Pecan Tarts
There’s something absolutely irresistible about Pecan Tarts that makes them a beloved treat across many gatherings and celebrations. The delicate, buttery crust cradles a rich, nutty filling that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent dessert. With their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these little morsels are ideal for serving at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even as a delightful surprise at afternoon tea. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or after a night in the fridge, these tarts are sure to impress your family and friends with their homemade charm.
The beauty of Pecan Tarts lies not only in their divine taste but also in their versatility. They can be elegantly presented as a show-stopping centerpiece or serve as a cozy, comforting sweet treat to enjoy alone. The elevated flavor of the caramelized pecans combined with freshly whipped cream adds a touch of luxury that will have your guests coming back for seconds—if not thirds!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh cream for topping
- Chopped caramelized pecans for topping
Preparing the crust and filling for the tarts is a breeze with these simple ingredients.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom and sides of a tart pan or mini tart molds to create a crust.
- In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans until well combined.
- Carefully pour the pecan mixture into the prepared tart shells, filling them generously.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before topping with fresh cream and a sprinkle of chopped caramelized pecans. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re out of brown sugar, white sugar or coconut sugar can be used as alternatives.
- Optional Variations: Feel free to add a splash of bourbon for a sophisticated twist, or fold in chocolate chips for a delicious fusion.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can be reheated in a warm oven to retain their delightful texture.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 tarts
- Difficulty level: Easy
Pecan Tarts
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Can substitute with white sugar or coconut sugar if needed.
- 2 pieces eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
For Topping
- Fresh cream for topping
- Chopped caramelized pecans for topping
Instructions
Preparation and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom and sides of a tart pan or mini tart molds to create a crust.
- In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans until well combined.
- Carefully pour the pecan mixture into the prepared tart shells, filling them generously.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before topping with fresh cream and a sprinkle of chopped caramelized pecans. Serve and enjoy!