How to Make Easy Pecan Tarts

Create Perfect Tart Shells

Master the cream cheese dough for delicate, flaky crusts.

Develop Rich Pecan Filling

Balance sweetness and nutty flavors in the classic filling.

Master Precise Baking

Achieve the ideal texture with properly set filling and golden crust.

Finish with Elegant Presentation

Add decorative touches for professional-looking mini desserts.

Baking Tips

For easy removal, make sure to grease the mini muffin tin well before adding the dough balls.

The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days before using.

If the dough becomes too soft while working with it, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.

For flavor variations, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling.

Store baked tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

For a time-saving shortcut, you can use pre-made pie crust, though the cream cheese crust is worth the extra effort.

Easy Pecan Tarts

Name: Easy Pecan Tarts
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 24 tarts (8-12 servings)
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients: For the tart crust:; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 6 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For the pecan filling:; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped (plus 24 pecan halves for topping); For serving (optional):; Whipped cream; Caramel sauce; Powdered sugar for dusting

These delightful Easy Pecan Tarts capture the essence of classic pecan pie in perfect individual servings. With buttery, flaky crusts filled with a rich, caramelized pecan filling, these miniature desserts offer the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. They're impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for casual gatherings, with all the decadence of traditional pecan pie in an elegant bite-sized format.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

1H30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the tart crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

6 oz cream cheese, softened

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the pecan filling:

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped (plus 24 pecan halves for topping)

For serving (optional):

Whipped cream

Caramel sauce

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Divide the dough into 24 equal portions, rolling each into a ball. Place each ball into the cups of a mini muffin tin.

Using your fingers or a tart tamper, press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of each cup to form a shell. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Remove the chilled tart shells from the refrigerator. Spoon the pecan filling into each shell, filling about 3/4 full.

Top each tart with a pecan half for decoration.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crusts are golden brown.

Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve with optional whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Easy Pecan Tarts

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Easy Pecan Tarts

Easy Pecan Tarts

Ingredients

Instructions