Delightful Pecan Tassies: Your Guide to Perfect Bite-Sized Pecan Butter Tarts

Imagine the rich, buttery, and nutty flavor of a classic pecan pie, but in a charming, individual bite-sized package. That’s exactly what Pecan Tassies, often lovingly called Pecan Butter Tarts, offer! These miniature marvels are more than just a dessert; they are a tradition, a delightful gift, and an irresistible treat that promises to capture hearts and taste buds. Forget the fuss of a large pie – these tiny tarts are easier to serve, share, and enjoy, making them an absolute must-have for any occasion, especially during the festive holiday season.

Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, looking for the perfect edible gift, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these Pecan Tassies are an exceptional choice. Their delicate, flaky crust combined with a sweet, gooey pecan filling creates a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors that is truly unmatched. Prepare yourself, because stopping at just one of these delicious bite-sized Pecan Tassies is a challenge many find impossible!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pecan Tassies

Pecan Tassies are a revelation for anyone who appreciates a good pecan pie but seeks a more convenient and charming presentation. Here’s why these mini tarts are a culinary winner:

Perfect Portion Control: Each tart is a single serving, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying a controlled sweet treat without the temptation of an entire pie.
Irresistible Charm: Their small size makes them incredibly appealing and easy to handle. They look adorable on any dessert spread!
Gift-Worthy Goodness: Packaged in decorative boxes or tins, Pecan Tassies make thoughtful and delicious homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors during the holidays or any time of year.
Flavor Packed: Despite their size, these tarts deliver all the robust, sweet, and nutty flavor you expect from a classic pecan pie, often with an added depth from the cream cheese crust.
Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time and freeze them for future cravings or unexpected guests.

Pecan Tassies vs. Traditional Pecan Pie: What’s the Difference?

While sharing a similar flavor profile and star ingredient, Pecan Tassies and traditional pecan pies have distinct characteristics. The most obvious difference is size and presentation. Pecan Tassies are baked in mini muffin tins or small tart pans, resulting in individual, self-contained desserts. This contrasts with a single, larger pie that needs to be sliced and served.

Beyond size, the crust often varies. Many Pecan Tassie recipes, including this one, feature a cream cheese-based crust. This type of crust is renowned for its incredible flakiness and tender texture, often melting in your mouth more readily than a standard butter-only pie crust. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and richness that perfectly complements the sweet filling. The filling itself is largely similar: a sweet, eggy, and syrupy mixture studded with chopped pecans. However, in smaller tarts, the filling-to-crust ratio is often higher, meaning you get more of that delicious gooey center in every bite!

A Touch of History: The Origins of Pecan Tarts

Tarts themselves have a long and storied history, dating back to medieval times when they were savory dishes. Sweet tarts, as we know them today, began to emerge in the Renaissance. The pecan, native to North America, became a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine, leading to the creation of pecan pie, which truly gained popularity in the 20th century. Pecan Tassies, sometimes referred to as ‘pecan shortbread tarts’ or ‘miniature pecan pies,’ are believed to be a Southern American invention, evolving from the desire for smaller, more manageable dessert options, particularly popular at holiday gatherings and church socials. Their charm and convenience quickly made them a staple.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in Perfect Pecan Tassies

Crafting exceptional Pecan Tassies requires quality ingredients, each playing a crucial part in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:

Salted Butter (room temperature): Essential for both the crust and the filling. In the crust, it provides richness and helps create that tender, flaky texture. In the filling, melted butter adds depth and contributes to the gooey consistency. Using salted butter eliminates the need to add extra salt.
Cream Cheese (room temperature): The secret ingredient for an unbelievably tender and flaky crust. Cream cheese interacts with the butter and flour to create a dough that’s easy to work with and bakes up beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of your crust. Measure it correctly to ensure the right consistency.
Light Corn Syrup: This is what gives the pecan filling its signature sweet, gooey, and slightly chewy texture. It also helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth finish.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness and a lovely caramel note to the filling, complementing the pecans beautifully.
Large Eggs: Act as a binder for the filling, setting it as it bakes and creating a custard-like texture.
Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer, vanilla brings warmth and depth to the sweet filling, marrying all the flavors together.
Chopped Pecans: The star of the show! Use fresh, good-quality pecans for the best flavor. Chopping them ensures an even distribution throughout the small tarts.
Chopped Raisins (Optional but Recommended): Raisins add a lovely chewiness and a touch of fruity sweetness that beautifully complements the pecans and elevates the overall flavor profile. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit them, but give them a try!

📖 Recipe: Pecan Tassies (Butter Tarts)

Pecan Tassies (Butter Tarts)

What’s better than a whole pecan pie? Bite-sized pecan pies of course! And you won’t be able to stop at one of these delicious bite-sized Pecan Tassies (Butter Tarts)!

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Prep Time 1 hr

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 tarts

Calories 231 kcal

Ingredients

Pie Crust

1.5 sticks (¾ cup) salted butter, room temperature
4.5 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1.5 cups all purpose flour

Filling

¾ cup light corn syrup
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
4 tablespoon melted salted butter
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped pecans
½ cup chopped raisins (optional)

Instructions

MAKE THE DOUGH

Using an electric hand mixer, combine butter and cream cheese and blend well until combined and fluffy.
Add flour and mix by hand until you can form the dough into a ball.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Make the filling while you wait for the dough to chill.

