Name: Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Filling:; 5 tbsp unsalted butter; ½ cup dark brown sugar; 1 ½ cups chopped pecans; Pinch of salt; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Puff Pastry:; 1 puff pastry sheet (thawed); 1 large egg (for egg wash)

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These Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites are a quick and delicious twist on the classic pecan pie. Perfectly flaky puff pastry encases a rich and sweet pecan filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a special holiday or as an everyday snack, these bites are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of pecan pie but want something easier and quicker to prepare, these Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites are the answer! With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 30 minutes of your time, you’ll have a batch of golden, bite-sized treats that are both decadent and delightful. The contrast between the buttery, flaky pastry and the sweet, nutty filling creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, these bites are so easy to make, you’ll be whipping them up in no time! Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites

Ingredients

5 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup dark brown sugar
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Pinch of salt
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 puff pastry sheet (thawed)
1 large egg (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Pecan Filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the dark brown sugar, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring for about 1 minute, then remove from heat. Let the filling cool for a few minutes.
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a flat surface and cut it into 6 equal rectangles.
Assemble the Bites:
Place a tablespoon of the cooled pecan filling in the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, creating a “pocket” around the filling.
Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the pastries for a golden finish.
Chill the Pastries:
Place the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 10-15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while baking.
Bake:
Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Nut Variations: Swap the pecans for other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan filling to give it a warm, spiced flavor.
Chocolate: For a chocolate twist, add small pieces of dark chocolate to the pecan filling before baking.
Mini Bites: If you prefer smaller portions, you can cut the puff pastry into smaller squares to make mini bite-sized treats.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

FAQs

How can I make these Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites in advance?

You can assemble the pastries, freeze them before baking, and then bake them when you’re ready. This ensures they’re fresh and crispy when served.

Can I use store-bought pecan pie filling?

While you can use store-bought pecan pie filling in a pinch, making your own filling ensures the best flavor and texture for these bites.

What can I serve with these Pecan Pie Bites?

These bites are perfect on their own, but they can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Can I freeze the baked Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites?

Yes, you can freeze the baked bites. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

How do I keep the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

Be sure to chill the assembled pastries before baking to help the pastry hold its shape. This will also prevent the filling from making the pastry soggy.

Can I use a different type of pastry for this recipe?

While puff pastry works best for its flakiness and texture, you could experiment with phyllo dough or shortcrust pastry, though the results will differ slightly.

How do I know when the Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites are done baking?

The pastries should be golden brown and puffed up. If they still look pale or doughy, bake them for a few more minutes.

Can I use margarine instead of butter for the filling?

You can substitute margarine for the butter, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter gives the filling a richer taste.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes, you can skip the egg wash if you’re avoiding eggs. The pastries will still bake up beautifully, but they won’t have the glossy finish.

Are these Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses regular puff pastry, which contains gluten. However, you can try using gluten-free puff pastry if needed.

Conclusion

These Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites are a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich flavors of pecan pie in bite-sized form. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have a batch of golden, flaky treats perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or simply enjoying a sweet snack, these little bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!