Bite-Size Pumpkin Treats with Pecan Crust
These mini pumpkin pies are the perfect dessert to finish any meal, whether it’s during the holidays or a regular family dinner. They’re made with a delicious nut crust, so they’re gluten-free. The biggest problem I have with this treat is stopping. In fact, I only allow myself to put one … Okay, maybe two of these on my plate before I put them away.
You don’t have to limit this to the holidays either. They make a wonderful treat any time of year. In fact, when canned pumpkin puree goes on sale, I typically stock up. Most people think of pumpkin pie during certain holidays. Even if you like traditional pumpkin pie, give this recipe a try.
Some people may call these muffin tin pumpkin pies or pumpkin pie bites. Regardless of what you call them, they’re a delicious treat to serve the family or guests.
You’ll be amazed by the deliciousness that the wonderful crunchy texture of the pecans provides. One of my favorite aspects of these is the fact that they’re naturally gluten-free.
Perfect Holiday Dessert
When you’re making dessert for the holidays, one of the first that probably comes to mind is pumpkin pie. Although pumpkin is one of my favorite flavors, when I entertain, I like to offer options.
That’s been a favorite in this country for decades, and it will probably always be on most people’s menus. There’s just something about the pumpkin flavor and aroma that set the stage for autumn.
I’ve always enjoyed pumpkin pie, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to eat the traditional version in more than a decade. That’s because the regular crust has gluten, and I’ve developed a sensitivity.
So I set out to find ways to eat my favorite foods without compromising my health. When I discovered this amazing nut crust, I was so excited. Yes, my pie crust recipe is different, but in my book, different is often a good thing!
Another thing I love about these mini pumpkin pie tarts is that they offer portion control. In other words, I can’t cut a huge slice of pie and call that a serving.
Each mini pie is a single serving. However, that doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to a single serving, especially on special occasions. Of course, when you’re entertaining, I recommend having a couple of pumpkin dessert options.
But also add other wonderful treats, such as these delicious butterscotch crunch cookies from South Your Mouth and yummy apple fritters from Out of the Box Baking.
Mini Pumpkin Pies Ingredients
There are 2 parts to these pies: the crust and the filling. So I’ve separated what you’ll need to make each. The first part is the pie crust recipe. It’s obviously not the traditional version, but I think it’s even better.
Here’s what you’ll need for the nut crust:
- 1-3/4 cups of pecans
- 1/3 cup of shredded coconut (unsweetened is what I used)
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (I used Himalayan pink salt)
Here’s what you’ll need for the pie filling:
- One 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree (100 percent pumpkin, not the kind with other ingredients)
- One 5-ounce can of evaporated milk or coconut milk (not sweetened condensed milk)
- 1/2 cup of 100 percent maple syrup (not the maple flavored syrup, but the real stuff)
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
I’ve also listed the ingredients and directions at the bottom of this post in a printable recipe card for your convenience.
How to Make Crust for Mini Pumpkin Pies
First of all, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. The oven can heat up while you get everything ready to bake.
Secondly, place paper or silicone liners in a muffin pan. I do this because that makes it easier to lift the little pies out of the tin after they come out of the oven. I have a variety of muffin pans, all in different sizes. I used the standard size for this recipe.
Next, combine the pecans and coconut in your food processor and pulse it until they are crumbly. Don’t run your food processor too long, or you’ll wind up with nut butter.
Afterward, add 1/4 cup of maple syrup, coconut oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Pulse the food processor again but stop when everything is mixed.
Divide the mixture evenly and put in the bottom of each muffin cup. Press it down on the bottom and a little bit up the sides.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Filling
In a large bowl, pour the pumpkin, evaporated milk, remaining maple syrup, eggs, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and remaining salt.
Using a hand mixer, beat the pie filling mixture until it is well mixed. I like to scrape everything off the sides of the bowl and give it another quick whir with the mixer.
Spoon the mixture evenly into each tin. I used silicone liners to make cleaning the muffin pan much easier.
I typically fill each cup about 3/4 of the way full and then go back and fill all of them. The reason I do this is to make sure they all have an even amount.
Next, place the muffin tin in the oven for 30 minutes or until the pies are completely set. You can check this by sticking a knife in the center of one of them. If it comes out clean, they’re done.
