter until light and airy.

Step 10: Enhance Frosting Flavor

Mix in brown sugar and cinnamon. Beat for 3-4 minutes until smooth.

Step 11: Adjust Frosting Consistency

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Adjust amount to reach desired thickness.

Step 12: Decorate and Serve

Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Optional: Garnish with additional toasted or candied pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Pecan Pie Cupcakes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pecan Pie Cupcakes blend Southern charm with delightful dessert innovation. Nutty caramel notes and buttery cake create a miniature tribute to classic pecan pie, promising pure indulgence in each delectable bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Fat and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 1/8 cups butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅔ cup pecans, toasted and chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt of unsalted butter and gently toast pecans for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream of unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then blend in vanilla extract.
5. Sift together all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture to ensure even distribution.
7. Delicately fold the toasted pecans into the batter, taking care not to overmix; distribute the batter evenly, filling each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 21-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter in a mixer until smooth and creamy.
10. Incorporate brown sugar and ground cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture, beating for 3-4 minutes to achieve a uniform consistency.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly until the frosting reaches the desired thickness and smoothness.
12. Pipe the frosting onto cooled cupcakes with a decorative swirl, optionally garnishing with additional toasted or candied pecans for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds delightful crunch to the cupcake texture.
• Carefully measuring flour types ensures precise baking chemistry for light, tender cupcake crumb.
• Alternating dry ingredients with milk prevents overmixing and creates smoother, more consistent batter.
• Cream cheese frosting provides rich, tangy complement to sweet pecan-infused cupcake base.
• Extra toasted pecans on top transform simple cupcakes into gourmet-style dessert presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 54 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg