There’s something absolutely magical about the smell of pecans roasting in the oven, isn’t there? It reminds me of cozy fall evenings spent huddled around the table with family, sipping cider, and sharing our highlights of the week. Pecan tassies have a special place in my heart—little bites of nutty goodness nestled in a flaky crust, they are both elegant and comforting. This recipe came to life during a Thanksgiving celebration years ago when my aunt surprised us with these delectable morsels for dessert. It was an instant hit! Since then, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the holidays.
These charming little tarts are uncomplicated to make and are perfect for any gathering, big or small. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they always disappear so fast. Let’s dive into the delights of making pecan tassies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Certain recipes have a knack for wrapping you in a warm hug, and pecan tassies are just that! Here’s why you’re going to want to try these:
- Time-saver: They whip up quickly and can be made ahead of time, saving you precious moments during busy evenings or during party prep.
- Homemade goodness: They taste like something you’d find in a charming bakery but come straight from your kitchen, all warm and inviting.
- Versatile flavors: Whether you like them with a hint of chocolate or a dash of bourbon, there’s room for creativity!
What It Tastes Like
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, buttery crust that crumbles delicately at the edges. As you bite down, you encounter the rich and gooey filling, studded with crunchy pecans that provide a delightful contrast in texture. It’s sweet but not overly so, with a slight caramel note and a hint of vanilla that dances on your tongue. Oh, and if you add a sprinkle of sea salt to the top, that little pop of savoriness is like the cherry on top of an already perfect dessert. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket made of flavor after a long day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the foundation for your crust, creating that flaky texture we all adore.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor; it’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 3 oz cream cheese: This adds a luscious creaminess to the crust.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: They bring that nutty crunch, and let’s be honest, are the star of the show!
- 1 cup brown sugar: For natural caramel sweetness that fills the tassies.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and give the filling its satisfying structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A must-have for depth and warmth in flavor.
Optional Additions
- Chocolate chips: A handful of mini chocolate chips stirred into the filling adds an extra layer of decadence.
- Bourbon: A dash of bourbon can amplify the flavors for an inviting twist.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle can add warmth and spice to the filling.
Special Garnishes
- Sea salt: Just a tiny pinch on top can heighten the flavors wonderfully!
- Whipped cream: Serve them with a dollop for a touch of elegance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now comes the fun part! Let’s make these delicious pecan tassies together.
- Preheat the oven: Get that oven up to 350°F (175°C) while we prepare the crust.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, and cream cheese until the mixture is crumbly. I like to use my hands for this—there’s something therapeutic about getting a little messy in the kitchen!
- Chill out: Once you’ve mixed the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to work with.
- Prepare the filling: While you’re waiting, in another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans until well-combined. The aroma of the vanilla wafting through your kitchen? Pure bliss!
- Shape the tassies: After cooling, scoop about a tablespoon of the dough into each cavity of a mini muffin tin, pressing it firmly against the bottom and up the sides to form a little cup.
- Fill it up: Spoon the pecan filling into each crust, being careful not to overfill. Leave a little room for it to puff up and be glorious in the oven. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Once they’re out of the oven, let your tassies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to play with:
- Nutty swaps: Try using walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Fruit infusion: A few dried cranberries or cherries could add a tangy twist to the filling.
- Mini versions: You can also make larger tarts in a regular muffin tin for a more generous treat!
Serving & Storage Tips
These pecan tassies are best served fresh but can be made ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. If you need to store them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, just place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. And as for leftovers, if they somehow last that long, I recommend crumbling them over vanilla ice cream for a pecan party of flavors!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t rush the dough: Giving the crust time to chill really makes it easier to work with. You’ll avoid sticky situations!
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
- Get creative: Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors—this recipe is very forgiving!
Special Equipment
- Mini muffin tin: This is crucial for the traditional tassie shape. Using a tin with a non-stick coating makes it even better!
- Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls in assorted sizes will serve you well, making it easy to prepare both crust and filling.
- Whisk: Essential for ensuring your filling is smooth and well-combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pecan tassies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze pecan tassies?
Yes! Once cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat slightly in the oven.
What’s the best way to serve them?
They’re delightful on their own, but adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to another level!
Can I adjust the sweetness?
You can certainly reduce the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet filling. Just keep the balance in mind for the overall taste.
Conclusion
I absolutely adore making pecan tassies—they remind me of home and family gatherings filled with laughter and love. I can picture serving them at the next holiday dinner, surrounded by friends and family, sharing stories as we savor these little bites of heaven. I hope you give this recipe a try and invite your own loved ones into the kitchen to join in the fun! Feel free to share your version of pecan tassies, and let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below. Happy baking!
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Delicious Pecan Tassies Recipe for Perfect Sweet Treats
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 tassies 1x
Description
Savor sweet Pecan Tassies with this easy recipe Enjoy a perfect dessert that delights your taste buds Try these treats for any occasion
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Pecan tassies are delightful little tarts filled with a gooey pecan filling nestled in a flaky crust, perfect for any gathering, especially during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 tassies
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
