Description
These Pecan Pie Brown Sugar Muffins combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in a soft, moist muffin form. Featuring a tender crumb with warm cinnamon and brown sugar, each muffin is topped with a buttery pecan crumble and a pecan half, making them a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 Large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Nut Topping
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup whole pecan halves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until fully combined to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with the light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps incorporate air and dissolve the sugar slightly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the eggs, sour cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined but do not overbeat to keep the batter tender.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid tough muffins.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. This mixture will create a crunchy, sweet topping.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping mixture over each muffin and gently press a whole pecan half on top for decoration and extra crunch.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their texture and preventing sogginess.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and adding to the topping.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste and added protein.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- To reheat, warm muffins briefly in a microwave or oven to restore freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie muffins, brown sugar muffins, cinnamon muffins, breakfast muffins, pecan topping, moist muffins
