Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever tasted a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite? The Tasty Pecan Tassies Recipe brings together the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a sweet, gooey filling nestled in a flaky crust. Each mini tart is an explosion of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Perfect as a holiday treat or a delightful addition to any gathering, these tassies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
As I recall my grandmother bustling around the kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked pecan tassies wafting through the air always filled me with joy. It was our special tradition during family reunions, where everyone gathered to share stories over these delicious little bites. The anticipation of biting into one—crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—made those moments truly special. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration, this recipe promises an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients For Tasty Pecan Tassies Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your crust, providing the right texture for those tiny tarts.
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Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for a flaky crust; it’s essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
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Brown Sugar: This adds depth and richness to the filling, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.
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Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar enhances the overall sweetness of the tassies.
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Pecans: Chopped pecans provide crunch and nutty flavor; opt for fresh ones for the best taste.
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Eggs: These bind the filling together and create that luscious texture we all love in pecan desserts.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Tasty Pecan Tassies Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cold unsalted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into a mini muffin tin to form the crusts.
Second Step: Make the Filling
In another bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and chopped pecans until well incorporated. This combination will create that sweet and nutty filling we crave in each tassie.
Third Step: Assemble
Spoon the filling into each prepared crust, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising while baking. Ensure even distribution for consistent flavors in every bite.
Fourth Step: Bake
Place your mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning while ensuring they set properly.
Fifth Step: Cool
Once baked, remove from oven and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. This allows them to firm up slightly for easier handling.
Serve these delightful Tasty Pecan Tassies warm or at room temperature for a perfect finishing touch at your next gathering.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Chill Your Dough: If possible, chill your dough before pressing it into the muffin tin; this helps maintain flakiness while baking.
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Fresh Pecans Matter: Using fresh pecans can significantly enhance flavor; consider roasting them lightly before adding for an extra depth.
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Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill each crust; leaving space allows for proper rising and prevents overflow during baking.
Preparation Steps
To create this Tasty Pecan Tassies Recipe, follow these simple steps for a delightful dessert that your family and friends will love. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your pastry dough.
First, combine flour, butter, and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth dough. Next, shape the dough into small balls and press each ball into the bottom and up the sides of mini muffin cups. This creates a lovely crust for your pecan filling.
In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Stir until well combined. Spoon this mixture into the prepared pastry shells. Make sure each shell is filled generously but not overflowing.
Bake the tassies for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and set in the middle. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly made Tasty Pecan Tassies!
Serving Suggestions
These Tasty Pecan Tassies are perfect for various occasions. Serve them at holiday gatherings or family celebrations to impress your guests. Pair them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Additionally, consider serving these delightful tassies with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. Their sweet flavor complements both beverages beautifully. You can also package them in decorative boxes as gifts during festive seasons; everyone will appreciate this homemade delight.
Storage Tips
To keep your Tasty Pecan Tassies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to one week.
If you want to enjoy them even later, freezing is an excellent option. Place the cooled tassies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before serving.
Presentation Ideas
This Tasty Pecan Tassies Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
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Chocolate drizzle can elevate their appearance and flavor profile.
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A side of fresh berries contrasts nicely with the sweetness of tassies.
FAQs
How can I make my Tasty Pecan Tassies gluten-free?
To adapt this Tasty Pecan Tassies Recipe for gluten-free diets, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure that other ingredients, such as baking powder and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free certified. The texture may vary slightly but should still yield delicious results.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes! While pecans are traditional for this Tasty Pecan Tassies Recipe, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if desired. Each nut brings its unique flavor profile that can change the overall taste of the tassies while maintaining their delightful texture.
What can I do if my tassie crusts are too thick?
If you find that your crusts are too thick after baking this Tasty Pecan Tassies Recipe, it’s important to adjust the amount of dough used next time. Ensure you press the dough evenly into mini muffin cups without excessive amounts sticking up along the sides; this way, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced crust-to-filling ratio.
Can I make these tassies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these Tasty Pecan Tassies ahead of time by baking them a day or two before your event. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve. They remain delicious and maintain their texture even after being stored briefly before enjoying!
Tasty Pecan Tassies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the warmth and joy of homemade Tasty Pecan Tassies, delightful mini tarts filled with a rich, gooey pecan filling nestled in a flaky crust. Perfect for holidays or any gathering, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests and become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted if desired
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour and butter until crumbly. Press into mini muffin tins to form crusts.
- In another bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and pecans until well combined.
- Spoon filling into each crust, filling three-quarters full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tassie (30g)
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 41mg