I realize that I just told you that I don’t often make cupcakes and here are more in the very next post. It’s really just coincidence. I happened upon this recipe by accident and was instantly intrigued. A cupcake that tastes like pecan pie? How could I not try them?
I’ll admit that I was skeptical that these would take even remotely like pecan pie. But, all the comments were so positive that I figured there had to be something to them. Plus, the recipe seemed so easy that I decided it wouldn’t be much of a loss if they were no good.
These are so simple to make. Basically, the five (just five!) ingredients are all mixed together and then scooped or poured into muffin pans and baked. That’s it. Getting the batter doled out into the pans takes longer than it does to mix it up in the first place.
Keep in mind that there is no leavening in the batter, so they won’t rise. If your muffin pans are filled three-quarters full, that’s pretty much what size cupcake you’ll get in the end. While I made these in mini muffin pans, larger ones would work, too. Just remember that they might need to bake a bit longer.
So, what about the taste? Do they actually taste like pecan pie? They really do! I was definitely surprised by that, but that really is the dominant flavor. These cupcakes are certainly plenty good on their own, but I couldn’t resist trying them with a bit of chocolate drizzled on top. Do I even need to tell you how good that was?
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease or line 24 cups of a mini muffin tin.
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Fill each muffin cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are browned and centers are set.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Food.com.
March 18th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I made these at Christmas. They really do taste like pecan pie! My husband who is a huge pecan pie fan really liked them.
March 18th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I’m not a huge fan of pecan pie. but in cupcake form!? I may be swayed. The chocolate drizzle is helping change my mind for sure!
March 18th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I am Pecan Pie’s BIGGEST fan!! I will defnitely bookmark this one for the near future.
P.S. I almost fainted when I saw them drizzled in chocolate, lol. Yum!
March 19th, 2008 at 1:33 am
These sound fabulous!
March 19th, 2008 at 3:55 am
These looks so moist and with all that chocolate drizzled all over them… yum!!!
March 19th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I have had this recipe sitting in my file forever. Like you, I have been skeptical, because pecan pie is my favorite pie! But, I’ll definitely have to give these a try, soon!
March 19th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I love pecan pie with chocolate chips thrown in so these are up my alley. And only 5 ingredients, sound like I should try them for Easter. Yum!
March 19th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Cindy, I’m glad to hear from someone else who has made these. I still can’t believe how much they taste like pecan pie.
Joy, I’m always amazed when someone doesn’t like pecan pie. I just love it! Maybe you could like the cupcake version!
Marq, if you love pecan pie, these are definitely for you. Let me know what you think!
Katie, they are indeed fabulous!
Aran, they are quite moist. Of course, warm with that chocolate on top is just amazing!
Amy, let me know how you like them!
Megan, I’m sure these would be great for Easter. I hope you like them!
March 19th, 2008 at 8:20 am
I’m the only one in my family that likes (loves, really) pecan pie, so I hardly ever get to have it. I should make these and make them all jealous because I have cupcakes and they don’t, lol!
March 19th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Brilliant recipe! I haven’t seen anything similar before. They kind of look like little coffee cake bites…maybe good for easter brunch.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:17 am
These are so original, and I really want to try them out!!
March 19th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
They look delish, Jen, and I can’t believe the recipe calls for only 5 ingredients – I have got to bake these.
March 19th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Elle, go for it! Hope you like them.
Julie, these would be great for an Easter brunch. Good idea!
Deborah, let me know what you think if you try them.
Patricia, they’re so amazingly simple. Hope you like them!
March 19th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Any recipe with “pecan pie” in it has to be great. This one fits the bill, deliciously.
March 19th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Got them baking in the oven right now. I couldn’t resist, they look so yummy. My husband loves pecan pie and I just know he’s going to love them.
March 19th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Those pics are amazing and if they really taste like pecan pie, I know of quite a few people who would love them!
March 19th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Cupcakes that taste like pecan pie! I will have to try these.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Susan, I agree! I do love pecan pie.
Rain, I hope you and your husband liked them!
