German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites

If you love German chocolate cake and pecan pie, then hold on tight—these German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites are going to rock your world. Imagine buttery, golden crusts filled with a luscious, rich pecan pie filling, topped with the creamy coconut and chocolate goodness that makes German chocolate cake so iconic. These little bites are the best of both worlds in one single, bite-sized treat! Whether you’re looking for the perfect dessert to bring to a party or just want a sweet snack to satisfy your cravings, these babies will definitely do the trick. Trust me, they’ll disappear in no time!

Why You’ll Love German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites

Two Classic Desserts, One Bite

These bites combine the rich flavors of pecan pie with the decadent coconut-chocolate topping from a classic German chocolate cake. It’s a dessert mash-up you never knew you needed, and now you’ll never look back.

Bite-Sized and Perfect for Sharing

Who doesn’t love a dessert you can pop right into your mouth? These tiny treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just sharing with friends and family. Plus, they’re the perfect excuse to have just one more!

Easy to Make

No need for a complicated, multi-step process. With just a few ingredients and a muffin tin, you can create these gorgeous bites without breaking a sweat. You don’t need to be a pro baker to impress everyone with this dessert.

A Crowd-Pleaser

With the irresistible combo of chocolate, coconut, and pecans, these bites are sure to become a crowd favorite. They’re just sweet enough without being overly rich, making them the perfect indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Flour: The base of the buttery, flaky crust.
• Butter: Gives the crust its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s cold and cubed.
• Sugar: Just a touch to add sweetness to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
• Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together. You don’t want it too wet, just enough to hold the dough.

For the Pecan Pie Filling:

• Pecans: The star ingredient in this filling! Toasted slightly to enhance their flavor, these add that classic nutty crunch.
• Brown Sugar: The rich molasses flavor of brown sugar is what gives pecan pie its signature sweetness.
• Corn Syrup: This helps the filling set and gives it that gooey consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness to the filling.
• Eggs: The binding agent that helps the filling set beautifully in each bite.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla for a warm, comforting flavor.

For the German Chocolate Topping:

• Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Adds texture and that signature coconut flavor that’s key to German chocolate.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference.
• Heavy Cream: Helps make the chocolate creamy and smooth, turning it into a luscious drizzle.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Make the Crust:

1. Prepare the crust dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to form.
2. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will help it hold together when you press it into the muffin tin.
3. Shape the crust: After chilling, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or a cup to cut out circles large enough to fit into a muffin tin. Press the dough into the muffin tin, forming little crusts.

Make the Pecan Pie Filling:

1. Prepare the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until it thickens slightly.
2. Add the pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans and cook for another minute, allowing them to toast slightly in the syrup.

Assemble the Pecan Pie Bites:

1. Fill the crusts: Spoon the pecan pie filling into each crust, filling them about 3/4 of the way full. Be careful not to overfill, as they’ll overflow when baking.
2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bites for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown on top. Allow them to cool completely.

Make the German Chocolate Topping:

1. Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
2. Add the coconut: Stir the coconut flakes into the melted chocolate mixture until everything is combined and the coconut is evenly coated.

Top the Bites:

1. Finish the bites: Once the pecan pie bites have cooled, spoon a generous amount of the German chocolate mixture on top of each one. Let it set for a few minutes, allowing the topping to firm up slightly before serving.

Serve and Enjoy:

Pop these mini treats onto a platter and watch them disappear! They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 270
Fat per serving: 20g
Carbs per serving: 24g
Protein per serving: 3g
Sugar per serving: 19g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

How to Serve German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites

For Parties:

These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or gatherings. You can easily pop them onto a platter and watch guests rave over them.

As a Holiday Dessert:

With their rich and decadent flavor, these German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites make a fantastic holiday dessert. They’re festive, easy to share, and always a hit.

For an Afternoon Snack:

Pair these mini pies with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead:

You can make the crust and pecan filling a day ahead and assemble everything the next day. They can also be stored in the fridge for a couple of days before serving.

Customization:

If you prefer, you can swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. You could also use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a richer topping.

Storage:

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought crust?
A1: Yes! You can absolutely use store-bought pie crust to save time. Just be sure to cut them into circles that fit your muffin tin.

Q2: Can I use unsweetened coconut?
A2: It’s best to use sweetened coconut flakes for the topping, as it adds the perfect balance of sweetness to the German chocolate.

Q3: Can I make these without eggs?
A3: You could try using an egg substitute like flax eggs or a store-bought egg replacer, but it may change the texture of the filling slightly.

Q4: How can I make these gluten-free?
A4: To make these bites gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust.

Q5: Can I make these ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can make the entire recipe a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q6: Can I freeze these?
A6: Yes! After baking, you can freeze the pecan pie bites (without the chocolate topping) for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q7: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
A7: Absolutely! Dark chocolate will add a deeper, more intense flavor to the topping. Use whichever chocolate you prefer!

Q8: Can I add more nuts to the filling?
A8: Yes, feel free to add extra pecans or even some chopped walnuts to the filling for added texture.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A9: To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them up in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F) for a few minutes.

Q10: Can I skip the coconut topping?
A10: While the coconut topping adds that signature German chocolate flavor, you can skip it if you prefer. Just drizzle some extra chocolate on top for a simpler treat.

Conclusion

These German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites are the perfect sweet treat for anyone who loves indulgent, bite-sized desserts. With a flaky crust, gooey pecan filling, and the rich chocolate-coconut topping, they deliver all the flavors of both a German chocolate cake and a pecan pie in one irresistible package. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a special treat, these little bites are sure to steal the show

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