Name: Irresistible Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 48 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature; 5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 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)

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies, a beloved dessert that evokes the warmth of home-baked treats. These mini pecan tarts capture the essence of southern hospitality, combining rich flavors and delightful textures. Their buttery crust, creamy filling, and crunchy pecan topping create a harmonious symphony of taste that makes them perfect for any occasion, from holidays to simple family gatherings. The charm of these tassies lies not only in their flavors but also in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.

What truly sets these Pecan Tassies apart is the nostalgia they evoke. For many, these little bites are a gateway to fond childhood memories spent in the kitchen with loved ones. Each bite is a tasty reminder of comfortable moments and shared traditions. Plus, they are vegetarian-friendly, making them accessible for everyone. Whether you choose to serve them at a party, enjoy them with a cup of tea, or tuck them into the kids’ lunchboxes, these tassies are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies

This recipe for Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies is packed with benefits:

Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this a manageable recipe for bakers of any skill level.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive holiday feast or a casual get-together, these tassies add a sweet touch to your dessert table.
Vegetarian Delight: With no meat products, these treats cater to various diets while still packing in flavor.
Make Ahead: These tarts can be prepared in advance and stored, making them a convenient dessert option.
Enjoyable Texture: The combination of buttery crust and creamy filling topped with crunchy pecans creates a delightful textural experience in every bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into baking your Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized—this not only makes the process smoother but also more enjoyable. To whip these tassies up efficiently, you’ll need basic baking tools: a mixing bowl, hand mixer, mini muffin pans, measuring cups, and spoons. Having these items ready makes the assembly of the tassies quick and fun.

Make sure to have all your ingredients on hand and at room temperature, particularly the butter and cream cheese, which helps them cream together more easily. You’ll want to also have some cooking spray or muffin liners ready to grease your mini muffin pans, ensuring the tassies release easily after baking. It’s recommended to refrigerate the dough before forming the cups – this enhances the texture and makes the dough easier to work with.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 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

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by creaming the room-temperature butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl using a hand mixer. This step is crucial as it creates a smooth base for your dough. Once blended well, gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour until the mixture is consistently smooth. Ensure there are no lumps; this will contribute to the buttery and tender texture of your tassies.

Step 2: Grease and Chill the Molds

While your dough is resting, take three mini muffin pans and generously spray them with cooking spray or line them with mini muffin papers. This prevents the tart shells from sticking to the pan. Using a mini cookie scoop, evenly divide the dough into the muffin cups, filling all 36 spaces. To make the dough easier to manage, chill the filled pans in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will also help maintain the shape of the tarts during baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, melted salted butter, eggs, maple extract, and finely chopped pecans. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a consistent filling. The addition of maple extract enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor, beautifully complementing the pecan taste. The filling should be thick, with the pecans evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Once the tarts have chilled, remove one pan from the refrigerator. Take the chilled dough and press it gently into the bottom of each muffin cavity, *pushing the dough up the sides* to form little cups to hold the filling. Ensure that the dough is uniform in thickness for consistent baking. Spoon the prepared filling into each of the dough shells, filling them about two-thirds full. Top each tart with a pecan half for an extra decorative touch!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your filled muffin pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the tops of the tassies turn a lovely golden brown. It’s essential to monitor them closely, as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven. Once they are golden brown, remove the pans from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Gently loosen the edges with a small knife and transfer the tassies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

While these Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies are delicious as they are, you can easily customize them to suit your taste:

Protein: Add crispy bacon bits inside the filling for a sweet-savory twist, or substitute some pecans with chopped chocolate for a chocolate pecan version.
Vegetables: Incorporate finely grated carrots or zucchini into the filling for a unique texture; just make sure to drain excess moisture.
Spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into your filling for an aromatic kick. Vanilla extract could also work wonders alongside or instead of the maple.

Cooking Notes

Here are some essential cooking notes to ensure your tassies are perfect each time:

Make sure to bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature for easier mixing.
Avoid overfilling the tart cups as this may cause overflow during baking.
Consider using a food processor to chop the pecans finely if you need a consistent texture.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust dough as a quick alternative for the base.
Always allow the tarts to cool completely before removing them; this helps them retain their shape.

Serving Suggestions

These Pecan Tassies are delightful on their own, but here are some serving ideas:

Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a delightful dessert.

Tips

To elevate your Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies experience, consider the following tips:

Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts for a variation in flavor.
For extra flair, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce on top before serving.
Keep an eye on the baking times, as ovens can vary; you don’t want to dry out your tassies.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and enjoy them for days!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 70mg

FAQs

Can I make these tassies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, and simply assemble and bake them fresh right before serving.

Can I freeze Pecan Tassies?

Yes, these tassies freeze well. After cooling, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, feel free to substitute with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts—each will provide a different yet delicious flavor.

Why is my filling too runny?

If your filling is runny, ensure that you’ve properly measured your ingredients. Adding too many eggs or not enough brown sugar can cause the filling to be unstable.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies are not just a dessert; they are a testament to the joys of baking and sharing with loved ones. With each sweet bite, you’ll appreciate the unique blend of creamy, buttery flavors complemented by the crunchy pecans. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging yourself, these tassies are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. So gather your ingredients, embrace the nostalgic spirit, and create a batch that will make your kitchen the heart of your home. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below or share this recipe with friends and family! Happy baking!