Amazing Pecan Tassies: 12 Irresistible Bites

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Oh, Pecan Tassies! You know, these little gems are just one of those recipes that instantly makes me think of cozy holidays and those special moments you want to celebrate. I’m Anna Kowalska, and here I share tried-and-true homemade recipes that you and your family will love. For me, everything is made with heart and flavor, and these Pecan Tassies are no exception! I remember the first time I tried to make them, and let’s just say it was a learning curve, but oh boy, was it worth it. They’ve become a staple for me, especially when I want something a little bit fancy without being overly complicated. They’re just perfect little bites of buttery crust and that rich, nutty filling that’s so satisfying. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll see why they’re a go-to for any special occasion!

Gathering Everything for Your Pecan Tassies

You know, the secret to truly amazing Pecan Tassies isn’t some fancy technique, it’s all about starting with good stuff! When you use fresh, quality ingredients, the flavor just sings. It makes all the difference, really. Think of it like building a house – you need a solid foundation, and for these little tartlets, that means paying attention to every single ingredient. And the best part? This recipe is naturally vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy these delightful bites!

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Butter or margarine	2 cups	For the crust
Cream cheese	4 (3 ounce) packages	Make sure it’s softened!
All-purpose flour	4 cups	The backbone of our crust
Packed brown sugar	2 ½ cups	Pack it in there for that deep, caramel flavor!
Large eggs	3	For binding the filling
Melted butter	3 tablespoons	Adds richness to the filling
Vanilla extract	½ teaspoon	A little goes a long way for that warm aroma
Salt	1 pinch	Just a touch to balance the sweetness
Chopped pecans	1 ½ cups	The star of the show!

Crust Ingredients for Pecan Tassies

The crust on these Pecan Tassies is just divine – buttery and tender, it practically melts in your mouth. We’re using a generous amount of butter and cream cheese here, which sounds decadent, and trust me, it is! This combo makes the dough super easy to work with, almost like a rich pastry. And don’t forget the flour; it gives us that perfect structure to hold all that gooey filling. It’s the foundation that makes each little tassie a dream.

Filling Ingredients for Pecan Tassies

Now, for the heart of our Pecan Tassies: the filling! Brown sugar is key here, and make sure you pack it down so you get all that lovely molasses goodness. It mixes with eggs to create that signature rich, slightly puffed texture when baked. A little melted butter and vanilla extract add depth, and just a pinch of salt is crucial to make all those sweet and nutty flavors pop. And of course, we can’t forget the star: those beautiful chopped pecans! They add that wonderful crunch and irresistible nutty flavor that makes these tassies so special.

Crafting Perfect Pecan Tassies Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to the fun part – making these amazing Pecan Tassies! It’s really not as complicated as it might seem. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping these up like a pro. We’ll start by getting your oven all nice and warm and your pans ready, because that’s the first step to baking perfection. Just follow along, and before you know it, you’ll have a whole batch of these sweet little delights!

Preparing the Pecan Tassies Dough

First things first, let’s make that heavenly crust dough. Grab your electric mixer – it makes this part so much easier! You’ll want to beat together your softened butter and cream cheese until it’s super smooth and creamy. Seriously, no lumps allowed! Then, start adding in your flour, a cup at a time. Mix on low speed until it all comes together into a soft, workable dough. It should feel pliable, not sticky. Don’t overmix it, or your crust might get tough. Just mix until it’s combined, then you’re good to go!

Assembling the Pecan Tassies

Now for the assembly! Take a small bit of that dough – about a tablespoon or so – roll it into a little ball, and then press it right into the bottom and up the sides of your mini tart or muffin pans. You want to create a nice little cup for all that yummy filling. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; they’ll look rustic and charming! Once your crusts are ready, it’s time for the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together your packed brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and that pinch of salt until it’s all smooth. Then, gently stir in those chopped pecans. Spoon this glorious mixture into each little crust, but only fill them about two-thirds full. Trust me on this – overfilling is a recipe for a messy oven!

Baking Your Delicious Pecan Tassies

Time for the magic to happen in the oven! Pop those filled tassies into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. You’ll want to bake them for about 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for that crust to be a lovely golden brown and the filling to have puffed up a bit, maybe looking a little glossy. Once they’re done, let them cool in the pans for just a few minutes – this helps them firm up a bit. Then, very carefully, use a small offset spatula or even a butter knife to gently loosen the edges and transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here means they won’t fall apart!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Tassies Recipe

Honestly, there are so many reasons to adore these Pecan Tassies. They’re just one of those recipes that hits all the right notes. You’ll find yourself coming back to them again and again!

