Print

Ultimate Gooey Pecan Pie Muffins with Brown Sugar Streusel

A close-up view of a pecan pie muffin cut in half, revealing a moist interior and crunchy pecan streusel topping.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

You can capture the rich, buttery flavor of classic pecan pie in a simple, handheld muffin format. This recipe delivers a moist crumb, a gooey center, and a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping, making it a perfect holiday breakfast treat or easy dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup (for the gooey center)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for the gooey center)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for the gooey center)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for the topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 cup brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, vanilla extract, and corn syrup until smooth. This forms the pie-like filling base.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are acceptable.
  5. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter.
  6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
  7. Spoon a small amount of the streusel mixture over the top of the batter in each muffin cup.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean but slightly sticky (to keep it gooey).
  9. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • These muffins taste best when slightly warm, mimicking a fresh slice of pecan pie.
  • You can make these ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition