If you’re craving something that combines the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie with the indulgent, velvety sweetness of German chocolate, then these Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites are for you. These bite-sized treats are a mini version of two classic desserts, combined in the most delicious way possible. With a buttery, flaky crust, gooey caramelized pecan filling, and a luscious German chocolate topping, these little bites are the perfect dessert for any occasion.
What makes these bites so special is the irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The crunchy pecans give a satisfying bite, while the German chocolate topping adds a smooth, fudgy layer that takes these mini pies to the next level. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, as a sweet snack, or as a cute mini dessert for guests, these decadent bites will be a guaranteed hit.
I first made these Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites for a family gathering and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared! They combine two of my favorite desserts into one delicious treat that’s easy to pop in your mouth. Since then, I’ve made them countless times—whether it’s for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because I’m craving something sweet. These bites are sure to impress and leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Why These Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites Will Be Your New Favorite
- Two desserts in one: The perfect combination of classic pecan pie and rich German chocolate flavors.
- Bite-sized indulgence: These mini treats are perfectly portioned for a sweet, satisfying bite.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, these bites are a breeze to put together.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, dinner party, or casual snack, these bites are always a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and gently roll them out on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter (or a glass) to cut small circles that will fit into the cups of a mini muffin tin. Press the dough circles into the muffin tin, gently shaping them into little cups. Sprinkle the bottoms with a little granulated sugar to help them crisp up. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the pecan filling: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Fill the cups: Spoon the pecan filling into each of the baked pie crust cups, filling them almost to the top.
- Bake the bites: Place the muffin tin back into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling has set and is slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool while you make the German chocolate topping.
- Prepare the German chocolate topping: In a small saucepan, melt the German chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir to combine. Once the mixture is smooth and glossy, stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
- Top the bites: Spoon the German chocolate topping over each pecan-filled pie bite, spreading it out to cover the top of the filling.
- Chill and serve: Let the bites cool completely, then refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy these sweet, rich, and indulgent bites!
Tips
- Be sure to chop the pecans finely so that they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling and topping.
- If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a standard muffin tin, but the baking time may be slightly longer.
- These bites can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, drizzle a little chocolate sauce over the top of the German chocolate topping for a more decadent finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-Free: Skip the pecans and substitute with other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk or a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
- Different Chocolate: You can use semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate instead of German chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Caramelized Pecans: For an added touch of sweetness and flavor, caramelize the pecans before adding them to the filling.
Make a Healthier Version
- Less Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for the filling and topping to reduce the sugar content.
- Lower Fat: Use light butter and reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk for a lighter version of these treats.
- Whole Grain: Use whole wheat pastry flour for the crust for a more wholesome option.
And there you have it! These Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites are the perfect combination of rich, gooey pecan pie and creamy, indulgent German chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any holiday, party, or special occasion. Don’t forget to let us know how your bites turn out, and be sure to check out some of our other fun and delicious dessert recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze these bites?
Yes! Freeze the bites in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. - Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! You can use pre-made mini pie crusts or puff pastry to save time. - Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free condensed milk alternative for a non-dairy version. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I make these without the German chocolate topping?
Yes, you can skip the topping, or use a simple chocolate ganache or a drizzle of caramel instead.