If you’re looking for a delightful, bite-sized treat that combines buttery crusts with a rich, gooey pecan filling, look no further than this Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe. These little gems are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering, a casual afternoon snack, or a special dessert that’s sure to impress. What makes these pecan tassies truly stand out is their delicate balance of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors encased in a tender cream cheese crust that practically melts in your mouth. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for another, and another, with no regrets whatsoever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference, and this recipe shines because of its simplicity and quality components. Each ingredient plays an essential role: the cream cheese gives the crust its trademark tenderness, butter adds richness and flakiness, flour provides structure, and the pecans offer that iconic crunch and deep nutty flavor.
- Cream cheese: Softened to ensure a smooth dough and delicious, tender crust texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a flaky pastry base when softened.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the crust while keeping it light and tender.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the filling, ensuring it sets perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Packed for sweetness and a lovely caramel undertone in the filling.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out a warm, aromatic flavor to enhance the filling.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and flavors beautifully.
- Coarsely chopped pecans: Provide that irresistible crunch and nutty richness.
How to Make Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and combine until the dough comes together. Wrapping the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chilling it in the refrigerator for one hour is key to firming up the dough, making it easier to shape later.
Step 2: Shape the Crusts
Once the dough is chilled, divide it into small balls approximately one inch in diameter. Press each ball evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased mini muffin pan to create a sturdy yet tender pastry cup. This creates the perfect vessel for the luscious filling to come.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, packed brown sugar, one tablespoon of softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend these until smooth and creamy—this mixture will give your tassies that classic, sticky-sweet pecan pie flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Tassies
Divide the coarsely chopped pecans evenly among each pastry cup in the mini muffin pan. Spoon the filling over the pecans, about one teaspoon per cup, ensuring the nuts are fully covered but not overflowing. This neat layering ensures every tassie has a perfect balance of filling and crunch.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), then bake the tassies for approximately 25 minutes or until the filling is set and the tops turn a beautiful light golden color. Allow them to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing to prevent any breakage. Serve these warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce over your pecan tassies adds an elegant touch that’s both attractive and indulgent. For an extra dash of flavor, a small dollop of whipped cream can elevate each bite to heavenly perfection.
Side Dishes
Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte, making it a superb choice for breakfast or afternoon tea. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold sensations that’s irresistibly good.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your tassies on a festive platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary during holiday gatherings to enhance their visual appeal. For parties, consider arranging them in decorative mini cupcake liners or even topping each tassie with a pecan half for a charming, rustic look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pecan tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their tenderness and flavor. Keeping them covered ensures they don’t dry out, preserving the texture of both the crust and the filling.
Freezing
You can freeze these tassies successfully by first baking and cooling them completely. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for an hour before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully frozen for up to two months and thaw quickly for a quick dessert fix.
Reheating
Warm your pecan tassies gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to revive their fresh-baked quality. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it may soften the crust too much. Reheating this way helps restore crisp edges and gooey filling.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping. This can actually enhance the flavor and make the dough easier to handle.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if allergic?
If you cannot use cream cheese, you might try a softened ricotta cheese or mascarpone as alternatives; however, the texture and taste will vary slightly from the original recipe.
Can I use other nuts in place of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives and provide their own unique flavor profiles while maintaining the delicious crunch in the filling.
How do I know when the tassies are fully baked?
The tassies are ready when the filling is set with no jiggle and the tops have a light golden hue. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye during the final minutes.
Is it necessary to use a mini muffin pan?
Using a mini muffin pan helps give the tassies their traditional size and shape, but you can also use a small tart pan or silicone molds if that’s what you have handy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about these little pecan tassies that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. This Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe is truly a treasure in the kitchen—simple enough to whip up anytime yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy the buttery crust and sweet, nutty filling that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 21 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pecan Tassies recipe features tender cream cheese pastry cups filled with a rich, buttery pecan filling. These bite-sized tarts are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty treat. With a simple dough chilled and shaped into mini tart shells, then filled with a luscious mixture of brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and pecans, these tassies bake to golden perfection with a delightful balance of flaky crust and gooey center.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and all purpose flour until a uniform dough forms. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour to chill and firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Shape the Crusts: After chilling, divide the dough into 1-inch balls. Press each ball evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased mini muffin pan, creating small pastry cups ready for filling. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, packed brown sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the sweet, buttery pecan filling.
- Assemble the Tassies: Evenly distribute the coarsely chopped pecans among the prepared pastry cups. Spoon about one teaspoon of the filling mixture over the top of the pecans in each cup, ensuring the nuts are covered. Chill the assembled pan briefly in the refrigerator while you preheat the oven.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the filled mini muffin pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top, indicating the tassies are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully lift them out once they have set slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideal for snacking or dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature to help the dough come together smoothly.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Press the dough evenly into the mini muffin cups to avoid thin spots that might break when removing.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before adding for an extra nutty flavor, if desired.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