• So Easy to Make: Even though they look fancy, these Pecan Tassies are surprisingly simple to whip up. The dough is a breeze, and the filling comes together in minutes.
• Incredible Flavor: That buttery crust paired with the sweet, nutty pecan filling is just heaven. It’s a taste of pure comfort!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, a potluck, or just a Tuesday you want to make special, these little tartlets are always a hit. They dress up any table!
• Vegetarian Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, so you can share these delightful treats with almost everyone.

Essential Tools for Baking Pecan Tassies

To make these delightful Pecan Tassies, you won’t need a whole fancy setup, but a few key tools really make the process smoother. You’ll definitely want a good electric mixer – it makes creaming that butter and cream cheese for the crust a breeze. Having mini tart pans or mini muffin pans is crucial for getting that perfect little tassie shape. A sturdy mixing bowl for the dough and another for the filling are a must. And don’t forget measuring cups and spoons to get those ingredients just right. Finally, a wire rack is essential for letting your beautiful Pecan Tassies cool down perfectly!

Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Tassies

Making these Pecan Tassies is a joy, but like any good recipe, a few little tricks can make them absolutely spectacular! First off, don’t rush the softened cream cheese and butter step for the crust. You want it super smooth before you add the flour; this makes the dough easier to handle and results in a tender crust. When you’re pressing the dough into the pans, try to get an even thickness. This helps them bake uniformly, so you don’t have some burnt and some underdone. And for the filling, remember not to overfill! It’s tempting to pack them full, but leaving that little bit of space prevents the sugary filling from bubbling over and making a mess in your oven. If some do spill, don’t panic! Let them cool a bit before trying to clean them up. Lastly, when chopping your pecans, try to get them into somewhat uniform pieces – you want some texture, but not huge chunks that’ll make the filling uneven. These little tips will help your Pecan Tassies be the best they can be!

Storing and Reheating Your Pecan Tassies

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Pecan Tassies are pretty robust, but storing them right keeps them tasting their best. Once they’ve cooled completely, pop them into an airtight container. You can layer them between sheets of parchment paper if you’re worried about them sticking together, but usually, they’re fine stacked. They’ll keep nicely at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to reheat them to get that lovely warm, gooey center back, just pop a few in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll be almost as good as fresh!

Understanding the Nutrition of Pecan Tassies

These Pecan Tassies are a delightful treat, and while they’re rich in flavor, it’s always good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per tassie, but remember, this can vary slightly based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. It’s just a little guide! For more information on general baking nutrition, you can check out resources like USDA’s FoodData Central.

Serving Size	1 tassie
Calories	166
Sugar	9g
Sodium	97mg
Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	3g
Carbohydrates	16g
Protein	2g

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Tassies

Got a question about these little bites of heaven? I’ve gathered some of the most common ones I get about making these Pecan Tassies. Hopefully, this helps you out!

Q1. Can I make the Pecan Tassies dough ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Once you’ve made the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to use it, just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften up just enough to press into your pans. It makes getting started on your Pecan Tassies even quicker!

Q2. What’s the best way to get the Pecan Tassies out of the pan?
The key is to let them cool just slightly in the pan, about 5-10 minutes. Then, gently run a small offset spatula or a thin butter knife around the edges to loosen them. Carefully lift them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re using mini muffin tins, sometimes giving the pan a gentle wiggle can help them release more easily. Don’t try to force them out while they’re piping hot!

Q3. Can I use different nuts besides pecans in these tassies?
While pecans are classic and absolutely delicious, you can certainly experiment! Walnuts would be a fantastic substitute and give a similar rich, nutty flavor. You could even try a mix of chopped pecans and walnuts. Just make sure they’re chopped to a similar size as you would the pecans for an even distribution in your delicious Pecan Tassies.

Q4. How do I prevent the filling from bubbling over?
This is a common issue with these sweet little tarts! The best way to prevent spillage is to not overfill your crusts. Aim to fill them about two-thirds of the way full. The filling will puff up as it bakes, and this gives it enough room to rise without overflowing. Also, making sure your oven temperature is accurate helps. If you find they puff up a lot, a quick way to handle any filling that does spill is to carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and use a spoon to scoop out any excess before it hardens too much.

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