If you are on the hunt for a delightful, bite-sized treat that combines buttery crust, rich filling, and crunchy pecans, look no further than this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe. These adorable mini tarts are packed with cozy flavors that feel like a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a special dessert, this recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress seasoned bakers. The balance of creamy, sweet, and nutty notes makes these tassies an instant classic that you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making the perfect pecan tassies. Each component plays a vital role in creating the tender pastry and luscious filling that define this favorite treat.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a velvety richness that makes the crust tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for buttery flavor and flakiness in the crust and a touch in the filling.
- All purpose flour: The building block of the dough, providing structure.
- Egg: Adds moisture and helps the filling set beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Packed for sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the filling.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Coarsely chopped pecans: The star ingredient adding crunch, nuttiness, and that irresistible Southern charm.
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. This process creates a smooth dough with a perfect texture that’s not too sticky, making it easy to handle. Once combined, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for an hour. Chilling gives you a firm dough that will hold its shape when pressed into the mini muffin pan, ensuring a sturdy yet tender crust.
Step 2: Shape the Crusts
After the dough has chilled and is easier to work with, divide it into small, 1-inch balls. Press each ball evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased mini muffin pan. This shaping step is where the tassie form comes to life—creating tiny, perfect little shells ready to be filled with that irresistible pecan mixture. Set this aside while you prepare your filling.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a different bowl, beat together the egg, packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined. This mixture will give you that classic, gooey center that’s sweet but not overly so, with a delicate whisper of vanilla that heightens the flavor without overshadowing the pecans.
Step 4: Assemble the Tassies
Now for the fun part—layer the coarsely chopped pecans into each pastry cup, then spoon the filling over the nuts, about a teaspoon per cup, just enough to cover the pecans nicely. Placing the filled pan back in the refrigerator while your oven heats up helps the filling stay firm and prevents any spillover during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) and bake the tassies for 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is set and the tops have a gentle golden glow. This baking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the crust to turn tender and flaky without drying out.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow your pecan tassies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before gently removing them. They are absolutely delightful warm, offering a soft, gooey bite, but also delicious at room temperature when the filling has slightly firmed up. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
How to Serve Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your pecan tassies pop visually and flavor-wise, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can elevate them from tasty bites to show-stopping desserts.
Side Dishes
These tassies shine best as part of a sweet spread alongside hot beverages like coffee, tea, or mulled cider. For a holiday feast, complement their rich sweetness with a fresh fruit salad or citrusy sorbet to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your tassies on a festive platter lined with colorful napkins or place them in cute paper liners for easy handling at parties. For gift-giving, arrange them in a pretty box with tissue paper for a homemade treat that friends and family will love to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your pecan tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and maintains the perfect balance of a crisp crust and a gooey filling.
Freezing
These tassies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen tassies, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Warm them gently in an oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for about 8-10 minutes to refresh their buttery crust and soft filling, as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives. Just make sure to chop them coarsely to maintain that signature crunch.
Is cream cheese necessary in the crust?
Yes, cream cheese is key to achieving that tender, rich pastry texture that makes these tassies so special. It adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
How long do pecan tassies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about three days. Beyond that, they might dry out, but freezing is a great option for longer storage.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to shape and bake.
Are these tassies suitable for holidays and parties?
Definitely! They are festive, bite-sized, and easy to share, making them ideal for holiday celebrations or any gathering where you want a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably joyful about these Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe that makes every moment spent baking them worthwhile. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these little tarts bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of Southern charm to any table. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find it becoming a cherished tradition in your kitchen.
Print
Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 21 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Easy Pecan Tassies recipe makes delightful bite-sized pecan tarts with a creamy, buttery crust and a rich, sweet filling loaded with chopped pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a classic Southern treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
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 it for one hour to chill and firm up, which makes it easier to shape.
- Shape the Crusts: After chilling, divide the dough 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 to form the pecan filling.
- Assemble the Tassies: Evenly divide the coarsely chopped pecans among the pastry cups. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling mixture over the pecans, completely covering them. Place the filled pan in the refrigerator briefly while preheating the oven.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the tassies for 25 minutes or until the filling is set and the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin pan. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth dough.
- Press the dough evenly in the muffin pan to avoid thin spots that could cause leakage.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps the crust hold its shape during baking.
- Use coarsely chopped pecans to provide nice texture in the filling.
- Store leftover tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
