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Bake a Mini Pecan Pie For One that’s big on flavor but small on size. Perfect for one or two, this easy mini pecan pie recipe features a buttery shortbread crust and rich pecan filling. Say goodbye to leftovers and hello to portion-controlled deliciousness.
A pecan pie is a scrumptious dessert featuring a glorious filling made from sugar, butter, and pecans. This dish is a Southern classic that has won the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere.
If you’re looking for a recipe for pecan pie made without corn syrup, you’ll love our Mini Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup recipe and also our recipe for a single serving Crustless Pecan Pie. These personal-sized treats offer the classic flavors you love, tailored for single servings.
If you’re organizing a Thanksgiving meal for two, adding this pecan pie would be a great choice.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Recipe
- Easy to make: This pecan pie for one recipe is simple to follow, even for beginner bakers.
- Packed with flavor: The buttery shortbread crust and rich pecan filling are sure to please everyone. This is the same crust used in our Mini Dutch Apple Pie and Small Batch Pumpkin Pie Bars, among other delightful desserts!
- Perfect for single servings: This recipe makes one individual pecan pie, so it’s the perfect size for one or two people.
- Versatile: Mini pecan pies can be enjoyed warm or cold, and they can be dressed up with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Traditional flavor, modern convenience: This recipe uses all the traditional flavors of pecan pie, but it’s baked in a small dish so it’s quick and easy to make.
Check out our other Mini Pie Recipes for more wonderful small pie ideas!
You might like to browse through our single serving Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes.
Ingredients
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
For The Shortbread Crust
- Butter: Opt for salted butter that’s been softened but still cool to touch. Softening is key for an even dough texture. Let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes prior or use a microwave for 10-15 seconds with caution—make sure the butter does not melt.
- Sugar: Choose granulated sugar to infuse the crust with the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Flour: Stick with all-purpose flour for reliable crust texture.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the crust by softening flour’s proteins, leading to a lighter texture.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of your crust, rounding out the sweet elements.
For The Pecan Pie Filling
- Corn syrup: Key for both sweetness and texture, it also prevents sugar from crystallizing while baking. Light or dark works well.
- Egg: One large egg acts as the binder for the filling, ensuring it sets nicely.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar intensifies the sweet profile of the pie filling.
- Salt, butter, and vanilla: These three elements work in harmony to deliver the classic, irresistible pecan pie flavor.
- Pecans: Undoubtedly the star, giving the pie its unique, nutty essence. If you’ve got leftover pecans, consider using them in a Mini Italian Cream Cake, a bowl of Ambrosia, or a small batch of Brownies.
Recipe Variations
You’ve got options when it comes to shaking up this classic recipe. From ingredient swaps to totally revamped flavors, these twists will give you new ways to enjoy pecan pie.
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie: Add a handful for a chocolatey surprise.
- Spiced Pecan Pie: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth.
- Pecan Pie with Bourbon: Add 1 teaspoon of bourbon to the pecan filling.
- Caramel Topped Pecan Pie: Consider a caramel drizzle for added decadence.
How To Make Mini Pecan Pie
For a comprehensive guide on making this recipe, follow the detailed steps below. The ingredient quantities and complete recipe instructions can be found further down in the post.
Making The Shortbread Crust
- Cream the Ingredients: Start by blending the softened, salted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Components: Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt into the creamed mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Prepare the Dish: Gently press the dough into the base of a 5×5 inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust takes on a golden hue.
Creating The Pecan Pie Filling
- Blend Ingredients: While your crust is cooling, grab a bowl and mix together corn syrup, a large egg, granulated sugar, salt, melted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans.
- Assemble the Pie: Carefully pour the filling mixture over the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it out for even distribution.
- Final Bake: Pop the assembled pie back into the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Expert Tips
- Preparation is Key: Before starting, make sure you’ve got all your ingredients at hand and review the Ingredient Notes for best results.
- Corn Syrup Alternatives: If you’re looking to looking to make a pecan pie without corn syrup, we’ve got you covered with a specialized recipe for a corn syrup-free mini pecan pie.
- Baking Time Matters: Although 30 minutes is the suggested baking time, oven temperatures can differ. Aim for a lightly browned top and a center that’s less set than the edges. The pie will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Toast for Extra Flavor: For pecan aficionados, toasting the nuts in a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes can enhance their natural flavors. Wait for them to cool before incorporating them into the pie.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking for ways to elevate this mini pecan pie, you’re in the right spot. From topping ideas to complementary drinks, these suggestions will take your pecan pie experience to the next level.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop can add a light, airy contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Melts perfectly over the warm pie.
- Hot Chocolate: Pairs wonderfully for a cozy dessert time.
- Coffee: A black cup cuts through the pie’s sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the mini pecan pie, a 5×5-inch baking dish with a base area of 25 square inches is recommended.
Additional Dish Options: You’re not limited to one size. Here are some other baking dish dimensions that work well:
4×6-inch dish
6×6-inch dish (note: this produces a thinner pie)
6-inch round dish
6.5-inch cast iron skillet
Yes, you can freeze the mini pecan pie. Simply bake the pie as directed, allow it to completely cool, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Although corn syrup is traditional, maple syrup can be used as a substitute. Be sure to check out our pecan pie recipe made without corn syrup.
