little pecan tarts

If you’re looking for a delectable treat that’s both easy to make and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these pecan tarts are the answer. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, these mini tarts are a favorite request in my family, especially from my brother who looks forward to them every year. Here’s how you can make these delightful tarts at home!

Ingredients:

Pastry:

• 1 cup butter
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two mini tart pans to ensure your tarts come out easily after baking.

Prepare the Pastry: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of butter and 6 ounces of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat them until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix until a smooth dough forms.

Shape the Tart Shells: Divide the dough into 48 equal balls. Place each ball in a greased cup of your tart pans. Press the dough out into the shape of a tart shell using your fingers or a tart tamper.

Prepare the Filling: In a separate large bowl, crack 4 eggs and add 3 cups of packed brown sugar. Mix in 1 cup of chopped pecans, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Fill the Tart Shells: Spoon the filling into each prepared tart shell, filling each about 3/4 full.

Bake the Tarts: Place the tart pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the tarts are golden brown. Once baked, transfer the tarts to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Room Temperature: Pecan tarts are best enjoyed at room temperature. They are delightful as a sweet snack or dessert and can be served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Accompaniments: For an extra touch, serve the tarts with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also complement the rich flavors.
• Presentation: Arrange the tarts on a decorative plate or tiered stand to make them look even more appealing. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a charming addition to any dessert table.

Storage Tips:

• At Room Temperature: Store pecan tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep them fresh and maintain their crisp texture.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the tarts in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled tarts in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your pecan tarts remain delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying them right away or saving them for later.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Pecan Tarts

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling mixture.
• Instructions: Stir the chocolate chips into the filling before spooning it into the tart shells. The chocolate adds a rich, indulgent twist to the classic pecan tart.

2. Maple Pecan Tarts

• Ingredients: Substitute 1/2 cup of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup.
• Instructions: Mix the maple syrup into the filling mixture along with the other ingredients. This will give your tarts a subtle maple flavor that pairs wonderfully with pecans.

3. Bourbon Pecan Tarts

• Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling mixture.
• Instructions: Stir the bourbon into the filling before baking. The bourbon adds a complex, warm flavor to the tarts. Ensure to bake thoroughly to cook off the alcohol.

4. Nut-Free Tarts

• Ingredients: Replace pecans with 1 cup of finely chopped chocolate or toffee bits.
• Instructions: Mix the chocolate or toffee bits into the filling. This creates a nut-free variation that still delivers a sweet and satisfying treat.

5. Coconut Pecan Tarts

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the filling mixture.
• Instructions: Stir the shredded coconut into the filling before spooning it into the tart shells. The coconut adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical flavor.

6. Pumpkin Pecan Tarts

• Ingredients: Replace the brown sugar with 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
• Instructions: Mix the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the filling. This gives the tarts a fall-inspired twist with the flavors of pumpkin pie.

7. Spiced Pecan Tarts

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the filling mixture.
• Instructions: Stir the spices into the filling for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.

8. Caramel Pecan Tarts

• Ingredients: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked tarts or mix 1/4 cup of caramel bits into the filling.
• Instructions: If drizzling, wait until the tarts are completely cooled before adding the caramel. If mixing in caramel bits, add them to the filling mixture before baking.

9. Berry Pecan Tarts

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as raspberries or blueberries) to the filling mixture.
• Instructions: Fold the berries into the filling mixture. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the pecan filling.

10. Salted Pecan Tarts

• Ingredients: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the tarts before baking.
• Instructions: The addition of sea salt enhances the sweet and nutty flavors, providing a delightful contrast in every bite.

These variations offer a range of flavors and textures to suit different preferences and occasions. Whether you’re looking for a classic taste or something more adventurous, these ideas will help you customize your pecan tarts to perfection.

FAQs:

1. Can I use pre-made pastry dough for these tarts?

• Yes, you can use pre-made pastry dough if you prefer a quicker option. Simply cut the dough into small pieces and press them into your tart pans. Follow the same instructions for filling and baking.

2. Can I make these pecan tarts ahead of time?

• Absolutely. You can make the tarts up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze pecan tarts?

• Yes, you can freeze pecan tarts. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. After they are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. How do I prevent the filling from overflowing?

• To avoid overflowing, be sure to fill the tarts no more than 3/4 full. The filling expands as it bakes, so leaving some space helps prevent spills.

5. What type of cream cheese should I use for the pastry?

• Use regular cream cheese for the best results. Low-fat or fat-free cream cheese may affect the texture and flavor of the pastry.

6. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

• Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts such as walnuts or almonds. Adjust the size of the chopped nuts as needed to fit the tart shells.

7. How can I make these tarts gluten-free?

• To make gluten-free pecan tarts, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for both the pastry and filling.

8. What can I use instead of brown sugar in the filling?

• If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar with a bit of molasses or honey to mimic the flavor and texture of brown sugar.

9. How do I get the tarts to come out of the pans easily?

• Lightly grease the tart pans before adding the dough. Once the tarts are baked and cooled, gently tap the pans on the counter or use a small knife to loosen the edges if needed.

10. Can I add spices to the filling for extra flavor?

• Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the filling for a spiced version of the tarts. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen spice and adjust to taste.

These FAQs cover common questions about making, storing, and customizing pecan tarts to ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful.