Mini Salted Rosemary Rum Pecan Pies

Mini Salted Rosemary Rum Pecan Pies are the fun, unique dessert every party needs!

A simple almond flour crust is filled with a maple syrup custard. There’s a big crunch of toasty pecans, an shot of (optional) booze, a subtle herbal hit of rosemary and dusting of sea salt flakes. So basically these are mini paleo pecan pies with a little something extra. But I guess mini pecan pies are called pecan tassies? So these are actually paleo pecan tassies? I don’t know.

What I do know is that whenever I serve these at family parties, people have one…and then they have more. They’re irresistible.

Luckily they’re easy to make, too. Plus they’re gluten-free, dairy-free and Paleo! And they can easily be made keto as well. But no one will know or care. They’ll just keep eating them.

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Why this recipe works

Classic pecan pie is made with corn syrup, which used to be a more common ingredient. Then people realized a) it was in everything and b) that’s not good.

The Paleo diet omits refined sugars, so by using maple syrup we’re using a less-refined sweetener. We’re also using less sweetener overall than most recipes call for because the higher amounts are just not necessary. It’s a healthier choice while still adding the sweetness and dark, smoky flavor we’re looking for.

And by using an almond flour pie crust, we’re swapping out grains for all the protein, fiber and healthy fats of almonds. Plus almond flour makes for a rich, buttery crust. It’s not just a swap, it’s an upgrade that makes for a delicious treat.

I’ve been using Honeyville almond flour for years with great results. It has finely milled flour with no hard little bits that some almond flours have.

And then a few sea salt flakes on top is the final touch that just makes all the flavors pop. You can’t go wrong with Maldon sea salt flakes – again, I’ve used it for years and I love those crunchy little salty flakes.

So you can enjoy these little gluten-free pecan pies no matter what diet you follow. (Unless you’re vegan. Sorry, haven’t tried this with an egg substitute.)

How to make these mini paleo pecan pies

First you’ll make a basic paleo pie crust with almond flour. Once it’s blended with the cooking fat, sweetener and vanilla, you can use immediately or form into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Then you’ll form the crusts in a mini muffin tray. I love this one from Trudeau. It’s a silicone mold which means baked goods pop out easily but it has a steel frame so it’s easier to handle. Silicone baking molds wobble and fold, making them a pain to handle. This pan solves that problem (not an ad, I just like it).

If the crusts pull apart in any way while you’re working with them, just use your fingers to pat and smoosh them back into place.

You’ll bake the crusts first, without any filling.

While they bake, you make the filling. Just whisk together maple syrup, eggs and ghee or coconut oil (melted and cooled). This is also where you add the rum and rosemary but see below for more options, or leave them out altogether.

The filling may form a yellow layer on top (regardless of your chosen cooking fat) but this won’t affect the texture or flavor. Just whisk again before filling the crusts.

Once the crusts are done, it’s just a matter of filling and baking them. That’s it! Easy, right?

Options for these mini paleo pecan pies

You can leave out the rosemary and/or the rum and you still have a batch of delicious little pecan pies. Or try thyme instead of rosemary (seriously, fresh thyme in desserts is amazing). But either way do NOT substitute dried.

Try whiskey or bourbon in place of the rum.

Feel free to use a different nut or use an assortment – some could have a hazelnut, some pistachios, some a little huddle of pine nuts.

To make it keto, use a keto-approved maple-flavored syrup.

It’s also easy to double and they freeze well (instructions below the recipe).

If you want to go the extra mile, you could even top them with a small dollop of whipped cream (here’s my favorite way to make it).

 

And that’s it!

I could never be a caterer, making 1,000 little tarts and toasts and treats. But once or twice a year? It’s absolutely worth it. One-bite apps and sweets are my go-to party foods and these fit the bill and then some. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, cocktail parties, open houses or any dessert spread.

You know how some foods are described as a party in your mouth? These are that, no matter what they’re called.

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