Pecan Pie Brown Sugar Muffins Recipe

Introduction

Pecan Pie Brown Sugar Muffins bring together the rich flavors of classic pecan pie in an easy-to-make, handheld treat. These moist muffins are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack any time of day.

A close-up image of a golden brown muffin with a crumbly topping that looks sugary and slightly toasted, covered with small pecan pieces, and topped with a single whole pecan in the center. The muffin's textured surface shows moist crumb inside the crisp outer layer. In the background, there are other muffins, all on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the warm colors and texture details of the muffins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup whole pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 cup brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add the eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, stir together the chopped pecans, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to make the topping.
  7. Step 7: Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  8. Step 8: Spoon the pecan topping over each muffin and gently press a pecan half onto the top of each muffin.
  9. Step 9: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Step 10: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and adding to the topping.
  • Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slight tang and added moisture.
  • Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced note.
  • Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the topping for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat muffins gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until warm.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a golden-brown muffin with a crumbly topping that looks crunchy and textured. On top, a glossy, deep reddish-brown pecan half sits in the center, surrounded by smaller pecan pieces mixed into the crumb layer. The muffin itself has a soft, slightly moist interior with a warm yellowish color, wrapped in a slightly darker brown paper liner. The background shows more muffins slightly out of focus, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, chopped walnuts make a great substitute if you prefer or only have walnuts on hand. They will provide a slightly different nutty flavor but work well in this recipe.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.

Print
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Pecan Pie Brown Sugar Muffins Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Description

Delightfully moist and flavorful, these Pecan Pie Brown Sugar Muffins combine the warm spices of cinnamon with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and pecans, creating a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack. Topped with a buttery pecan crumble and whole pecan halves, they offer a satisfying crunch and irresistible taste reminiscent of classic pecan pie.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Pecan Topping

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup whole pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined for an even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, setting a rich base for your muffins.
  4. Add Remaining Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, sour cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until fully blended to create a moist batter.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and keep the muffins tender.
  6. Prepare Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the finely chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter to create a flavorful crumbly topping.
  7. Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
  8. Add Topping and Pecan Halves: Spoon the pecan topping over each muffin and gently press a whole pecan half into the top of each muffin to add texture and visual appeal.
  9. Bake Muffins: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the muffins are fully cooked.
  10. Cool Muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their texture and prevents sogginess.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
  • Ensure the melted butter is cooled slightly before mixing with eggs to prevent scrambling.
  • You can substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative if desired.
  • For a crunchier topping, toast the pecans lightly before mixing with sugar and butter.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pecan Pie Muffins, Brown Sugar Muffins, Breakfast Muffins, Pecan Topping, Cinnamon Muffins

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