Brilynn, they really do taste like pecan pie. I still don’t quite understand it.
Kevin, let me know what you think if you try them.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:58 am
i tried baking these last night and they ended up not really tasting like pecan pie =( i also threw in a couple of chocolate chips in half of the batter, but found that the chocolate overwhelmed the wee bit of pecan pie flavor the ones with out chocolate had.
i think next time i’d also add a touch of vanilla.
March 20th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I’ve always liked the flavor of pecan pie but I can’t hack that layer of corn syrup goo. These muffins could be the answer!
March 20th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Melody, I’m sorry you had trouble with these!
Tracy, my cousin Jenna says the same thing about pecan pie. Let me know what you think if you make them!
March 21st, 2008 at 12:36 am
I had the same results as Melody, mine didn’t taste like pecan pie either. My husband agreed with me but went on to eat several of them so he seems to think they’re OK.
I kind of like the goo ‘-)
March 21st, 2008 at 7:57 pm
My husband loves pecan pie….I will give these a try.
March 21st, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Beautiful photos as always. I’ll have to save this recipe!
March 21st, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Rain, that’s so strange. Oh, well, at least it sounds like your husband still liked them! (And I agree with you about the pecan pie “goo.” That’s good stuff!)
Peabody, I hope you and your husband like them!
Thanks, Ashley!
March 22nd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Yum! I love the chocolate drizzled over them.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
wow—these are amazing! You’re right you just can’t eat one! I’ve made 4 batches since I’ve made them—in 4 days!!! Thanks for sharing!
March 25th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Thanks, Stacie!
Wow, Steph! Sounds like you really do like them. Thanks!
March 31st, 2008 at 11:28 am
Oh my goodness…. pecan pie?!? I might have to try this with a bourbon cream cheese frosting recipe that I’ve been meaning to make…. yummmmmmmmmm!
March 31st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
caracakes – bourbon cream cheese frosting? Seriously? That sounds absolutely delicious! I’ll be on the lookout for that on your blog.
April 6th, 2008 at 4:21 am
I have been thinking about making miniature pecan pie, but I am going to try these instead. My first visit to your site I have enjoyed myself. Thanks……….
April 6th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Thank, Kim! I hope you like the cupcakes.
April 11th, 2008 at 6:56 am
I made these (in no time flat!) in mini bundt cake form. The way they baked made them come out with a caramelized “Crust” and tender chewy “filling”. Tasted familiarly like pecan pie. Yumminess! I gave extras to my friends who proclaimed that I should open a bakery. Thank you for a simple and delicious dessert!
April 11th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Kelly, I’m so glad you liked them! I like the idea of baking them in mini bundt pans. Cute!
April 18th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Thanks. I might try these today.
April 20th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
i’m in love with your blog…….if i was not too
busy i’ll be baking now.just happen to check it
yummmm.
i think baking is easier than cooking as long
as you follow the recipe .will be leaving in few days to vietnam, hopefully i could attend some cooking class,
mareza
May 6th, 2008 at 8:54 am
I just posted this great find on our food blog as well……..they are dreamy, taste treats.
September 14th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
These are really out of this world. I can’t believe they taste exactly like little pecan pies. Thanks for sharing the recipe!!
January 19th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
pecan cupcakes definitely must try to make these, I love pecans. nice photos too..thx for sharing
July 6th, 2010 at 9:01 am
what kind of brown sugar do you use – light or dark brown?
these look nice, are they as sweet as pecan pie? i like pecans, but not the overly sweet taste a lot of pecan pies seem to have. thanks
July 6th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Ona, I used light brown sugar. It’s just a preference thing. Either would work. They are a little tamer than pecan pie, but still pretty sweet.
November 21st, 2011 at 8:05 am
Wow! These look perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert! I’m thinking about trying them with a cream cheese icing instead of the chocolate though. How do you think that would work out?
November 21st, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Missy, that sounds heavenly to me!
May 31st, 2012 at 3:22 pm
I love pecan pie also. I am going to try this recipe. Thank you.