Introduction to Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
I know how fleeting moments can be. Between juggling work and family, finding time to indulge in baking seems impossible. That’s where my love for Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies comes in. These delightful little treats are not only a breeze to whip up but also pack a sweet punch that’ll leave your family smiling. Imagine buttery, cream cheese crusts filled with a nutty, caramel-like filling, all topped with a pecan half. They’re perfect for a cozy family gathering or a special treat after a long day—because everyone deserves a little sweetness in their lives!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
These Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies are a joy to create, especially for busy moms like us. They come together in less than an hour, making them the perfect last-minute dessert to impress family or friends. The taste? Oh, it’s pure bliss! The buttery crust pairs beautifully with the rich, sweet filling. Plus, their bite-sized nature makes it easy to satisfy that sweet tooth without any guilt. Who wouldn’t love that?
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step on our delicious journey to making Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies. Trust me; each one adds its own special touch!
- Salted butter: This forms the base of our creamy crust. It adds richness and flavor to each tassie.
- Cream cheese: The secret to a tender, flaky crust! It adds a delightful tang to balance the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, providing structure and a soft texture that complements the filling.
- Dark brown sugar: This gives our filling its deep, caramel flavor and delicious moisture.
- Eggs: They bind our filling and create a lovely custard-like texture. You can use flax eggs for a vegan twist!
- Maple extract: For a hint of sweetness! It enhances the nutty flavors and adds a cozy feel.
- Finely chopped pecans: These add the classic pecan pie crunch and nutty goodness to the filling.
- Pecan halves: These serve as the crowning glory on top, providing a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.
Use the exact measurements for each ingredient, which you can find at the bottom of this article. Always feel free to adjust and experiment a little; cooking is as much about personal preference as it is about following the recipe!
How to Make Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
Ready to dive into the world of sweet, nutty bliss? Making Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies isn’t just easy; it’s also fun! Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll be whipping these little delights up in no time, even on a busy weeknight.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, let’s get that dough ready! In a small bowl, combine the salted butter and cream cheese. I love using a hand mixer for this—it makes things so much smoother! Blend them until they’re well combined. Then, slowly add the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough is smooth and creamy. It should feel like a soft cloud in your hands!
Step 2: Form the Cups
Now that we have our dough, it’s time to shape it into delightful cups. Spray three mini muffin pans with cooking spray to ensure your tassies pop right out. Using a mini cookie scoop, divide the dough among the muffin cups. Don’t rush this part; take your time to get even portions. Once they’re all scooped, pop the pans in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape!
Step 3: Mix the Filling
While the dough chills, let’s whip up the filling! Grab a medium bowl and mix together the dark brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, maple extract, and finely chopped pecans. The smell at this point is heavenly! Just mix until everything is combined. You want a luscious filling that’s going to bring that pecan pie flavor to life.
Step 4: Fill the Dough Shells
Time to assemble! Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Take one of the muffin pans out of the fridge. Now, press the chilled dough on the bottom and up the sides—creating little cups to hold the filling. Be gentle but firm— think of it as a cozy hug for what’s to come! Fill each cup about ⅔ full with the delicious filling. Do remember to place a pecan half on top of each cup for that signature look!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled muffin pans in the oven and let them bake for about 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want those tassies to be golden brown on top. Once they’re perfectly baked, allow them to cool for a few minutes. Loosen each tassie with a small knife and transfer them to a cooling rack. They’ll be ready to enjoy soon, but try not to eat them all in one sitting!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Chilling the dough makes it easier to form perfect cups.
- Don’t overfill the cups; leave some space for the tassies to puff up.
- Try using silicone muffin pans for easy removal!
- Let them cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.
Equipment Needed
- Mini muffin pans: Silicone pans are a great alternative for easy removal.
- Hand mixer: A whisk works too, but a mixer saves time!
- Mixing bowls: Any size will do, just make sure they’re sturdy.
- Scoop: A mini cookie scoop is perfect for uniform dough portions.
- Small knife: Use it to carefully loosen the tassies from the muffin pans.
Variations of Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
- Chocolate Pecan Tassies: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, decadent twist. The combination of chocolate and pecans is a match made in heaven!
- Coconut Pecan Tassies: Incorporate shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical touch. It adds a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness.
- Maple Pecan Tassies: Replace the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more aromatic flavor. It adds a rustic charm to your tassies.
- Nut-Free Option: You can substitute the pecans with chocolate chunks or dried fruits for a nut-free version that’s equally delightful.
- Vegan Pecan Tassies: Swap the eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese, and opt for vegan butter to create a plant-based delight without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy treat.
- Presentation tip: Arrange tassies on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- For a festive touch, serve alongside hot apple cider during the holidays.
FAQs about Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
Can I make Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
How should I store leftover tassies?
Store your leftover Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about three days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies?
You can freeze these delightful mini pecan pies! Just make sure they’re completely cool, then pack them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
What can I use instead of nuts in the recipe?
If you need a nut-free option, consider substituting chopped chocolate or dried fruits. Both add a unique twist while keeping the tassies delicious!
What drinks pair well with Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies?
Try pairing these sweet treats with coffee, hot tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. They’ll complement the nutty flavor beautifully while enhancing your dessert experience!
Final Thoughts
Every time I whip up a batch of Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies, it feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. The warm, inviting aroma fills the air, wrapping around you like a cozy hug. These delightful bites bring back fond memories of family gatherings, laughter, and sweet moments shared over dessert. Whether you’re indulging solo or sharing them with loved ones, each tassie is a sweet reminder of how simple joys can create lasting happiness. So go ahead, treat yourself to this easy recipe, and enjoy the smiles they bring—because life is too short not to celebrate with a little sweetness!
Print
Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 36 tassies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies are delightful mini pecan pie treats with a buttery cream cheese crust filled with a sweet and nutty filling, topped with pecan halves.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 36 pecan halves for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the butter and cream cheese until well combined. Add the flour and mix until smooth.
- Spray three mini muffin pans (36 tarts total) with cooking spray. Using a mini cookie scoop, scoop dough balls into the muffin pans, dividing the dough between the 36 cups evenly. Refrigerate the dough while making the filling.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, maple extract, and finely chopped pecans.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. After the tarts have refrigerated about 15 minutes, remove one pan from the fridge. Press the dough on the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cavity to create a “cup” with the dough.
- Fill the dough shells ⅔ full with the filling. Place a pecan half on top of each cup.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until the tarts are golden brown on top. Allow the tarts to cool, then loosen them with a small knife and remove to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overfill the dough shells with the filling to prevent overflow during baking.
- Using a wooden kitchen tool can help in forming the dough cups quicker.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tassie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg