Imagine biting into a tiny, buttery pastry shell filled with a gooey, caramel-like sweetness that dances on your tongue. Yes, we’re diving into the world of Pecan Tassies, those delightful little bites of bliss that are perfect for any occasion—be it a holiday gathering or just because you want to treat yourself. These mini pecan pies deliver all the decadent goodness without the commitment of a full pie, which is great for those of us who like to live life on the edge (of dessert).
Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with Pecan Tassies. I was at my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of baked goods wafted through the air like an invitation. I vividly remember watching her whip up these delightful treats while sharing stories about her childhood. The excitement in her voice matched only by the tantalizing aroma filling the room. Trust me; you want to make these!
Why You'll Love This Pecan Tassies
- This incredible Pecan Tassies transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
One Christmas, I brought Pecan Tassies to a family gathering and watched as my cousin’s eyes sparkled with delight after his first bite. It was a sweet victory moment when he declared them “the best thing ever.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh flour for the best texture in your crust—trust me; stale flour is not a friend here.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened at room temperature—this helps create that dreamy crust.
Brown Sugar: Go for light brown sugar to add a subtle caramel flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.
Pecans: Choose fresh pecans and chop them roughly; they should add crunch without overshadowing other flavors.
Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs to bind everything together in that luscious filling.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates your filling from good to absolutely divine.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pecan Tassies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter; no one wants their precious tassies stuck.
Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and softened butter until crumbly. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth; it should resemble playdough but tastier.
Shape the Shells: Take a small portion of dough and press it into each muffin tin cup evenly around the bottom and sides—think mini pie crusts but with less stress than Thanksgiving.
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans until well combined; this mixture should be silky and inviting.
Fill the Cups: Spoon that heavenly filling into each prepared crust until about three-quarters full—leave some space because they puff up like little delicious clouds.
Bake Them Up!: Pop your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top; keep an eye out for that gorgeous color!
Let your Pecan Tassies cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—the aroma will have everyone hovering nearby like moths to a flame.
These scrumptious treats are perfect warm or at room temperature; serve them at parties or enjoy them solo while binge-watching your favorite show—they’re versatile like that!
You Must Know About Pecan Tassies
- This showstopping Pecan Tassies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the crust while it’s heating up. Mix together flour, butter, and cream cheese until smooth. Then, press the dough into mini muffin tins before preparing the filling. While they bake for about 15-18 minutes, whip up a quick pecan filling with brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. This sequence ensures everything comes together seamlessly for perfectly baked Pecan Tassies.
Add Your Touch
Get creative with your Pecan Tassies by adding chocolate chips or a touch of maple syrup to your filling for extra sweetness. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds if you’re feeling adventurous! Another fun twist is to sprinkle some sea salt on top right before serving to enhance those sweet flavors. Personalizing these tiny treats can make them uniquely yours and delight your guests.
Storing & Reheating
To store your delicious Pecan Tassies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for a month. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm but not too hot—nobody wants molten filling splattered everywhere during the first bite!
Chef's Helpful Tips for Pecan Tassies
- This professional-quality Pecan Tassies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Creating these delightful mini pies reminds me of my childhood baking escapades with my grandma. Her joy was contagious as we made Pecan Tassies together; they were a family favorite during holidays, leaving us all craving more.
FAQ
What are Pecan Tassies?
Pecan tassies are small tart-like pastries filled with a sweet pecan mixture that resembles pecan pie but in a bite-sized form. They feature a flaky crust made from cream cheese and butter that perfectly complements the gooey filling.
Can I use different nuts in Pecan Tassies?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds if desired. Just keep in mind that each nut will impart its unique flavor profile into your tassies.
Are there vegan options for making Pecan Tassies?
Yes! You can substitute dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like coconut cream instead of butter and aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) in place of eggs for the filling.
How do I know when my Pecan Tassies are done baking?
Your Pecan Tassies will be done when they turn golden brown around the edges and slightly puffed in the center. A gentle jiggle is okay; it will set as they cool!
Conclusion for Pecan Tassies
In summary, making scrumptious Pecan Tassies is both an art and a joy that brings people together! With their buttery crusts and sweet fillings, these little delights are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you stick with tradition or add your own twist, remember that practice makes perfect—and don’t forget to savor those moments shared over dessert!
Pecan Tassies
Pecan Tassies are delightful mini pastries that combine a buttery cream cheese crust with a gooey, sweet pecan filling. Perfect for any occasion, these bite-sized treats deliver all the flavors of traditional pecan pie without the need to slice a full pie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, and cream cheese until crumbly and smooth.
- Press dough into muffin tin cups to form mini crusts.
- In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans until well combined.
- Fill each crust with the pecan mixture until three-quarters full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Pecan Tassie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, mix in chocolate chips or maple syrup into the filling. - Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired. - Sprinkle sea salt on top before serving for an extra flavor boost.
