Experience the magic of the holidays with these delightful Mini Chocolate Pecan Pies in a Jar. Perfect as a sweet ending to any festive meal, they also make charming and thoughtful take-home gifts for your cherished guests.
As a proud Bake a Little Extra Blog Ambassador, this post is sponsored by Karo Syrup®. It’s a privilege to collaborate with brands and organizations that genuinely resonate with my values and passion for baking. Your support for them means the world to me.
Mini Chocolate Pecan Pie in a Jar: The Ultimate Holiday Treat & Take-Home Gift
The holiday season, especially Thanksgiving, brings with it a feast of traditions, laughter, and, in my family’s case, an incredible abundance of pie. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of joining our Thanksgiving gathering, you’d likely find yourself chuckling at the sheer volume of desserts. With around 14 adults and a lively troop of children, it’s not uncommon to have so many pies that each person could practically claim their own personal pastry!
To simply say my family “likes” pie would be a vast understatement. It’s a deep-seated devotion, a culinary cornerstone of every celebration. My dad, in particular, often requests a pie instead of a traditional cake for his birthday, a testament to his unwavering love for this classic dessert. And honestly, as much as I appreciate a good cake, I’m finding myself increasingly drawn to his tradition. Because, let’s be real, pie often trumps cake, especially when it’s a perfectly crafted pecan pie.
Weeks before the big holiday meal, my mind shifts into full brainstorming mode: What kind of pie will be my contribution this year? How can I create something truly special and memorable? While I adore every pie on the dessert table, the reality is that after indulging in a grand Thanksgiving dinner, sampling every single delicious option becomes an impossible (though tempting) feat. This year, I wanted to innovate. The idea struck me: why not create a dessert that’s not only incredibly delicious but also effortlessly portable, allowing guests to savor it at their leisure, perhaps even the next morning? This thought led me to the ingenious solution of baking pies that could easily be taken home.
Introducing the Charming Mini Chocolate Pecan Pie in a Jar Recipe
And so, the concept of these Mini Chocolate Pecan Pies in a Jar was born. These aren’t just cute; they are a marvel of convenience and flavor, offering the perfect single-serving delight. They embody the spirit of “baking a little extra,” a philosophy I deeply believe in, as homemade treats are a wonderful way to express care and affection for loved ones.
Imagine your guests leaving your holiday gathering with a charming jar filled with a delectable pecan pie, ready to enjoy later. It’s a thoughtful gesture that extends the warmth of your hospitality. Plus, this Mini Chocolate Pecan Pie in a Jar recipe provides the ultimate justification for having pie for breakfast the following day – and what could be a better expression of love than that?
The Secret to Irresistible Sweetness: Karo Syrup®
The magic behind the signature ooey-gooey texture and perfect sweetness of these pecan pies lies in Karo Syrup®. This ingredient is essential for achieving that classic, comforting pecan pie consistency that everyone adores. And here’s a delightful bonus: Karo Syrup® contains no high-fructose corn syrup, which is a significant factor for me as I strive to minimize HFCS in my kitchen. It’s a win-win: incredible taste without compromise.
Elevating the Classic: A Hint of Chocolate
While the traditional pecan pie is wonderful on its own, I’m always looking for ways to add a little twist. For this recipe, I couldn’t resist incorporating mini chocolate chips. The chocolate not only adds a delightful depth of flavor but also helps to perfectly balance the sweetness, creating a more complex and satisfying dessert. After all, who could ever resist the allure of chocolate?
The use of adorable mini jars adds an undeniable charm to these pies. These small canning jars are surprisingly easy to find at most major retailers, but if you have trouble locating them locally, you can always find them online with ease. Their individual size makes them incredibly appealing and convenient for serving and gifting.
Why These Mini Pecan Pies are Your New Holiday Favorite
This Mini Chocolate Pecan Pie in a Jar recipe is destined to become a beloved staple on your holiday table. It offers so many advantages, making holiday hosting smoother and more joyful. When you “bake a little extra” of these charming treats, your guests will be absolutely delighted to receive such a thoughtful and delicious take-home gift. For the host, it also alleviates the subtle pressure of trying to sample every single dessert at the table – a relief I know many can appreciate!
Beyond the holidays, these mini pies are perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a special treat for yourself and your family. They are easy to transport, require no slicing, and offer a perfect individual portion every time. The visual appeal alone makes them a showstopper, and the combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and gooey caramel-like filling is simply divine.
In my opinion, our traditional full-sized pecan pie might just be permanently replaced by this irresistible Mini Chocolate Pecan Pie in a Jar recipe. It truly combines the best of all worlds: tradition, innovation, convenience, and unparalleled flavor.
Tips for Perfect Mini Pecan Pies
- Don’t overfill the jars: Leave enough space for the pie filling to rise slightly during baking without overflowing. About 1/4 cup of the mixture per jar is usually ideal.
- Use a baking sheet: Always place your jars on a sturdy baking sheet before putting them in the oven. This makes them easier to handle and catches any potential drips.
- Cool completely: While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, allow the pies to cool for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set properly, giving you that perfect texture.
- Garnish creatively: Beyond whipped cream and graham cracker crumbles, consider a dusting of cocoa powder, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Storage: These mini pies can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
The Joy of Homemade Gifts
In a world often dominated by store-bought items, a homemade gift carries a special weight. These mini pecan pies, presented in their charming jars, speak volumes of your effort and affection. They’re not just desserts; they are edible tokens of love and gratitude. Imagine gifting these to teachers, neighbors, or colleagues – a sweet gesture that’s sure to be appreciated and remembered long after the last bite.
The beauty of this recipe extends beyond its delicious taste and adorable presentation. It’s also incredibly versatile. While perfect for the holidays, these individual pecan pies can brighten any day, any season. They are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest ideas yield the most delightful results.
So, whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast or just looking for a unique and heartfelt way to show appreciation, this Mini Chocolate Pecan Pie in a Jar recipe is your answer. It’s easy, it’s charming, and it’s undeniably delicious. Get ready to impress your guests and bring a little extra sweetness into your home this season!
Explore More Pecan Recipes
If you’re a true pecan lover, don’t stop here! Discover more delicious ways to enjoy this versatile nut:
- Classic Pecan Pie Recipe
- Coconut Pecan Pie
- Coconut Pecan Bars
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Mini Chocolate Pecan Pie in a Jar Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (4 oz) pecan halves
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup light Karo® Syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3/4 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Crumbled graham crackers, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C). Lightly spray the inside of 8 (4 oz) glass canning jars with nonstick cooking spray. Distribute the pecan halves evenly among the 8 jars. Top each with 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips.
- In a medium bowl, or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Carefully pour approximately 1/4 cup of this mixture over the pecans and chocolate chips in each jar. Arrange the filled jars on a baking sheet.
- Bake the pies in the center of the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the centers reach an internal temperature of 200ºF (93°C).
- Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving.
- To serve, top each individual pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream and, if desired, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for added texture and flavor.