If you’re looking to whip up a delightful treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe is exactly the one to try. These mini pecan tarts boast a creamy, buttery crust that perfectly cradles a sweet, nutty filling, delivering bite-sized pieces of pure comfort and joy. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just craving something sweet, these tassies hit all the right notes with their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, making them a go-to for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want an extra-special dessert without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe lies in a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the creamy tang of cream cheese in the crust to the golden sweetness of brown sugar in the filling. Together, they create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
- Cream cheese (3 ounces, softened): Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the dough, ensuring a tender crust.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened + 1 tablespoon softened): Brings richness and a flaky texture to both crust and filling.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base that holds the crust together with a delicate crumb.
- Egg (1): Binds the filling ingredients for that luscious, custard-like consistency.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Infuses the filling with deep caramel sweetness and natural moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- Coarsely chopped pecans (2/3 cup): Provides a satisfying crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor that’s essential to tassies.
How to Make Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by creaming together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Wrapping this dough in plastic wrap and chilling it in the refrigerator for one hour helps firm it up, making it easier to handle and ensuring that your crust bakes up tender and flaky.
Step 2: Shape the Crusts
Once your dough is chilled, divide it into small portions and roll each into 1-inch balls. Press each ball gently but firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased mini muffin pan. This step forms the miniature pastry cups that will hold all the delicious filling and pecans, setting the stage for perfect tassies every time.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, packed brown sugar, an additional tablespoon of softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and silky. This sweet filling strikes a beautiful balance between rich and gooey, the heart of every Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Tassies
Distribute the coarsely chopped pecans evenly among the pastry cups. Then, spoon about one teaspoon of the filling over the nuts, covering them with a luscious layer of that sugary custard. Placing this filled pan briefly in the refrigerator while preheating your oven helps everything stay put during baking, guaranteeing neat and beautiful tassies.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). When hot, bake the tassies for 25 minutes until the filling is set and just starting to turn golden on top. The transformation from raw batter to these delightful golden gems is a moment to savor—the rich aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your pecan tassies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, which helps them firm up further and makes them easier to remove. These treats taste incredible warm, as the filling is soft and gooey, or at room temperature when the flavors have fully melded. Either way, they’re irresistibly good.
How to Serve Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the tassies just before serving for a touch of elegance. For an extra boost of flavor and color, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully, transforming these simple treats into show-stopping delights.
Side Dishes
Easy pecan tassies shine alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea, making them a lovely afternoon pick-me-up. They also complement vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad if you want to serve them as part of a dessert platter that’s bursting with textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your tassies on a tiered dessert stand with fresh pecans and sprigs of mint or rosemary as decoration. Consider using decorative mini cupcake liners to add pops of color and personality, perfect for parties or gifting to friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pecan tassies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This ensures the crust stays tender and the filling maintains its luscious texture without drying out.
Freezing
These tassies also freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that warm, just-baked feeling, gently reheat tassies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method crisps the crust slightly and warms the filling without overbaking or drying it out.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld and makes shaping the crusts easier when you’re ready to bake.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts are a wonderful alternative and add a slightly different flavor and texture. Just swap them in equal amounts to keep the filling balanced and just as delicious.
Is it possible to make these tassies gluten-free?
Definitely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, making sure it’s one suited for baking. The texture may be a bit different, but they’ll still taste fantastic.
How many tassies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 21 mini pecan tassies, depending on the size of your mini muffin pan, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying over several days.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the recipe is straightforward and works well if you’re expecting a crowd. Simply mix twice the amount of ingredients and bake in batches as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe is truly one of those little kitchen treasures that never fails to delight. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a mouthwatering result make it a recipe to hold close and share often. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just craving a sweet snack, these tassies bring warmth and sweetness to every occasion. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert!
Print
Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 21 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pecan Tassies recipe features buttery, creamy mini tartlets filled with a sweet, nutty pecan filling. Made with a simple cream cheese and butter crust and a luscious brown sugar and pecan filling, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a delicious nutty dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 3 ounces (85 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (114 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125 g) all purpose flour
Filling
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup (165 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup (73 g) coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and all purpose flour in a mixing bowl until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour to chill and firm up.
- Shape the Crusts: After chilling, divide the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Press each dough ball evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased mini muffin pan to form small pastry cups. Set aside while preparing the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Tassies: Divide the chopped pecans evenly among the pastry cups. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling mixture on top of the pecans in each cup, covering the nuts. Place the filled pan in the refrigerator briefly while preheating the oven.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Once preheated, bake the tassies for 25 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Press the dough gently but firmly into the mini muffin pan to ensure it holds the filling well.
- You can use chopped walnuts instead of pecans if preferred.
- Store the tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These tassies can be frozen after baking; thaw at room temperature before serving.
