Southern Pecan Muffins

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Southern Pecan Muffins are a delightful treat that bring the warmth of Southern hospitality right to your kitchen. These muffins are packed with nutty pecans and sweet brown sugar, making them a perfect addition to your breakfast or snack time.

Ingredients for Southern Pecan Muffins

Pecans: The star of the show, pecans bring a buttery, nutty flavor and a lovely crunch to the muffins. They're a hallmark of Southern baking.

Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully. It also helps to keep the muffins moist.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the muffins. Just the right amount ensures they hold together while still being tender.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the muffins a light, fluffy texture.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Melted butter ensures it incorporates smoothly into the batter.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving the muffins a warm, inviting aroma.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Toast the pecans before adding for extra flavor. Just a few minutes in a dry pan will do.
  • Use a cookie scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin.
  • If you prefer a less sweet muffin, reduce the brown sugar by a quarter cup.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins pair wonderfully with a dollop of honey butter or a smear of cream cheese. For a special brunch, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a savory omelet. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter, perhaps with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just skip the salt in the recipe to ensure the muffins aren’t too salty.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking.
How should I store these muffins?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them.

Southern Pecan Muffins Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take a muffin tin and lightly grease it. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Grab a large bowl and toss in your chopped pecans, brown sugar, and flour. Give it a good mix until everything's evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, crack in your eggs and beat them lightly. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, and stir until they're well combined.

Now, add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your muffins tender.

Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know they're done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle. Once cooled, they're ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
  • Rich, nutty flavor with a satisfying texture.
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
  • Great for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2/3 cup melted unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and flour.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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