Amazing Pecan Tassies: 24 pure joy bites

Oh, Pecan Tassies! If you’re looking for a little bite of pure happiness, you’ve landed in the right spot. These aren’t just mini pecan pies; they’re tiny treasures with a perfectly buttery crust and a gooey, pecan-filled center that just melts in your mouth. For me, cooking has always been about more than just what’s on the plate—it’s about that feeling of comfort, connecting with folks, and making sweet memories together. That’s exactly what these Pecan Tassies are all about: simple joy that anyone can whip up and share. Let’s get baking!

Discover the Magic of Pecan Tassies

Seriously, what’s not to love about Pecan Tassies? They’re like those classic pecan pies we all adore, but shrunk down into the most adorable, bite-sized packages. That flaky, buttery crust cradling that rich, sweet pecan filling? It’s pure magic in every single bite! It totally fits my whole cooking philosophy here at Reciqa – making food that’s not just good for you, but genuinely joyful and nourishing. These little tarts are perfect for when you want something a bit special, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a fun party, or just a cozy afternoon treat. They bring smiles, and that’s what good food is all about, right?

Essential Ingredients for Your Pecan Tassies

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes these Pecan Tassies so darn good! First off, for that dreamy crust, you’ll need 2 cups of butter or margarine. Make sure it’s softened, not melted, so it creams up nicely. Then, we’ve got four 3-ounce packages of cream cheese, also softened – this is key for a smooth dough! For the bulk of the crust, grab 4 cups of all-purpose flour. Now, for that luscious filling, you’ll need 2 ½ cups of packed brown sugar (make sure to really press it in there!), 3 large eggs, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for that little warm hug of flavor, and just a pinch of salt to balance it all out. Oh, and the star of the show: 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans. Trust me, using room temperature butter and cream cheese makes all the difference in getting that perfect, easy-to-press dough.

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

So, about those ingredients! The butter and cream cheese really need to be at room temperature. It’s not just a suggestion, it’s how you get that wonderfully smooth dough that’s easy to work with. If you absolutely have to swap out the butter for margarine in the crust, go for a good quality one, but real butter really does give you the best flavor and texture. And while pecans are the classic choice here, you could totally try walnuts if that’s what you have on hand. They’ll give a slightly different, but still delicious, nutty crunch to your Pecan Tassies!

Crafting Your Perfect Pecan Tassies: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get these little beauties made! First things first, get your oven preheated to 350 degrees F (that’s 175 degrees C). While it’s warming up, give your mini tart pans or mini muffin pans a good grease. This helps make sure they pop right out later. Now, for that amazing crust, take your softened butter and cream cheese and beat them together in a big bowl until they’re super smooth. Then, slowly add in the flour, about a cup at a time, mixing until you have a nice, smooth dough. It might seem a little stiff, but that’s okay! Roll this dough into little balls – think about the size of a large walnut – and then gently press them into the bottoms and up the sides of your prepared pans. Don’t be shy, but don’t make them too thick either, just a nice even layer.

For the filling, it’s super simple. In a medium bowl, whisk together your packed brown sugar, the large eggs, those 3 tablespoons of melted butter, your vanilla extract, and that tiny pinch of salt. Mix it all up until it’s wonderfully smooth. Now for the best part – stir in those chopped pecans! Spoon this yummy filling into each little crust you made, but here’s a tip: only fill them about 2/3 full. This stops them from bubbling over and making a mess in the oven. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for just about 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the crust looks golden brown and the filling has puffed up all nicely. Let them hang out in the pans for a few minutes before carefully moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key for the best texture!

Tips for Baking Flawless Pecan Tassies

Okay, a few little secrets to make sure your Pecan Tassies turn out perfectly every single time! When you’re pressing that dough into the pans, try to make it as even as you can. This helps them bake uniformly. And remember that filling level – not too full! If you’re not sure if they’re done, the crust should be a lovely golden brown, and the filling should look set, not jiggly. A little toothpick test in the crust can’t hurt either. The biggest tip, though? Let them cool completely! I know, it’s torture when they smell this good, but letting them chill out on the wire rack lets the filling set up perfectly and gives you that wonderful texture. Rushing this part can lead to a crumbly mess, and we definitely don’t want that!

Enjoying Your Homemade Pecan Tassies

Now that you’ve got these gorgeous Pecan Tassies all baked and cooled, it’s time for the best part: digging in! These little beauties are just perfect on their own, a sweet little treat that feels so special. They’re amazing with a cup of coffee in the morning, or as a delightful finish to any meal. Honestly, they’re so good, you don’t even need a fancy occasion. But if you *are* having a get-together, they look absolutely stunning on a dessert platter. Imagine a whole plate of these mini wonders – they disappear fast! They really do bring that sense of comfort and connection I love so much about cooking, making any moment feel a little bit more joyful. For more delightful baking inspiration, check out these dessert recipes.

Storing and Reheating Your Pecan Tassies

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pecan Tassies store like a dream. Just pop them into an airtight container, and they’ll stay yummy at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can pop them in the fridge for up to a week, though I find they’re best at room temp. If they do end up in the fridge, just let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Honestly, they’re so good, they rarely last that long anyway!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Tassies

Got some burning questions about these little gems? I’ve got you covered! One common one is, “Can I make the dough for Pecan Tassies ahead of time?” Absolutely! You can whip up the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just let it soften a bit before pressing it into the pans. Another great question is, “What’s the best way to store Pecan Tassies?” They’re happiest in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but you can also stash them in the fridge for longer. And can you freeze them? Yes, you can! Freeze them once they’re completely cooled, either individually wrapped or in a container, and they’ll be good for about a month. Just thaw them slowly on the counter. Finally, people often ask, “Are Pecan Tassies hard to make?” Not at all! With these simple steps and a little care, even beginner bakers can create these delightful mini pies. They’re really quite forgiving! For more baking tips and tricks, you might find this guide on baking artisan bread helpful.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Pecan Tassies

Just so you have an idea, each of these delightful Pecan Tassies comes in at about 166 calories. You’re looking at around 11g of fat, with 3g of that being saturated fat, and about 16g of carbohydrates. There’s also roughly 9g of sugar and 2g of protein per tart. Keep in mind, these numbers are just estimates, as everything can change a little depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use!

Nutritional Disclaimer

Please remember that the nutritional information provided here is an estimate. It can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients you choose, the brands you use, and the exact size of your Pecan Tassies. For the most precise figures, you’d need to calculate it based on your own ingredients. For more information on understanding nutritional data, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s Nutrition Facts Label guide.

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