If you’re looking for a delightful bite-sized treat that perfectly balances buttery crust and a sweet, nutty filling, this Pecan Tassies Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite indulgences. Imagine buttery, tender mini tarts packed with a luscious pecan filling that melts in your mouth—these little gems are as charming as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving a sweet snack, pecan tassies bring a classic southern charm right to your kitchen with ease and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Pecan Tassies Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony. From the creamy blend of butter and cream cheese in the crust to the rich, caramel-like pecan filling, every component contributes to a mouthwatering result that’s sure to impress.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): This adds richness and helps create a tender, flaky crust.
- Cream cheese (3 oz, softened): Gives the crust a smooth texture and slight tang for balance.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation for the dough, providing structure without toughness.
- Large egg (1): Binds the filling ingredients together for a smooth consistency.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Melts into a luscious, caramel-style sweetness in the filling.
- Unsalted butter (1 tbsp, melted): Adds moisture and deepens the filling’s flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and elevates the overall taste.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): The star of the filling, providing crunch, nuttiness, and authenticity.
How to Make Pecan Tassies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together until you get a perfectly smooth mixture. This creamy base makes the crust wonderfully tender. Gradually incorporate the flour until the dough comes together softly—be careful not to overwork it to keep the texture light. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, which helps the dough firm up for easy shaping.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). At the same time, grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly—this ensures your tassies pop right out once they’re baked.
Step 3: Shape the Crust
Once chilled, divide your dough into 24 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then gently press each ball into the mini muffin tin cups, shaping them to form little tart shells. This step is key to creating that classic tassie look—so take your time and press evenly to avoid cracks.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. This rich, slightly gooey mixture gets poured into the crusts for the perfect sweet and buttery filling. Lastly, stir in the chopped pecans to add delightful texture and that unmistakable nutty flavor we all love.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Add a small amount of chopped pecans into each crust cup, then fill approximately two-thirds full with the brown sugar mixture. Bake the tassies for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling has set nicely and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps them set up even more—before moving them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
How to Serve Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
While pecan tassies are delightful on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes their presentation and flavor to the next level. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans on top also makes for a charming, crunchy finish.
Side Dishes
These bite-sized treats pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal accompaniment to your afternoon break. If serving at a party, consider placing them alongside rich cheeses or fruit spreads to offer guests a balanced palette of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your pecan tassies on a rustic wooden board or elegant tiered cake stand to highlight their charming size and shape. For festive occasions, place small, edible flowers or fresh mint leaves beside each tassie for a fresh, eye-catching touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you want to save some for later, store your pecan tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling just right, making it easy to enjoy them fresh without much fuss.
Freezing
For longer storage, pecan tassies freeze exceptionally well. Simply arrange cooled tassies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze quickly, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They stay delicious for up to one month and thaw beautifully when ready to be enjoyed.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or stored pecan tassies, gently warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crispness and warms the sweet filling perfectly without overbaking.
FAQs
Can I use a food processor to make the dough?
Absolutely! A food processor can make mixing the dough quick and easy, just pulse until the dough comes together. Just be careful not to over-process, or the dough may become tough.
What type of pecans should I use?
Fresh, raw pecans are best to get that authentic flavor and crunch. You can also lightly toast them for added depth, but make sure they cool before adding to the filling.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can make these pecan tassies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
How do I prevent the crust from shrinking?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps relax the gluten and prevent shrinkage. Also, avoid stretching the dough when pressing it into the muffin tin.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This Pecan Tassies Recipe scales well. Just be sure to have enough mini muffin tins on hand or bake in batches to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warm, nutty sweetness of homemade pecan tassies, and this Pecan Tassies Recipe captures that magic perfectly every time. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these delicate tarts are sure to bring smiles and cozy satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to try making and savoring them as much as I do!
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Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Pecan Tassies are delightful bite-sized pecan tarts featuring a rich, buttery cream cheese crust filled with a sweet, gooey pecan filling. These mini treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or everyday indulgence with their tender crust and caramelized nutty center.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Crust: Divide the chilled dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and press it firmly into the mini muffin tin cavities to create a cup-shaped shell for the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, packed brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Tassies: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly into each crust-lined cavity. Then, fill each cup about two-thirds full with the brown sugar filling mixture.
- Bake: Place the filled mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is important to help maintain the shape and texture of the tart shells during baking.
- You can toast the pecans briefly before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- Store tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Ensure the muffin tin is well greased to make removal easier and prevent breakage.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