For optimal freshness, loosely cover the mini pecan pie and place it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days. This method helps maintain the pie’s texture and flavor.
So there you have it, a mini pecan pie that doesn’t skimp on flavor or tradition. Whether you’re dining solo or sharing with a special someone, this recipe truly offers the best pecan pie experience in a single serving size that leaves no room for regret.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
Explore More Single Serving Pie Delights
If you’re loving the simplicity and satisfaction of our small pecan pie, there’s a whole smorgasbord of single serving pie recipes waiting for you to try:
Nutritional Considerations: Calorie Count In Perspective
Let’s be straightforward—this mini pecan pie isn’t a low-calorie treat. The calorie information provided is calculated through an online nutrition calculator and is based on consuming half of this pie, baked in a 5×5-inch dish.
Remember, a “slice” here equates to a generous portion, much larger than what you’d consider a traditional slice of pecan pie.
If you’ve tried this small pecan pie or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Mini Pecan Pie
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 ½ tablespoons salted butter , softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the pecan pie filling
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon salted butter , melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup pecan halves
Instructions
Make the crust
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
- Blend the softened butter and granulated sugar together until smooth in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add the flour, cornstarch, and salt into the creamed mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Gently press the dough into the base of a 5×5 inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust takes on a golden hue.
- Set aside to cool.
Make the pecan pie filling
- While the crust is cooling, mix together the corn syrup, egg, sugar, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the pecans.
- Carefully pour the filling mixture over the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it out for even distribution.
- Bake the assembled pie on the center rack of the oven for 30 minutes.Pro Tip: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Remove from oven and let the pie cool on wire rack for a 2 hours.
Notes
- Preparation is Key: Before starting, make sure you’ve got all your ingredients at hand and review the Ingredient Notes for best results.
- Corn Syrup Alternatives: If you’re looking to skip corn syrup, we’ve got you covered with a specialized recipe for a corn syrup-free mini pecan pie.
- Baking Time Matters: Although 30 minutes is the suggested baking time, oven temperatures can differ. Aim for a lightly browned top and a center that’s less set than the edges. The pie will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Toast for Extra Flavor: For pecan aficionados, toasting the nuts in a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes can enhance their natural flavors. Wait for them to cool before incorporating them into the pie.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I have a question on the calorie count. At the top of the recipe card, it says:
Servings: 2 servings Calories: 659 cal.
To me, that sounds like it is saying there are 2 servings, each with 659 calories.
But at the bottom of the recipe card, under Nutrition, it says:
Serving: 1 pie Calories: 659 cal.
To me, that is saying the whole pie is one serving of 659 calories.
Which is correct?
p.s. I love your website with all these wonderful small recipes. I lost my husband to Covid-19 last year, and these small recipes will be just right for me.
Thank you – you’re right, it is a bit confusing. One serving of the pie is 659 calories. The “slice” is not the size of a traditional slice of pie. It is a very large serving. I’ve also just clarified this information in the nutrition box so it is more clear.
Hi Joanie,
We love your pecan pie recipe. I use gluten free flour. And we add a couple of tablespoons of chocolate chips. Yummy! We double your recipe and make 8 delicious servings.
I made this yesterday following your video, I noticed that the crust was not coming together and was dry, maybe there wasn’t enough butter to create a softer dough. Later, as I was reviewing the written recipe I noticed you wrote 2 1/2 tbls butter, perhaps this was the amount to be used instead of the 2 tbls you verbally said during the video portion. The crust was harder than normal, but my husband and I both enjoyed it as a pecan bar! Lol
Hi Aileen, I’m glad you both enjoyed it. Honestly, the 1/2 tablespoon of butter doesn’t make much of a difference in the crust. It sounds like the crust wasn’t blended long enough. At minute mark 1:27 in the video on the website, I explain (and show) that when the dough for the crust is first mixed together it will be a little crumbly. When you continue to mix the dough, you can see that it comes together better because the butter softens. At this point, the dough should be pressed into the baking dish. If you press crumbly dough into the baking dish, the crust will not be soft when baked.
Another possibility would be that the size of the baking dish you used may have been larger than the one called for in the recipe. We use a 5×5-inch baking dish that has a base area of 25 square inches. Anything larger will cause you to have a thinner crust.
Try pure subbing pure maple syrup for the corn syrup.
Delicious & rich! My husband and I loved it.
I am allergic to things derived from corn (20 plus years) I use use Rice Syrup Or Cane Syrup which is from Cane Molasses. Yes, it tastes different than corn syrup but I & my husband Love it. (I also use Rice Syrup to make Peanut Brittle). Actually my family prefers the taste of Rice Syrup to Corn Syrup in the Peanut Brittle. It is not quite as awesome in Pecan Pie but it is still good. You use these Syrups just like you would corn syrup.
Thank you for the tip, Debra.
Loving the recipes for one person. That way you can only eat so much. Keep them coming. Also loving the crustless version.
Turned out amazing! Loved the shortbread crust!
Heavenly. Only word to describe it❣️
can you do this without the crust ?
Yes, you can.
so how long do you cook the filling without the crust
To make a crustless pecan pie, jump to STEP 7 in the recipe instructions (Make The Pecan Pie Filling). Bake for 30 minutes, remove from the oven to cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.