There is something absolutely irresistible about these bite-sized delights, and that’s exactly what the Pecan Tassies Recipe delivers in every heavenly nibble. Imagine a buttery, tender cream cheese crust hugging a rich, gooey filling of brown sugar, butter, and crunchy pecans—a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that makes these mini tarts a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is a timeless classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, staple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a perfect balance between a silky crust and a luscious pecan filling. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that make these tassies stand out.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create that tender, crumbly crust.
- Cream cheese (3 oz, softened): Gives the crust a subtle tang and silky texture, making it extra flaky.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation that holds the crust together just right.
- Egg (1 large): Provides structure and moisture to the filling for a custard-like consistency.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Offers deep caramel notes and sweetness to the filling.
- Melted unsalted butter (1 tbsp): Enhances the richness of the filling and boosts flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic sweetness that rounds everything out beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the pecan flavor.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Provides crunch, nuttiness, and the star ingredient’s unmistakable flavor.
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 smooth, creamy mixture. This step is key to ensuring your crust is rich and tender. Gradually add in the flour, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork the dough here; it should just come together. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes—this cool-down period makes shaping the crust much easier.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking and help your tassies release easily once baked. This preparation sets the stage for perfectly shaped little treats.
Step 3: Shape the Crusts
Once chilled, divide your dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, then gently press it into the greased mini muffin tin cavities to form a little cup. This careful shaping is what holds your delicious filling, so take your time so each tassie has a neat, uniform shape.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, packed brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined and silky smooth. This luscious filling will create that gooey, caramel-like center that pecan tassies are famous for.
Step 5: Assemble the Tassies
Add a spoonful of chopped pecans into each crust-lined cup—a wonderful crunchy surprise for every bite—and then fill the cups about two-thirds full with the brown sugar mixture. The pecans on the bottom meld with the syrupy filling as they bake, resulting in those signature pockets of delightful texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling is set and the crust has turned a gorgeous golden brown. Watching those tassies bake is a treat itself, as the aroma of toasted pecans and buttery sweetness fills your kitchen. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
While these pecan tassies truly shine on their own, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate, snowy touch that’s perfect for festive occasions. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a rich contrast, or add a pinch of sea salt to highlight the sweetness even more.
Side Dishes
Serve pecan tassies alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or even a robust chai tea to elevate the snack experience. For brunches or dessert tables, pair them with fresh fruit like sliced pears or oranges to balance their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
These little gems make fantastic party favors—place them in decorative mini cupcake wrappers or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant display. You can also create a dessert platter with different nut tassie varieties for a fun twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tassies left over (and you might!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust tender and the filling deliciously moist without getting soggy.
Freezing
Pecan tassies freeze beautifully, making them perfect to prepare in advance. Place cooled tassies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen tassies, simply thaw at room temperature, then warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes. This helps bring back that freshly baked texture and flavor so they taste just as amazing as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I make the crust without cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds a unique tenderness and flavor to the crust, you can substitute it with additional butter for a more traditional shortbread crust. The texture will be slightly different, with less tang but still delicious.
Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts are a great alternative and will give your tassies a delightful nutty flavor and crunch. Just substitute them in equal amounts for pecans.
Do I need a mini muffin tin to make tassies?
While a mini muffin tin shapes each tassie perfectly, you can also use small tart pans or even a regular muffin tin for larger treats. The size might change the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the filling ingredients up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before spooning it into your crusts.
Why do pecan tassies sometimes have a soggy bottom?
Soggy bottoms can occur if the filling is too wet or the crust is underbaked. Make sure to press the dough firmly into the muffin tin and bake until the edges are golden. Letting them cool in the pan helps the crust firm up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as charming as it is scrumptious, the Pecan Tassies Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. These little bites are packed with buttery, nutty goodness that’s simply unforgettable. Roll up your sleeves and try making them—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so incredibly satisfying and perfect for every occasion.
Print
Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Pecan Tassies are delightful mini pecan tarts featuring a buttery cream cheese crust filled with a rich, sweet brown sugar and pecan mixture. Perfect as bite-sized treats for holidays or any special occasion, these tassies offer a buttery, nutty flavor with a tender crust and gooey filling.
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 unsalted 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 for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Crust: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Divide it into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and press it firmly into the mini muffin tin cups to form small cup-shaped crusts.
- 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 in the muffin tin. Then, fill each cup about two-thirds full with the brown sugar mixture, ensuring each is evenly portioned.
- Bake: Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set and the crust turns a golden brown. Let the tassies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to make it easier to handle and to maintain the crust’s flakiness after baking.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred or for variety.
- If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a mini tart pan or regular muffin tin though the size and baking time might vary slightly.
- Ensure the brown sugar is packed firmly when measured to maintain the right filling consistency.
- Store leftover tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
