Pecan Tassies are delightful bite-sized tarts that resemble mini pecan pies. With a rich cream cheese pastry base and a gooey brown sugar-pecan filling, they’re a classic American treat often seen at holidays, bake sales, or afternoon teas. Their appeal lies in the balance of buttery crust and sweet, nutty center, making them irresistible in any setting. These elegant morsels offer the comforting flavors of pecan pie in a convenient handheld form, and their tender, tangy pastry offers a welcome contrast to the sugary filling.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup butter (or oleo, softened)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (unsifted)
For the Filling:
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 dash salt
- ⅔ cup broken pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Let cream cheese and butter (or oleo) soften at room temperature.
- Blend until smooth.
- Stir in flour until just combined.
- Chill dough for about 1 hour.
Step 2: Form Tart Shells
- Shape dough into 24 small balls (approx. 1-inch).
- Press each ball into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased mini muffin or tart tin, forming cups.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- Beat the egg slightly.
- Blend in brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a dash of salt.
- Divide ½ of the chopped pecans among the tart shells.
- Spoon filling mixture into each shell.
- Top each with remaining pecans.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until filling is set and edges are golden brown.
- Let cool before removing from tins.
Tips
- Let the cream cheese fully soften for easier pastry blending
- Use a tart tamper or fingers to evenly press dough into muffin cups
- Toast pecans lightly for deeper flavor
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for warmth
- Mini muffin pans work best for uniform tassies
- Chill dough briefly if it becomes sticky
- Substitute walnuts if pecans are unavailable
- Drizzle cooled tassies with melted chocolate for variation
- These freeze well after baking
- Excellent for cookie trays and edible gifts
Nutrition
Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 260IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg
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