Pecan Tassies: 12 Irresistible Bites of Southern Sweetness

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There are some flavors that instantly transport you back in time, and for me, that magical flavor belongs to Pecan Tassies. I can still vividly recall the scent of them baking in my Grandma Rose's kitchen during the holidays. Her apron, dusted with flour, her smile, warm and inviting, as she pulled trays of these miniature pecan pies from the oven. Each tiny tart, perfectly golden, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling, was a testament to her love and culinary artistry. She’d always have a batch ready for family gatherings, and they were always the first dessert to disappear. They weren’t just treats; they were edible memories, each bite a whispered story of family, warmth, and tradition. This recipe isn't just about baking; it's about recreating those cherished moments, sharing a piece of history, and making new memories with every delicious Pecan Tassies you bake.

While the holidays are often filled with elaborate desserts like my favorite Christmas Sugar Cookies, there's something uniquely charming about a bite-sized dessert. They're elegant, easy to serve, and frankly, dangerously addictive. These Pecan Tassies are no exception. They bring all the beloved flavors of a classic pecan pie into a convenient, delicate package. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these little gems are sure to become a new favorite in your home, just as they have been in mine for generations. Get ready to experience the pure joy of making and tasting these incredible Pecan Tassies!

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Effortlessly Elegant: These miniature pecan pies look sophisticated but are surprisingly simple to make, perfect for impressing guests without the stress.
Flavor Bomb in Every Bite: Combining a tender, slightly salty cream cheese crust with a sweet, nutty, caramelized filling, these Pecan Tassies offer an explosion of flavor and texture.
Perfectly Portioned: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for dessert platters, potlucks, or simply enjoying a controlled sweet treat without committing to a whole slice of pie.
Freezer-Friendly: You can bake these ahead of time and freeze them, making holiday prep or future cravings incredibly easy.

Key Ingredient Notes

While the magic of Pecan Tassies lies in the combination of simple ingredients, understanding each component’s role can elevate your baking experience.

Cream Cheese (for the Crust)

The secret to the incredibly tender and flaky crust in these Pecan Tassies is cream cheese. Unlike a traditional pie crust that relies solely on butter, cream cheese adds a delightful tang and helps create a dough that is both pliable and exceptionally tender after baking. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing, which helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, uniform dough. Don’t use low-fat cream cheese here; the full-fat version is essential for the texture and richness.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is key for flavor and flakiness in the crust, and its richness complements the sweet filling. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness of the recipe. If you only have salted butter, simply omit the added salt in the crust recipe. Just like the cream cheese, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This allows it to cream smoothly with the cream cheese and flour, resulting in a cohesive dough for your perfect Pecan Tassies.

Pecans

Of course, you can't have Pecan Tassies without pecans! These nuts are the star of the filling, offering a buttery, slightly earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch. While you can use whole pecans, I find that roughly chopped pecans work best for these mini tarts, as they fit better into the small cups and distribute more evenly. For an enhanced flavor, lightly toast your pecans before adding them to the filling. You can do this by spreading them on a baking sheet and toasting them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Just be careful not to burn them!

Grandma Rose's Irresistible Pecan Tassies Preparation — Bite-Sized Bliss: My Grandma's Irresistible Pecan Tassies Recipe 4

Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips

Crafting these delectable Pecan Tassies is a straightforward process, but a few pro tips will ensure your success and make them truly irresistible!

For the Cream Cheese Crust:

Step 1: Cream together the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese.
Step 2: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or stirring by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much and lead to a tough crust. The dough should come together to form a soft, pliable ball.
Step 3: Divide the dough into 24 small balls. Each ball should be approximately 1 tablespoon in size. This ensures even sizing for your Pecan Tassies.
Step 4: Press each dough ball into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased miniature muffin tin. Use your thumb or a small tart tamper for even thickness. The key is to make the crust as thin as possible without tearing, as it will puff slightly during baking.
PRO TIP: If the dough is too soft or sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and press into the muffin tins, preventing any frustration.

