Irresistible Pecan Tarts Recipe: Sweet Bites of Nutty Bliss

Sweet, buttery pecan tarts dance with rich, golden flavors that promise pure indulgence.

These delectable mini desserts blend Southern comfort with elegant simplicity.

Nutty pecans nestled in a flaky, tender crust create a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

Crafted with just a few basic ingredients, these pecan tarts deliver a sophisticated treat anyone can master.

The recipe brings together classic ingredients in a harmonious blend of crunch and sweetness.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of caramelized pecans and silky filling that will delight your taste buds.

You’ll fall in love with these irresistible little pastries that are sure to become a cherished dessert in your recipe collection.

Keeping Pecan Tarts at Their Best

• Store pecan tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shape.
• Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Keep tarts at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm tarts in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. For a quick option, microwave for 10-15 seconds, checking to prevent overheating and maintain their crisp crust.

FAQs

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the tarts.

• What if I don't have mini tart pans?

You can use a mini muffin tin as an alternative. The process and baking time will remain the same, creating bite-sized pecan tarts.

• How do I prevent the tart shells from sticking?

Generously grease the tart pans or muffin tin with butter or cooking spray before adding the dough. This ensures easy removal after baking.

Pecan Tarts: Why Everyone Loves Them

• Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these pecan tarts require minimal culinary expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Guaranteed to impress guests with its rich, buttery flavor and elegant mini presentation that works for any gathering.
• Straightforward recipe with simple ingredients that come together quickly, allowing you to create delectable treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, afternoon tea, or as a sweet ending to a family meal, these tarts adapt to multiple occasions with charm and deliciousness.

Everything You Need for Pecan Tarts

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the delicate tart shells.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender, flaky pastry base.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes a smooth, creamy consistency and helps bind the pastry ingredients together.

• Pecans: Provide a classic nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the sweet tart filling.
• Brown Sugar: Offers a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pecans perfectly.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a smooth, custardy filling.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic essence.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavors in the tart.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy filling texture.

Must-Haves for Baking Pecan Tarts

• Electric mixer: Essential for beating butter and cream cheese smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining pastry and filling ingredients.
• Mini tart pans: Two pans with multiple cups for creating small tart shells.
• Tart tamper or fingers: Used to press dough into tart shell shapes.
• Wire rack: Perfect for cooling tarts after baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spoon: Helps to fill tart shells with pecan mixture.

Making Pecan Tarts: A Simple Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees F.

Grab two mini tart pans and give them a quick spray or light coating of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Pastry Dough

• Butter
• Cream cheese

Blend these with an electric mixer until they become silky smooth.

Sprinkle in flour and mix until a soft, pliable dough forms.

Step 3: Create Tart Shells

Roll the dough into 48 tiny balls.

Gently place one ball into each greased cup of the tart pan.

Use your fingertips or a tart tamper to press and shape each ball into a perfect little shell.

Step 4: Craft the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, crack open the eggs.

• Brown sugar
• Pecans
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks rich and well-blended.

Carefully spoon the filling into the prepared tart shells, filling each about three-quarters full.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tart pans into the preheated oven.

Bake for around 30 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Once done, transfer the tarts to a wire cooling rack and let them cool completely.

Pro Tips for Pecan Tart Perfection

• Let butter and cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, easy blending without lumps.
• Lightly dust fingers with flour when pressing dough into tart shells to create even, clean-edged pastry cups without messy residue.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to distribute filling evenly, guaranteeing consistent flavor and preventing overflow during baking.
• Check tarts after 25 minutes and tent with aluminum foil if edges brown too quickly to ensure perfect golden color without burning.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to filling to intensify their nutty, rich taste and create deeper flavor complexity.

Fun Variations for Pecan Tarts

• Gluten-Free Pecan Tarts: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich flavor and tender texture.
• Vegan Nutty Tartlets: Swap eggs and butter with coconut oil, flax eggs, and maple syrup to create a plant-based alternative that's equally decadent and crumbly.
• Chocolate Pecan Mini Pies: Add dark chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled tarts for an indulgent cocoa-infused dessert experience.
• Low-Sugar Pecan Treats: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, reducing calories while preserving the classic nutty caramel-like taste of traditional pecan tarts.

Sweet Ways to Serve Pecan Tarts

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Serve these delicate pecan tarts alongside fresh morning coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange tarts on a beautiful serving plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating a stunning presentation for dinner parties or special gatherings.
• Perfect Holiday Gift: Package cooled tarts in decorative boxes or clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them a charming homemade gift for friends and family during holiday seasons.
• Versatile Topping Option: Enhance the tarts with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Easy and Delicious Pecan Tarts Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Buttery pecan tarts showcase Southern hospitality with a sweet nutty filling nestled in delicate pastry shells. Crisp pecans and caramel-like syrup create an irresistible dessert you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) butter
• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour

Filling Ingredients:

• 3 cups (660 grams) packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously coat mini tart pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gradually incorporate flour, kneading until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Portion the dough into 48 uniform spheres. Carefully place one dough ball into each greased tart cavity. Utilize fingertips or a specialized tart tamper to uniformly press and shape each ball into a delicate shell.
4. Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in brown sugar, chopped pecans, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until ingredients are completely integrated.
5. Delicately spoon the prepared filling into the tart shells, ensuring each is filled approximately three-quarters full to prevent overflow during baking.
6. Position the tart pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown and the filling sets with a slight wobble.
7. Remove tarts from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps them firm up and prevents soggy bottoms.

Notes

• Choose room temperature butter and cream cheese for smoother, easier dough mixing.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent sticking and ensure flakier pastry.
• Use a mini tart tamper or the back of a spoon to create uniform, thin tart shells for consistent baking.
• Prevent overfilling by carefully spooning filling just below the shell’s rim to avoid messy overflow during baking.
• Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Reduce sugar by using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a less sweet version.
• Cool tarts completely on a wire rack to maintain crisp pastry texture and prevent soggy bottoms.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 354
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 156 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg