Prepare to embark on a journey of sweet indulgence with The Best Buttery Pecan Tarts. These delectable treats are a symphony of buttery pastry, rich pecans, and luscious filling, creating a dessert experience that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or treating yourself to a special treat, these pecan tarts are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So let’s dive into the recipe and discover the secrets to creating these heavenly delights in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Tarts
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick of margarine or butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Dash of salt
For the Filling
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash of salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
Making the Pastry
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and margarine (or butter) until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, brown sugar, melted margarine (or butter), vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed. Set aside.
Assembling the Tarts
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 24 equal portions.
- Press each portion of dough into the bottom and up the sides of greased miniature muffin cups to form tart shells.
- Spoon the pecan filling into each tart shell, filling them to the top.
Baking the Tarts
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin cups for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace the pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Maple Twist: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the filling mixture for a hint of maple flavor.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the pecan filling before baking for a chocolatey addition.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version
- Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the pastry to make it keto-friendly.
- Use a sugar-free brown sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit in place of brown sugar in the filling.
- Increase the amount of chopped pecans and add a tablespoon of coconut flour to the filling for added texture.
Low-Carb Version
- Replace the all-purpose flour with a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a lower-carb pastry.
- Use a sugar-free sweetener in place of brown sugar in the filling.
- Reduce the amount of margarine or butter in both the pastry and filling to lower the fat content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking the tarts.
Q: Can I freeze the baked pecan tarts? A: Absolutely! Once the tarts have cooled completely, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut for the filling? A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts to customize the flavor of the tarts.
Q: Can I make these tarts in a regular-sized muffin pan instead of miniature muffin cups? A: Yes, you can use a regular-sized muffin pan to make larger pecan tarts. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as they may take slightly longer to bake.
The Best Buttery Pecan Tarts are a true testament to the art of baking. With their flaky pastry, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans, they’re a dessert lover’s dream come true. Whether enjoyed as a sweet ending to a holiday feast or as a midday indulgence with a cup of coffee, these tarts are sure to bring joy to every occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of The Best Buttery Pecan Tarts.
Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence with The Best Buttery Pecan Tarts and experience the bliss of homemade goodness. With their buttery pastry, rich pecan filling, and irresistible flavor, they’re a dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. So roll up your sleeves, dust off your baking pans, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more. Happy baking!
