Southern Pecan Pie Muffins 🥧🌰

If you're looking for a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of muffins, you've come to the right place! These Southern Pecan Pie Muffins are a warm hug in a cupcake liner, perfect for brunch or as a sweet afternoon snack. With a sweet, gooey center and a crunchy pecan topping, they are irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients

For the muffin batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup buttermilk

For the pecan topping

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

🥄 To ensure a light muffin, fold the ingredients until they are just mixed. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and the beaten egg until well combined.
7. Spoon the pecan topping generously over each muffin batter.

🌟 For an extra flair, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon in the topping mix for a warm, spicy aroma!

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffins comes out clean. The topping should be golden brown and bubbly.
9. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Add Chocolate: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the muffin batter for a decadent twist! 🍫
• Maple Syrup: Substitute corn syrup with maple syrup in the pecan topping for a richer flavor profile. 🍁
• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version that’s just as delightful! 🌻
• Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the muffin batter for some extra warmth and flavor.

Enjoy these Southern Pecan Pie Muffins fresh out of the oven or warmed up the next day for a lovely breakfast treat! Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea to make your day even sweeter! ☕💖