Introduction to Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
Oh, the joy of crafting delightful treats like Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies! These charming mini tarts are perfect for those busy days when you need something sweet and satisfying. They’re not just quick to whip up, but they’ll also bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces. I promise, the rich, nutty filling cradled in tender crusts is a taste of home in every bite. Whether it’s a family gathering or a surprise for the kiddos, these tassies are your go-to recipe for delight. Get ready to treat yourself and your family to an irresistible dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
These Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies are not just delicious; they’re a lifesaver for busy lives! With a simple method that takes less than an hour, you can create a crowd-pleasing treat. Their miniature size means they’re perfect for little hands or as a sweet addition to gatherings. Plus, with that delightful combination of creamy and crunchy, every bite is like a hug for your taste buds! What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
Let’s gather our ingredients for these delightful Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies. Each item plays a vital role in crafting these little bites of joy.
- Salted Butter: This creamy goodness forms the base of the crust. It adds richness and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: It contributes a delightful creaminess, balancing out the sweetness of the filling.
- All-Purpose Flour: This flour forms the structure of our tassies, giving them that perfect, tender crust.
- Dark Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, molasses-like flavor, enhancing the sweetness while complementing the nuts.
- Melted Butter: A little more butter helps to combine the filling beautifully, ensuring every bite is luscious.
- Large Eggs: They act as a binding agent, ensuring the filling holds together well with a silky texture.
- Maple Extract: This optional ingredient can elevate the flavor profile, adding that distinct warmth and sweetness reminiscent of fall.
- Finely Chopped Pecans: These nuts contribute a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs splendidly with the sweetness.
- Pecan Halves: A simple but elegant topping that not only looks great but adds an extra nutty note.
For those looking to customize, substitutes like unsalted butter or different nuts can create unique twists! Remember, exact measurements for your shopping convenience are at the bottom of the article, ready for printing.
How to Make Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies! Follow these steps, savoring the joy of creating each mini tart. I promise you, the amazing aroma and flavors will be well worth your effort!
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by creaming together the room temperature butter and cream cheese using a hand mixer. This step is crucial! Soften them together until smooth and velvety. Room temperature ingredients blend better, ensuring your crust will be light and delicious. Trust me; it makes all the difference in the world!
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Pans
Next, grab your mini muffin pans and give them a good spray with cooking spray. This helps your tassies pop out easily later. Here’s my little secret: right after you scoop the dough into the pans, stick them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it firm and easier to shape!
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, maple extract, and finely chopped pecans. Give them a thorough whisk. This blending process is where the flavors come alive! The gooey sweetness of the filling will create a wonderful contrast to the crisp crust. Be sure to mix until everything is well combined!
Step 4: Shape the Dough Cups
Once your dough is chilled, take one muffin pan out of the fridge. Take small balls of dough and press them into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cavity. You want to create a nice “cup” that’ll hold your filling. Importantly, make sure each shell is evenly shaped for consistent baking!
Step 5: Fill and Add Toppings
Now it’s time to fill those lovely dough cups! Gently pour the filling into each cup, but don’t overfill them—leave a little space for expansion. Place a pecan half on top of each filled tart. This simple touch not only looks fabulous but gives an extra crunch to your tassies!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Preheat your oven to 350ºF and bake for about 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn golden brown and look irresistible. Remove them from the oven, but be careful—those mini tarts will be hot! Allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes before using a small knife to gently loosen and transfer them to a cooling rack.
And there you have it! Each step is simple, yet the results are undeniably impressive. Trust me; sharing these Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies will warm anyone’s heart!
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Keep your dough chilled; this helps in shaping and prevents sticking.
- For an extra touch, consider adding chocolate chips or different nuts to the filling!
- Monitor baking closely, as ovens can vary; golden brown is your best indicator.
- Allow the tassies to cool before transferring for easier handling.
Equipment Needed
- Mini muffin pans: Essential for creating those adorable tassies. No mini pan? Use a regular muffin pan—just adjust the baking time!
- Hand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and cream cheese. A whisk works too, but it’ll take some elbow grease!
- Mixing bowls: Use at least two—one for the dough and one for the filling.
- Cooking spray: This will keep your tassies from sticking. Oil or butter works in a pinch!
- Small knife: Useful for loosening the tassies from the pans. A spatula can also work if you’re gentle!
Variations of Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
- Chocolate Pecan Tassies: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist. The combination of chocolate and pecans is simply divine!
- Maple Pecan Tassies: Replace the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor. You can also add a little extra maple extract to amp up that sweetness!
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the pecans with finely chopped oats or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative. You’ll still get a tasty treat without the allergens!
- Spiced Pecans: Toss the pecans in a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg before adding them to the filling. It adds a delightful warm spiciness that’s perfect for fall gatherings!
- Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to create a delicious vegan alternative.
Serving Suggestions for Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
- Pair with Coffee: Serve these tassies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
- Fancy Presentation: Arrange them on a pretty platter with colorful napkins for special occasions.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Top them with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
FAQs about Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
Curious about these delightful Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies? Here are some commonly asked questions to help you enjoy this tasty treat even more!
Can I make Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling separately a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and assemble when you’re ready to bake.
How should I store leftover tassies?
These mini tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to savor them longer, consider refrigerating them.
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked tassies! Just make sure they cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you or your loved ones have nut allergies, feel free to replace pecans with sunflower seeds or finely chopped oats. They’ll still offer a tasty filling with a crunchy texture!
What will happen if I overfill the tassies?
Overfilling can lead to messy overflow in the muffin pans. Try to fill them just about two-thirds full for the best results. This way, they’ll bake perfectly without spilling over!
Final Thoughts
Creating these Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies is more than just baking; it’s about cultivating joy and connection. Each mini tart is a labor of love, filled with sweet memories and comforting flavors. The anticipation as they bake, the aroma wafting through your home, fills the heart with warmth. Whether shared during sweet moments with family or served at gatherings with friends, these tassies bring smiles all around. I hope this recipe inspires you to whip up a batch, inviting laughter and joy into your kitchen. It’s a delightful way to create lasting memories one tart at a time!
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Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 36 tassies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies, mini pecan tarts filled with a sweet and nutty filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 36 pecan halves (for topping)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the butter and cream cheese until well combined. Add the flour and mix until smooth.
- Spray three mini muffin pans (36 tarts total) with cooking spray. Using a mini cookie scoop, scoop dough balls into the muffin pans, dividing the dough between the 36 cups evenly. Refrigerate the dough while making the filling.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, maple extract and finely chopped pecans.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. After the tarts have refrigerated for about 15 minutes, remove one pan from the fridge. Press the dough on the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cavity to create a “cup” with the dough.
- Fill the dough shells ⅔ full with the filling. Place a pecan half on top of each cup.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until the tarts are golden brown on top. Allow the tarts to cool, then loosen them with a small knife and remove them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Do not overfill the tart cups to prevent overflow.
- You can store these tassies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
