
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini bites are easy to make, quick to bake, and ideal for parties or individual servings. No slicing, no mess—just grab and go. They’re made with simple ingredients, customizable to your taste, and can even be made ahead or frozen for later. Plus, they offer all the warmth and spice of traditional pumpkin pie in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- Pumpkin purée
- Sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk
- Egg
- Brown sugar
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
- Non-stick spray
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray.
- Roll out pie crusts and cut into small circles (about 2.5 to 3 inches wide) using a cookie cutter or glass.
- Press each crust circle into the mini muffin tin cups, forming small shells.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, sweetened condensed milk, egg, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Spoon the pumpkin filling into each crust, filling just below the rim.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Top with whipped cream if desired before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 mini pumpkin pie bites.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pie crusts or press in a nut or oat-based crust.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free crust option.
- Mini tart version: Bake in mini tart pans for a more elegant presentation.
- Maple twist: Replace some or all of the sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Crustless: Skip the crust and bake the filling directly in greased muffin cups for a low-carb option.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover mini pumpkin pie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds. Serve warm or chilled. These bites also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
Yes, but adjust the spices and sweetener since pumpkin pie filling is already spiced and sweetened.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Bake the mini crusts for a few minutes before adding the filling to help them stay crisp.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They keep well in the fridge and can be made 1–2 days in advance.
Do I have to use a mini muffin tin?
Yes, for bite-sized portions. However, you can use a regular muffin tin for slightly larger tarts.
Can I freeze mini pumpkin pie bites?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
What kind of crust works best?
Traditional pie crusts are best, but graham cracker crust or phyllo dough can also be used for variety.
Can I make these crustless?
Yes, bake the filling in greased mini muffin tins for a low-carb or gluten-free option.
Is it okay to use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
Yes, but you’ll need to add extra sugar since evaporated milk isn’t sweetened.
How do I know when the filling is set?
The centers should be just firm to the touch and not jiggle when the pan is moved.
Can I add toppings?
Of course. Try whipped cream, candied pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel.
Conclusion
Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites are the perfect treat for fall festivities, offering all the creamy, spiced goodness of pumpkin pie in a fun, bite-sized form. Easy to make, great for sharing, and endlessly adaptable, these little desserts are sure to be a hit at any table. Whether served warm or chilled, they deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.
Print
Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 12 mini tarts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Caramel Pecan Tarts are bite-sized treats featuring a buttery crust filled with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting, they bring all the rich flavors of pecan pie in an elegant, handheld dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2–4 tablespoons ice water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 12 whole pecans (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough comes together. Roll out and cut rounds to fit mini tart pans or a mini muffin tin.
- Press dough into tins and prick bottoms with a fork. Bake crusts for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until mixture begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
- Spoon filling into pre-baked tart shells.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until filling is set and bubbling.
- Cool completely before removing from tins. Garnish with whole pecans if desired.
Notes
- Toast pecans before using for deeper flavor.
- Store-bought pie dough or tart shells can be substituted for homemade crust.
- Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Do not overcook caramel to prevent it from hardening.
- These tarts make excellent edible gifts for holidays.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg