If you adore desserts that combine rich, nutty flavors with a touch of boozy warmth, then let me introduce you to the ultimate treat: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes take everything you love about traditional pecan pie and bake it into moist, chocolatey cupcakes filled with the most decadent pecan pie filling, all crowned with a luxuriously smooth butter pecan frosting. It’s a showstopper for holidays, dinner parties, or just because you deserve something extraordinary. Every bite bursts with butter, bourbon, and toasted pecans, making this cupcake a treasured favorite in my recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A group of dark brown, rich-looking chocolate muffins sit stacked inside and around a metal muffin tray, each wrapped with light brown paper liners showing vertical ridges. The muffins have soft tops with a slight crumbly texture and deep cracks on the surface. Scattered around the tray and muffins are a few glossy pecan nuts adding contrast. On the top right side of the image, there is a brass spoon filled with brown pecan sauce that looks thick with visible pecan pieces. The whole scene is set on a white marbled textured surface, creating a warm and cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the balance between chocolate, bourbon, and pecans in this wonderful recipe. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a textural masterpiece—whether it’s the punch of bourbon, the creamy smoothness of the frosting, or the crunch of toasted pecans.

3 cups raw pecans: The star nut, for that toasty crunch and buttery flavor that pecan pies are famous for.
2 tablespoons bourbon: Adds warmth and complexity, perfectly marrying the pecans and chocolate.
3 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth in both cupcake and filling.
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar: Provides rich molasses undertones, essential for the filling’s texture.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A subtle spicy note that complements the nuts and bourbon beautifully.
4 large egg yolks: Make the filling rich and silky.
1/4 cup cornstarch: Thickens the pecan pie filling to that perfect, sliceable consistency.
3/4 cup real maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness with a hint of woodsy flavor.
1 cup melted coconut oil: Brings moisture and tender crumb to the cupcakes with a slight tropical twist.
1/2 cup bourbon (additional): Intensifies the bourbon flavor in the cupcakes themselves.
1/2 cup strong black coffee or water: Enhances the chocolate depth in the batter.
2 large eggs, at room temperature: For structure and lift in the cupcakes.
2/3 cup plain greek yogurt, at room temperature: Adds moisture and a gentle tang to the batter.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb in the cupcakes.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cupcake’s soft, sturdy structure.
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor without extra fat.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Provides leavening to give the cupcakes a light, airy texture.
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
2 sticks (16 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature: Essential for both the butter pecan frosting and a rich mouthfeel.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and softness to the frosting at just the right consistency.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Creates a caramel-like richness in the frosting.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with warm, inviting flavor.
3 cups powdered sugar: For smooth sweetness and perfect piping consistency.

How to Make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Toast and Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the raw pecans with bourbon, vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then spread them out on the sheet. Toasting them for about 8 to 10 minutes releases those oils, making them fragrant and crunchy, while the bourbon infuses a subtle boozy sweetness. After toasting, sprinkle with sea salt and roughly chop most of the pecans, but be sure to set aside 22 whole pecans for the cupcake topping later.

Step 2: Create the Thick and Silky Pecan Pie Filling

In a large pot, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, and a bit of water until smooth—this combo will create the custard base. Add brown sugar, real maple syrup, and a pinch of salt before setting over medium-high heat. Stir constantly as the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 5 to 8 minutes. This step is crucial for that perfect set. Once thickened, strain to remove any lumps, then stir in the toasted pecans and vanilla. Cover and chill for about an hour; this chilling time lets the flavors meld and the filling firm up to a spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Bourbon Cupcake Batter

While the filling chills, get your cupcake batter going by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining 20-22 cupcake molds with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, blend melted coconut oil, bourbon, black coffee (or water), eggs, greek yogurt, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Add dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt—and mix just until fully combined, taking care not to overmix so the cupcakes stay tender and light.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Cupcakes

Divide the rich, chocolatey batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the tops are firm and no longer jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely before the next step. Cooling ensures the filling and frosting won’t melt or slide off when you assemble your masterpieces.

Step 5: Whip Up the Luxurious Butter Pecan Frosting

Begin by melting butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar together in a saucepan; bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about a minute to dissolve the sugar into a smooth caramel-like glaze. Transfer it immediately to a mixing bowl and chill it in the freezer or fridge until cool to the touch (about 15-20 minutes). Next, beat in the remaining butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until you have a thick, spreadable frosting. Fold in half to one cup of the finely chopped toasted pecans to add texture and burst of nutty flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Cupcakes with Pecan Pie Filling and Frosting

Carefully cut a small cone-shaped piece out of the center of each cooled cupcake using a paring knife. Fill each hollow with a spoonful of the chilled pecan pie filling, then pipe or spread the butter pecan frosting generously on top. Finally, sprinkle the cupcakes with the remaining chopped toasted pecans and finish by placing a reserved whole pecan on each cupcake for a beautiful, inviting presentation. These cupcakes are not only stunning but incredibly rich, soft, and full of layers of flavor.

How to Serve Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting Recipe

A dark brown chocolate cupcake with a swirl of light tan frosting on top is shown. The cupcake liner is ridged and dark brown. The frosting is thick and creamy, decorated with whole and chopped glossy pecans, some sitting on top of the frosting and some around the base of the cupcake. The background is dark with a blurred glass to the side and a few more cupcakes softly out of focus. The whole scene is set on a surface that appears wooden but should be imagined as white marble texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a stunning display that adds texture, sprinkle extra toasted pecans on each cupcake and add a light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Drizzling a touch of caramel sauce over the frosting can elevate the bourbon notes beautifully. Fresh whipped cream can also complement the richness if you prefer an extra creamy element.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a side of fresh berries creates a delightful contrast. A cup of robust coffee or a smooth bourbon cocktail also pairs wonderfully, bringing out the warm, rich flavors in the cupcakes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these cupcakes on a rustic wooden board or elegant glass cake stand for a touch of charm. You can also offer mini cupcake samplers with different pecan-themed toppings or bourbon-spiked whipped cream on the side. Personalize cupcakes by adding small bourbon barrel-shaped picks or handwritten tags for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting and filling keep wonderfully chilled, and cupcakes stay moist, ready to be enjoyed as a decadent snack anytime.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to keep the frosting intact and the filling luscious.

Reheating

These cupcakes are best served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm cupcake, remove the frosting first and warm the cupcake base slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Then apply frosting and enjoy immediately!

FAQs

Can I substitute bourbon with another alcohol?

Absolutely! You can replace bourbon with dark rum or whiskey for a similar rich and warm flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, use vanilla extract combined with a small amount of water or coffee to maintain depth.

Is coconut oil necessary, or can I use butter instead?

Coconut oil adds a slight tropical note and keeps the cupcakes moist with a tender crumb, but melted butter can be used as a substitute for a more traditional buttery flavor.

Can I make the pecan pie filling without maple syrup?

The maple syrup adds a beautiful complexity to the filling, but if you don’t have it on hand, honey or light corn syrup can be used as alternatives with a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I ensure the frosting doesn’t melt or get too soft?

Make sure your frosting mixture is fully chilled before beating and keep the cupcakes refrigerated until serving. Also, avoid working in very warm environments, which can soften the butter in the frosting.

Can I use chopped pecans instead of whole pecans for topping?

You can use chopped pecans for topping, and they provide extra crunch, but whole pecans give the cupcakes a classic, elegant look that beautifully signals the rich pecan flavor inside.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that turns any occasion into a celebration by bringing together the best of pecan pie and chocolate indulgence in cupcake form. Gathering loved ones around these luscious cupcakes is an experience filled with smiles and shared delight. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to dessert whenever you want to impress or treat yourself to something really special.