When it comes to holiday desserts, nothing beats the rich, nutty flavor of pecans nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. These Mini Pecan Tarts are a delightful addition to any festive table, offering the perfect balance of sweet and savory in a bite-sized package. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or bringing a treat to a holiday potluck, these tarts are sure to impress with their elegant appearance and irresistible taste.
A Simple Recipe with Gourmet Results
This recipe for Mini Pecan Tarts simplifies the gourmet baking process without sacrificing flavor. The combination of a cream cheese crust and a decadently sweet pecan filling provides a luxurious taste experience that belies its straightforward preparation.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Pecan Tarts
- Creamy Crust: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are well softened for easy mixing. This will help you get a smooth, pliable dough that’s easy to work into the mini muffin cups.
- Uniform Tarts: Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to fill the tart shells. This keeps the tarts uniform in size, ensuring even baking and a perfect presentation.
- Prevent Overbrowning: Keep an eye on the tarts as they bake. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them lightly with foil.
- Cooling: Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to remove without breaking.
Mini Pecan Tarts Recipe:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
- Serving: 24 mini tarts
- Equipment: Mini muffin pan, mixing bowls
These Mini Pecan Tarts are not just delicious; they’re also a charming way to add elegance to your holiday dessert offerings.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese. Gradually add flour until the dough forms. Divide into 24 pieces; press each into the mini muffin cups to form the crust.
- Mix the Filling: In another bowl, combine brown sugar, pecans, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk until well mixed.
- Fill the Crusts: Spoon the filling into each crust, about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust edges are golden.
- Cool: Let the tarts cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
A Festive Favorite
Mini Pecan Tarts encapsulate the essence of the holiday season in every bite. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear as quickly as they came. These tarts are a testament to the joy of sharing good food with loved ones during the festive season. Enjoy the process of baking, sharing, and savoring these delightful treats!
