Quick And Easy Pecan Tassies
Pecan tassies are a fun and delicious twist on the classic pecan pie. These mini versions feature a buttery cream cheese crust and a sweet, nutty filling that packs all the flavors of a full-sized pecan pie into a bite-sized treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie trays, or simply as a snack anytime, pecan tassies are a crowd-pleasing favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to make these delightful little pies!
What Are Pecan Tassies?
Pecan tassies are miniature versions of pecan pies, a Southern classic. The word "tassie" comes from the Scottish term for "cup," which perfectly describes the shape of these sweet little treats. The pecan tassie combines a flaky, buttery cream cheese crust with a gooey, sweet filling made from brown sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla, and of course, pecans. These little bites of heaven bring together the rich flavor of toasted pecans and the smooth, sugary filling that’s baked to perfection.
The great thing about pecan tassies is their versatility. They’re not only perfect for the holidays but also make an ideal addition to any dessert spread. The small size makes them easy to grab, making them ideal for snacking at parties or as an addition to a dessert buffet.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make the crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
For the filling:
¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup chopped pecans
1 large egg
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
These simple ingredients come together to create a sweet, creamy filling with the perfect balance of crunchy pecans and rich brown sugar.
How to Make Pecan Tassies
Making pecan tassies is a simple process, but like all great recipes, there are a few key steps that will make your tassies perfect every time. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own batch of delicious mini pecan pies.
Prepare the Crust
The crust is the foundation of any good pie, and in the case of pecan tassies, it’s a tender, buttery, cream cheese dough. To make it, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the flour and mix until the dough comes together. The cream cheese adds a little tang and richness to the dough, making it the perfect base for the sweet filling.
Once your dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is important because it makes the dough easier to handle and helps it maintain its shape during baking.
Form the Crusts
Once the dough has chilled, roll it into small balls, about one tablespoon each. You can use your hands or a cookie scoop for this. Place each ball into a mini muffin tin, and then use your fingers or a tart shaper to press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of each cup. The goal is to create a small cup to hold the pecan filling, so take your time and ensure the dough is evenly pressed.
Chill the muffin tin with the dough in the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes. This will help the dough hold its shape during baking.
Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, you can prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the chopped pecans. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick. The combination of the sugar and butter creates a gooey, rich filling that perfectly complements the nutty crunch of the pecans.
Assemble the Tassies
Once your dough is chilled and your filling is ready, spoon the filling into each prepared tart shell, filling each one about three-quarters full. You’ll want to leave a little space at the top to prevent overflow as they bake.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the pecan tassies for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set. You’ll know they’re done when the tops of the tassies are slightly puffed and the filling has a nice, golden color.
After baking, let the tassies cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to remove them from the tin without breaking apart.
Tips for Success
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle, but it also helps it bake evenly and maintain its shape.
Use a Tart Shaper: If you have one, a tart shaper is an excellent tool for pressing the dough into the mini muffin tin evenly.
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up the filling, but you’ll want to fill each tart shell about ¾ full to avoid overflow.
Let Them Cool: Allow the tassies to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before removing them. This helps prevent them from breaking apart while you remove them.
Serving and Storing
Pecan tassies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them for an extended period, they freeze very well. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Overall, Pecan tassies offer the beloved taste of pecan pie in a fun, bite-sized form. With their buttery, cream cheese crust and gooey pecan filling, they’re sure to be a favorite at any event. The recipe is simple to follow and yields a batch of irresistible treats that are perfect for sharing.
Looking for the best pecans for your pecan tassies? Check out our range of premium southern pecan products at Double Q Pecan Company. We offer fresh, high-quality pecans that are perfect for all your baking needs. Start baking today with the best pecans in the business!