For the Pecan Filling:

Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, large eggs, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sugars should be mostly dissolved.
Step 6: Stir in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the sugar mixture. Ensure every pecan piece is coated in the delicious, sweet syrup.
PRO TIP: For extra flavor, consider toasting your pecans lightly before adding them to the filling. This brings out their natural oils and deepens their nutty taste, making your Pecan Tassies even more amazing.

Assembly and Baking:

Step 7: Spoon the pecan filling evenly into each prepared crust. Fill each tart shell about two-thirds of the way full. The filling will puff up during baking, so don't overfill.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Step 9: Bake the Pecan Tassies for 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is set. The center of the filling should no longer jiggle when gently shaken. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
PRO TIP: If the edges of the crust start browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the muffin tin with aluminum foil.

Cooling and Serving:

Step 10: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the Pecan Tassies cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes. This allows the filling to firm up a bit, making them easier to remove.
Step 11: Carefully remove the Pecan Tassies from the muffin tin. A small offset spatula or a butter knife can help gently pry them out. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
PRO TIP: Allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack is crucial. The filling will continue to set as it cools, giving you that perfect gooey-but-firm texture. Resist the urge to eat them all immediately!

Enjoy these delightful Pecan Tassies! They are wonderful served at room temperature or slightly warm.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

While classic Pecan Tassies are perfect on their own, a few simple tweaks and serving ideas can elevate them even further!

Chocolate Pecan Tassies: Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a decadent twist. The chocolate melts beautifully into the gooey pecan mixture.
Bourbon Pecan Tassies: For an adult-friendly version, replace 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of bourbon in the filling. It adds a sophisticated depth of flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.
Spiced Pecan Tassies: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (about 1/4 teaspoon) into the pecan filling mixture for a warm, autumnal spice note, especially delightful when making these alongside Chewy Gingerbread Cookies.
Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an extra special treat, serve slightly warmed Pecan Tassies with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce wouldn't hurt either!
Gift-Giving: Package these beautiful Pecan Tassies in small decorative boxes or tins for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays or for a special occasion. They store wonderfully in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or longer if you keep them in glass food storage in the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general estimate of the nutrition information per serving (one Pecan Tassie). Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180 kcal
Carbohydrates	20g
Cholesterol	45mg
Fat	11g
Fiber	1g
Protein	2g
Saturated Fat	5g
Serving Size	1 Tassie
Sodium	70mg
Sugar	15g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	5g

Conclusion

Baking these Pecan Tassies isn't just about creating a dessert; it's about carrying on a tradition, sharing warmth, and creating new, delicious memories. From the tender, buttery crust to the rich, gooey pecan filling, each bite is a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering, a special treat, or just because, I hope these miniature pecan pies bring as much joy to your kitchen and your table as they have to mine. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet, nutty morsel of these incredible Pecan Tassies!

FAQs

Can Pecan Tassies be frozen?

Yes, Pecan Tassies freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in a low oven.

What's the difference between Pecan Tassies and Pecan Pie?

Pecan Tassies are essentially miniature pecan pies. The main difference lies in their size and crust. Pecan Tassies typically feature a delicate, tender cream cheese butter crust, while pecan pie uses a more traditional, flakier pie crust. Both share the same rich, gooey pecan filling, but Tassies offer a convenient, bite-sized portion.

How do I prevent my Pecan Tassies crust from sticking to the muffin tin?

The cream cheese crust dough for Pecan Tassies contains enough butter and fat that greasing the mini muffin tin is often not necessary. However, if you're concerned, you can lightly spray the tins with non-stick cooking spray. The most important step is to allow the tarts to cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes after baking before attempting to remove them. This allows the filling to set and the crust to firm up, making them much easier to pop out.

How long do Pecan Tassies last and how should they be stored?

Pecan Tassies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, especially in warmer climates, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.