Remove from the oven and cool until they reach room temperature. I typically remove them from the pan and place them on a wire rack that allows the air to circulate around them so they cool more quickly.
After they cool, remove them from the muffin tin and place them in a food storage container with a lid. Cover and place them in the refrigerator for at least 5-6 hours.
Serve with whipped cream and another dash of cinnamon. Or drizzle a tiny bit of caramel sauce over the whipped cream. Do whatever sounds good to you!
Holiday Dessert That’s Good Year-Round
As soon as September first rolls around, I’m ready for pumpkin. Whether it’s pumpkin pie, pumpkin smoothies, or pumpkin flavored coffee, I’m all in. By October, fall is in full swing (at least in my mind), so it’s conceivable that I’m making something with pumpkin in it multiple times per week.
Then in November, I’m starting to think about Thanksgiving and what I need to serve. I like to start out the big holiday meal with at least one or two new recipes. For dessert, you’re likely to see several different treats at the table, including these delicious little pumpkin pies. After all, everyone likes something different.
And everyone who tries these delicious mini pies loves them. I know why: They’re absolutely delicious with a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Don’t forget about the presentation. These tasty little pie bites deserve to be adorned in whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon or whatever dessert spice you want to add.
I used canned whipped cream on these pies. For extra special occasions, I like to make homemade whipped cream with full-fat cream and a tiny amount of sugar.
More Dessert Recipes
There are so many delicious desserts you can enjoy during the holidays or any other time of year. You can make them either gluten-free or the regular way.
Anyone who loves sweets will appreciate these amazing chocolate caramel pecan bars. What’s not to love about that delightful flavorful combination?
These wonderful crunchy chocolate crisp cookies are always a huge hit with the kids. But watch out! Adults love them too!
If you’re a pumpkin fan, check out these super easy-to-make 3-ingredient pumpkin cookies.
Elevate any meal to a whole new level with this amazing creamy no-bake cherry lime pie. The balance of tart and sweet will have you coming back for more.
The dessert table will be even more awesome when you include this caramel apple poke cake from Miz Helen’s Country Cottage.
When I want to impress a crowd, I offer these yummy butterscotch pecan cookies. They’re delicious, so make enough for everyone to have seconds.
Another favorite pumpkin recipe we love is this one for pumpkin bars. It’s another dessert that’s easy to make and super flavorful.
When you need a little crunch with a lot of sweet flavor, give these no bake caramel crunch bars a try!
Peanut butter lovers love these no bake peanut butter marshmallow bars. You’ve probably guessed that I like no-bake cookie bars. And you’re right!
Mini Pumpkin Pies
Next time you have a family dinner or holiday meal, make these delicious mini pumpkin pies.
Ingredients
- One 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree
- One 5-ounce can of evaporated milk (or coconut milk cream)
- 3/4 cup of 100% maple syrup (not the maple flavored syrup, but the real stuff)
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1-3/4 cups of pecans
- 1/3 cup of shredded coconut (unsweetened is best)
- 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place paper or silicone liners in a muffin tin.
- Combine the pecans and coconut in your food processor and pulse it until they are crumbly.
- Add 1/4 cup of maple syrup, coconut oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Pulse the food processor again but stop when everything is mixed.
- Divide the mixture evenly and put in the bottom of each muffin cup. Press it down on the bottom and a little bit up the sides.
- In a large bowl, pour the pumpkin, evaporated milk, remaining maple syrup, eggs, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and remaining salt. These are the ingredients for the pie filling.
- Using a hand mixer, beat the pie filling mixture until it is well mixed.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into each tin.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until they are completely set.
- Remove from the oven and cool until they reach room temperature.
- After they cool, remove them from the muffin tin and place them in a food storage container with a lid.
- Cover and place it in the refrigerator for at least 5-6 hours.
- Serve with whipped cream and another dash of cinnamon.
Notes
When you’re pulsing your food processor, don’t hold it too long, or you’ll wind up with nut butter. Stop when the nuts and coconut are coarsely ground.
Nutrition Information
Yield
15Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 682Total Fat 64gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 53gCholesterol 40mgSodium 140mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 9gSugar 16gProtein 10g
The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.
Miz Helen
Monday 16th of November 2020
Your post is awesome and thanks so much for sharing it with us at Full Plate Thursday,510. Hope you are having a great week and come back soon! Miz Helen