PREPARE THE FILLING

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin or tart pan (approx. 1-2 inch diameter tart pan) by spraying the slots with nonstick baking spray (like Baker’s Joy) or brushing each slot with butter. Set aside.
Combine corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth.
Add chopped pecans and raisins (if using), and stir to combine evenly.

ASSEMBLE AND BAKE

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until very thin (about ⅛ inch thick). Use a biscuit cutter (or a round cookie cutter) to cut out rounds that are slightly larger than your tart pan slots.
Gently place each dough round into the prepared tart or mini muffin pan slots. Fit the dough into each hole, pressing it against the bottom and sides, and lightly pinch any excess dough around the edges to form a neat rim.
Fill each tart shell with the pecan mixture, pouring just below the top of the dough to allow for expansion during baking.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is nicely set, bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
Remove immediately from the oven. Place the entire pan on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove each tart gently with a small offset spatula or a fork, and transfer them directly to the cooling rack to continue cooling completely. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Store Pecan Tassies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 5 months.

Nutrition Information (per tart)

Keywords: pecans, pies, tarts, butter tarts, holiday baking

Tried this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Tassies Every Time

Even though this recipe is relatively straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Pecan Tassies from great to absolutely phenomenal:

Don’t Overwork the Dough: For a tender crust, mix the flour into the butter and cream cheese mixture just until a ball forms. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough crust.
Chill the Dough Properly: Chilling the dough is crucial. It helps the butter and cream cheese firm up, making the dough easier to roll and preventing it from shrinking too much during baking. It also contributes to a flakier crust.
Roll Thinly: Aim for a thin crust, about ⅛-inch thick. This ensures a delicate, crisp base that doesn’t overpower the rich filling.
Don’t Overfill: Only fill the tart shells about three-quarters full. The filling will bubble up during baking, and overfilling can cause it to overflow and create a sticky mess.
Watch for Doneness: The tarts are ready when the filling is set and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, which can lead to a dry filling.
Cooling is Key: Allowing the tarts to cool in the pan for a short while before gently removing them helps them set and prevents breakage. Transferring them to a rack to cool completely is important for preventing a soggy bottom.
Room Temperature for Serving: While delicious warm, Pecan Tassies develop their best texture and flavor once cooled to room temperature.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

This classic Pecan Tassie recipe is fantastic on its own, but it also serves as a wonderful base for creative variations:

Nutty Alternatives: While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with other chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts for a different flavor profile.
Dried Fruit Delights: If raisins aren’t your favorite, try dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries, or even finely diced dried apricots for a fruity twist.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a warm, autumnal flavor, especially perfect for the holidays.
A Hint of Booze: For an adult version, a teaspoon of bourbon, rum, or Grand Marnier added to the filling can provide a sophisticated depth of flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Stir in a tablespoon or two of mini chocolate chips into the filling for a rich, chocolatey surprise.
Toppings Galore: Once cooled, you can drizzle the tarts with a simple glaze (powdered sugar and milk), melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Pecan Tassies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

Holiday Dessert Platter: They are a stunning addition to any holiday spread, alongside other treats like our Homemade Almond Biscotti (Italian Cantucci).
Coffee Break Companion: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk for a comforting snack.
With Ice Cream: Serve slightly warmed Pecan Tassies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful à la mode experience.
For Gifting: Arrange them beautifully in small boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
Party Favors: Individual tarts make excellent party favors or additions to a dessert bar.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

One of the best qualities of Pecan Tassies is how well they store, making them perfect for making ahead:

Room Temperature: If serving within a day or two, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, due to the dairy in the crust and eggs in the filling, refrigeration is generally recommended for longer storage.
Refrigerator: Store cooled tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are still delicious straight from the fridge or can be brought back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: For longer storage, Pecan Tassies freeze exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen tarts to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 5 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. You can also gently reheat them in a low oven (around 250°F / 120°C) for 10-15 minutes if you prefer them warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Tassies

Can I use store-bought pie crust for Pecan Tassies?: While you technically can, the cream cheese crust in this recipe is truly special and worth the small effort. It contributes significantly to the unique texture and flavor of Pecan Tassies. Store-bought crust might not give you the same delicate flakiness.
What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?: You can use a standard muffin tin, but your tarts will be larger, and the baking time might need to be adjusted slightly (likely longer). You could also use small tartlet pans if you have them.
Can I make these gluten-free?: We haven’t tested a gluten-free version of this specific recipe. However, you might be able to adapt it by using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum) for the crust. Results may vary.
Why did my Pecan Tassies overflow?: This usually happens if the tart shells were overfilled. Remember to only fill them about three-quarters of the way to allow for the filling to bubble up during baking without spilling over.
My crust isn’t flaky, what went wrong?: A tough or not-so-flaky crust can be due to overworking the dough, not chilling it sufficiently, or adding too much flour. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for proper blending, and mix the flour in gently.

Conclusion: A Bite of Bliss in Every Tart

Pecan Tassies are more than just a dessert; they are a miniature celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. Easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for sharing, these pecan butter tarts will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, follow this guide, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible tarts that will have everyone reaching for “just one more.” So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create some truly magical bite-sized bliss!

Looking for more holiday desserts that will also make perfect food gifts? Check out our Homemade Almond Biscotti (Italian Cantucci)!