If you’re in the mood to whip up a delightful treat that combines buttery, tender crust with a rich, sweet pecan filling, you have to try this Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe. These little bites are the perfect balance of flaky pastry and gooey pecan goodness, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday, a casual get-together, or just a cozy afternoon snack. The beauty of this recipe lies in its timeless charm and the comforting flavors that have been passed down through generations, offering that warm, nostalgic experience with every single tassie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe is how straightforward yet impactful the ingredients are. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, texture, or that signature nutty, caramel flavor that pecan lovers adore.
- 3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough and contributes to a tender texture.
- 5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Adds tanginess and moisture, keeping the crust soft and slightly tangy.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the dough, making sure your tassies hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-infused sweetness for the filling’s classic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Enriches the filling, balancing the sugary notes with a buttery smoothness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the filling and give it a luscious, custard-like consistency.
- ½ teaspoon maple extract: A subtle, natural flavor enhancer that makes each bite unforgettable.
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans: Adds crunch and that unmistakable pecan aroma inside the filling.
- 36 pecan halves (for topping): A decorative and crunchy topping that finishes each tassie with flair.
How to Make Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start your journey by creaming together the salted butter and cream cheese in a small bowl with a hand mixer until smooth and well combined. This combo creates a luscious, tender dough base. Then, add the all-purpose flour and mix just until the dough comes together smoothly. This dough is soft but easy to work with, ensuring your tassies have that delicate crumb everyone loves.
Step 2: Shape the Dough Cups
Grab three mini muffin pans, which will yield 36 delightful tassies, and spray them with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later on. Using a mini cookie scoop, portion the dough evenly into the muffin cups. Place the pans in the refrigerator to chill as you prepare the filling. Chilling is vital to help the dough hold its shape during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Pecan Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, maple extract, and finely chopped pecans. This rich filling is what gives the tassies their signature gooey, nutty heart. The combination of eggs and sugar transforms as it bakes into a luscious, toffee-like custard brimming with pecan flavor.
Step 4: Form the Cups and Fill
Preheat your oven to 350ºF to get ready for baking. After chilling the dough for about 15 minutes, take one pan out at a time. Press the dough evenly along the bottom and sides of each muffin cavity, creating a perfect little cup that’s thick enough to hold the filling but delicate enough to melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Add the Filling and Toppings
Fill each dough cup approximately two-thirds full with the prepared pecan mixture. Now for the final touch, place one pecan half on top of every tassie, giving them an inviting, polished look and an extra nutty crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the tassies for about 18 minutes or until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool in the pans briefly, then carefully loosen each tassie with a small knife. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This finishing step ensures your tassies come out neat and easy to enjoy.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of rich caramel sauce to elevate the sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each tassie turns a simple treat into an indulgent dessert that guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
These tassies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or lightly brewed tea for a delightful afternoon break. For a holiday table, consider serving them alongside spiced cider or mulled wine. The nutty, buttery flavors complement a variety of warm beverages, making your snack time or dessert moment even cozier.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, arrange tassies on a vintage tiered cake stand, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Using colorful cupcake liners inside the muffin pans can add a festive touch. You might also try piping a small swirl of cream cheese frosting or mascarpone on top for an elegant twist that guests won’t soon forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The tassies keep their buttery texture and sweet filling nicely without drying out, so you can enjoy them fresh for easy snacking over a few days.
Freezing
For longer storage, Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooled tassies in a single layer on a baking sheet first and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, so you can have homemade sweetness ready anytime.
Reheating
When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw frozen tassies at room temperature for about an hour. To refresh their just-baked warmth, pop them in a 325ºF oven for 5–7 minutes. This revives the buttery crust and softens the filling for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated wrapped tightly in plastic. Chilling the dough actually helps develop its texture and makes it easier to shape into cups before baking.
What if I don’t have maple extract?
If maple extract isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. While it alters the flavor slightly, the filling will still be deliciously sweet and nutty with a classic pecan taste.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with walnuts or chopped almonds for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that each nut has a distinct texture and flavor, which may change the overall character of your tassies.
Why is my dough too sticky to handle?
Sticky dough usually means it’s too warm or the butter is too soft. Chill the dough longer before scooping, and if needed, lightly flour your hands or tools when shaping the dough cups.
How can I tell when the tassies are done baking?
The tassies are perfectly baked when the filling is golden brown on top and the crust is lightly browned around the edges. They should feel set, not jiggly, signaling that custard filling is cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe is truly a gem that brings the comfort of classic baking into your kitchen with ease and heart. Once you taste their buttery crust and luscious filling, you’ll understand why these little treasures have stood the test of time. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something wonderfully sweet and deeply satisfying.
Print
Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 36 tassies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies are classic bite-sized pecan tarts featuring a rich, buttery cream cheese crust filled with a sweet, gooey pecan filling. Perfectly topped with a pecan half, these mini treats offer a delightful balance of creamy, nutty, and caramel flavors, ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 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
- Make the Crust: In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the butter and cream cheese until well combined and smooth. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Prepare the Mini Muffin Pans: Spray three mini muffin pans to provide 36 total cups with cooking spray. Use a mini cookie scoop to divide the dough evenly, placing dough balls into each muffin cup. Refrigerate the pans to chill the dough while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, maple extract, and finely chopped pecans until thoroughly combined.
- Preheat the Oven and Shape the Dough Cups: Heat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). After the dough has chilled for about 15 minutes, remove one muffin pan from the refrigerator. Press the dough in each cup firmly on the bottom and up the sides to create a small cup shape.
- Fill the Cups: Spoon the pecan filling into each dough cup, filling them about two-thirds full. Top each tart with a single pecan half for garnish.
- Bake the Tassies: Place the pans in the oven and bake for approximately 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Cool and Serve: Once cooled, carefully loosen the tassies from the pans using a small knife and transfer them to a cooling rack. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy creaming and a smooth dough.
- Pressing the dough evenly into the muffin cups ensures uniform cooking and a good crust structure.
- Refrigerating the dough before baking helps prevent shrinking and keeps the crust tender.
- You can substitute maple extract with vanilla extract if desired.
- Store tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
