If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that perfectly balances buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling, you’re going to adore this Pecan Tassies Recipe. These delightful mini tarts deliver all the cozy flavors of a classic pecan pie but in a dainty, easy-to-eat form. Whether you’re making them for a festive holiday gathering or just because you need a little sweet escape, the combination of cinnamon-spiced dough and caramel-like filling studded with toasted pecans is guaranteed to win hearts and taste buds alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pecan Tassies Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from creating that tender, buttery shell to adding depth and sweetness to the pecan filling.
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds tangy richness and helps achieve a tender, flaky crust.
- â…” cup butter (softened): Brings buttery flavor and richness to the dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the pastry’s structure.
- 1½ tsp cinnamon: Infuses a warming spice that perfectly complements the pecans.
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar: Offers deep caramel sweetness and moist texture for the filling.
- â…“ cup karo syrup: Provides that glossy sheen and sticky, luscious consistency to the filling.
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Adds extra buttery goodness to the filling.
- â…› tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten): Binds the filling ingredients for a smooth, luscious texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Amplifies flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans (toasted): Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that’s essential.
How to Make Pecan Tassies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shells
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together at medium speed using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This step ensures a tender base for your tassies. Next, gradually add the flour and cinnamon, lowering the mixer speed to blend just until combined — you want to avoid overworking the dough to keep the crust flaky. Wrap the dough tightly in wax paper and chill it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This chilling step is important to firm up the dough, making it easier to shape into those perfect tiny shells.
Step 2: Shape the Pastry Shells
Once chilled, divide your dough into 48 small balls — these mini portions will fit perfectly into the wells of your miniature muffin pans. Lightly grease the pans before placing dough balls in each cavity. Gently press and shape each ball into a little shell, making sure the edges aren’t too thick to achieve the ideal bite-sized consistency. This hands-on process can be really fun and satisfying as you form these beautiful little tart bases.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Preheat your oven to 325°F to get ready for baking. While it warms up, combine the brown sugar, karo syrup, melted butter, salt, beaten egg, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl. Beat these ingredients at medium speed until fully blended, creating a luscious, shiny mixture. Stir in the finely chopped toasted pecans, which add crunch and a toasty note that’s so irresistible. This filling is the heart of your pecan tassies, bursting with that classic pecan pie flavor.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Using a spoon, carefully fill each pastry shell with an even amount of the pecan mixture, making sure not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking. Place the filled pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden. Once done, let the tassies cool slightly before gently removing them from the pans. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the filling to firm up perfectly while the shells stay wonderfully crisp.
How to Serve Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
While these pecan tassies are delightful as is, a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a snowy touch perfect for holiday occasions. For a more indulgent style, a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce enhances their sweet richness. Toasted pecan halves arranged decoratively on top add a beautiful visual appeal and a little extra crunch.
Side Dishes
Pecan tassies pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai tea, making them an excellent choice for afternoon tea or brunch. If you’re serving them at a dinner party, consider fresh fruit like sliced pears or apples on the side — their crispness provides a lovely contrast to the rich mini pies. They also work well beside classic holiday desserts like pumpkin pie or eggnog for a festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Visual presentation can elevate your Pecan Tassies Recipe to the next level. Serve them on a tiered dessert tray to highlight their petite charm, or arrange them on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper and scattered pecan halves. For parties, package them individually in small clear boxes or mini cupcake liners tied with a ribbon for a sweet gift or take-home favor. A sprinkle of edible gold dust can even add a touch of elegance if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pecan tassies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days without losing their delicate texture. To keep the shells crisp, avoid refrigerating unless your environment is particularly warm or humid.
Freezing
These little delights freeze exceptionally well. Simply place cooled pecan tassies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours and refresh in a low oven if you’d like to regain some crispness.
Reheating
If you prefer serving your pecan tassies warm, gently reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This will soften the filling slightly and bring back that fresh-baked aroma without drying out the crust. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shells soggy and change the texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese in the dough?
The cream cheese is what gives the pastry shell its tender, slightly tangy quality, so it’s best not to skip it. However, some bakers have tried using mascarpone or Greek yogurt, but results may vary. For best texture and flavor, stick to the recipe as written.
How important is it to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough for at least two hours is essential to firm the fats and allow the flour to hydrate, which helps the dough hold its shape when baking. If you skip this step, the dough may be too soft and sticky, making shaping difficult and the crust less flaky.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pecan filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a gentle stir before filling the shells. This makes the assembly process quicker, especially when you’re prepping for a large batch.
What if I don’t have karo syrup?
If karo syrup isn’t available, you can substitute it with light corn syrup or a homemade mix of honey and water. The syrup helps bind the filling and keep it moist, so the substitute should be similarly viscous for the best results.
Can these be made in a larger tart size?
Absolutely! While this Pecan Tassies Recipe is designed for mini tartlets, you can scale the dough and filling to create larger tarts. Keep in mind that baking times will increase, and you may need to adjust the filling amount accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way these little pecan tassies come together — from the buttery cream cheese crust to the warm, nutty filling that melts in your mouth. Sharing this Pecan Tassies Recipe is like passing along a little piece of joy, perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time your sweet tooth calls. Give it a try and watch these charming, flavorful treats vanish in no time!
Print
Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pecan Tassies are delightful miniature pecan pies with a rich, creamy cream cheese crust filled with a sweet, cinnamon-infused pecan filling. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you crave a sweet, nutty dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- â…” cup butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
Filling
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- â…“ cup Karo syrup
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- â…› tsp salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Beat softened cream cheese and butter at medium speed using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the flour and cinnamon, mixing at low speed until just blended. Wrap the dough in wax paper and chill it in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up.
- Shape the shells: After chilling, divide the dough into 48 small balls. Lightly grease miniature muffin pans and press each ball into the pan to form a small shell shape suitable for holding the filling.
- Make the filling: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, Karo syrup, melted butter, salt, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Stir in the toasted pecans to complete the filling.
- Fill and bake: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into each pastry shell in the muffin pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the filling is set and the shells are lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the tassies cool slightly in the pans, then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easy blending.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and shaping of the shells.
- Use miniature muffin pans for perfect bite-sized tassies.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
- Store pecan tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
