This ‘Lazy’ Pecan Pie in a Mug Recipe Is the Ultimate Dessert for One Without Skimping on Flavor

Homemade pecan pie is a labor of love. From preparing the pie crust to whisking the filling, this dessert requires elbow grease and patience. The Southern specialty is typically served in cooler months and on holidays. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, whipping up this pie from scratch is a tradition. On busy weekdays, the time that tradition takes isn't available. That doesn't mean, though, that you have to wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy homemade pecan pie. With a few clever shortcuts, it's possible to make a pint-sized pecan treat, ideal for a single serving, in less than 10 minutes. (Plus, making an individual serving means you can satisfy your sweet tooth without having to share.) Here's how to make a gooey microwavable pecan pie in a mug that's just as comforting as from scratch... but with half the effort.

The basics of pecan pie

This pie consists of a sugary pecan filling that's often baked in a butter pie crust. Sometimes additional ingredients, such as bourbon or chocolate chips, are included for extra flavor. Pecan is known for its rich sweetness and bold nutty flavor. Because of this, it's considered a staple dessert at holidays and gatherings alongside apple pie and pumpkin pie.

How to make pecan pie in a mug

Baker and cookbook author Gemma Stafford shares a simple recipe for Microwave Pecan Mug Pie on her website BiggerBolderBaking.com. While this version a yields smaller pie, it still uses classic ingredients such as maple syrup, vanilla extract and brown sugar—so you're not missing out on any of the sweetness and richness of a traditional pecan pie.

Microwave Pecan Mug Pie

Ingredients:

• 1½ Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 3 Tbs. maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp. salt
• 1 egg
• ⅔ cup chopped pecans
• 2 graham crackers or gingersnap cookies, crushed (about 2 Tbs.)
• Extra pecans (chopped or whole), for garnish

Directions:

• Yield: 1 serving

1. In small bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, egg, and chopped nuts together.
2. Line mug with crushed cookies.
3. Pour filling into mug.
4. Microwave one to 1 ½ minutes, checking every 30 seconds. Pie mixture will be thick and slightly jiggly, but will set as it cools. (Cooking time is based on a 1200-watt microwave, so timing may vary.)
5. Carefully remove mug from microwave. Let cool two minutes. Serve with whipped cream and enjoy.

My taste test

A low-effort, high-reward dessert will always win me over — and this one was no exception. The warm, soft pie center was sweet yet nutty, and the gingersnap crust added a molasses flavor that made my mug-pie taste like a traditional baked version. Plus, a generous dollop of whipped cream helped balance all of the sugary ingredients. A delicious microwavable pecan pie might sound too good to be true — but believe me when I tell you that this treat is as yummy as it is easy-to-make, and will undoubtedly be my new go-to whenever I want a little taste of the holidays.

Read on for more simple and scrumptious dessert recipes:

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