There’s something truly delightful about the crisp, buttery crust of a Classic Pecan Tassie, reminding me of cozy family gatherings filled with laughter and conversation. You know that moment when you pop a warm tassie into your mouth, and the gooey, sweet pecan filling dances with caramel notes? It’s pure bliss! As the holidays approach, I find myself eagerly preparing these bite-sized treasures—not just for their deliciousness, but also for their simplicity and charm.
What I love most about these tassies is how effortlessly they elevate any occasion. They’re perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or even when you’re simply craving a sweet treat. Plus, they freeze exceptionally well, making them a go-to option for last-minute hosting. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, this recipe will have you whipping up a batch in no time. Join me as we uncover the magic of Classic Pecan Tassies—let’s bring a little joy to your kitchen!
Why are Classic Pecan Tassies so adored?
Bite-sized perfection: These mini treats offer all the flavors of traditional pecan pie in a delightful, manageable size.
Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time, perfect for those busy days.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and store for later—these tassies maintain their deliciousness when frozen, making last-minute hosting a breeze!
Crowd-pleasing: Whether at holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, they are sure to impress guests of all ages with their rich, gooey filling.
Versatile flavors: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or switching vanilla for almond extract for a unique twist. Enjoy the delectable journey of creating your own batch of Classic Pecan Tassies!
Classic Pecan Tassies Ingredients
For the Crust
- Butter (½ cup, softened) – Adds richness and moisture to the crust. Ensure it’s softened for easy creaming with cream cheese.
- Cream Cheese (3 ounces, softened) – Contributes to a flaky and tender texture in the crust. Can be substituted with mascarpone for a different flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – Provides structure to the tart crust. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
For the Filling
- Brown Sugar (1¼ cup) – Sweetens the filling and gives it a deep flavor with caramel notes. Light brown sugar works best for a milder taste.
- Eggs (2 large) – Binds the filling ingredients and helps set the mixture. Can substitute with flaxseed egg for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor profile. Use high-quality pure vanilla for best results.
- Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped) – The star ingredient for the filling, providing crunch and flavor. Can use walnuts as an alternative.
How to Make Classic Pecan Tassies
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Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prepares the environment for even baking, ensuring your tassies come out perfectly golden.
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Cream: In a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat them together until creamy, about 1 minute, creating a smooth mixture that forms the base of your crust.
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Mix: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing on medium speed until you have a soft dough forms, which should take about 3 minutes. This dough will be easy to work with and delicious!
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Shape: Divide the dough into 24 equal balls, each weighing about ½ ounce. Press each ball into the cups of a mini muffin tin, shaping a pretty little crust that will hold your filling.
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Combine: In a medium bowl, blend together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Whisk well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a delightful filling.
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Fill: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the pecan mixture into each tart shell, taking care not to overfill them. A bit below the top is just right—you want that gooeyness without a mess!
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Bake: Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden crust and a filling that is set yet slightly jiggly in the center.
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Cool: Once baked, allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 6 to 7 minutes. Then gently transfer them to a cooling rack, letting them cool further before indulging.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Classic Pecan Tassies
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Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough isn’t overworked; this keeps your tassies tender and flaky. Use flour-dusted fingers to prevent stickiness when shaping.
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Filling Level: Avoid overfilling the tart shells to prevent spilling during baking. Aim for slightly below the top, which balances gooeyness with easy removal.
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Pan Choice: Opt for a non-stick mini muffin pan, which allows for easy release of the tassies after baking, ensuring they retain their delightful shape.
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Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allow 6-7 minutes in the pan—this helps them set properly for perfect texture and flavor in your Classic Pecan Tassies.
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Storage Know-How: For the best flavor, store cooled tassies in an airtight container in the freezer. They can be enjoyed for up to three months—simply thaw before serving!
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Pecan Tassies are a wonderful choice for meal prep, saving you time during busy days! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the dough, shape it into the muffin tin, and cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. For the filling, you can mix it up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, fill the chilled crusts with the prepared filling and bake like normal. This way, you’ll enjoy that delightful, gooey pecan taste without the last-minute hustle, making your baking experience just as delicious and stress-free!
How to Store and Freeze Classic Pecan Tassies
Room Temperature: Store cooled tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; they are best enjoyed fresh.
Fridge: For longer storage, keep tassies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: Freeze tassies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before indulging in these delicious Classic Pecan Tassies.
Reheating: If desired, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their warmth and crispy texture before serving.
What to Serve with Classic Pecan Tassies?
These delightful mini treats are perfect for enhancing your gathering’s festive spirit, bringing sweetness to any occasion.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of airy whipped cream complements the gooey filling, adding a light, creamy texture that balances the richness of the tassies.
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Strong Coffee: The robust flavor of a freshly brewed coffee cuts through the sweetness, making it a perfect pairing for indulging in these tiny treasures.
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Hot Cocoa: Treat your guests to a warm mug of cocoa. Its chocolatey richness pairs beautifully with the nutty pecan filling, creating a cozy flavor experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream atop classic pecan tassies creates a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth, enhancing the dessert experience.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds bright, juicy notes that lighten the meal. Its freshness offers a lovely balance to the sweet nutty flavors of the tassies.
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Spiced Tea: A cup of warm spiced tea helps elevate the flavors of the pecans, while the aromatic spices provide an interesting twist to this sweet classic.
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Mini Cheesecakes: Serve mini cheesecakes alongside for variety. Their creamy texture and tangy flavor complement the sweetness of the tassies perfectly, enticing guests to try both desserts.
Classic Pecan Tassies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these tempting twists and swaps!
- Chocolate Delight: Add chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a rich chocolate-pecan flavor that’ll delight any sweet tooth. The mix of smooth chocolate and crunchy pecans is simply heavenly.
- Nut-Free: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to make it nut-free, ensuring tasty inclusion for those with allergies. You’ll get a delightful crunch without the worry!
- Coconut Lovers: Mix in shredded coconut to your filling for a tropical twist. The subtle sweetness of coconut pairs beautifully with the luscious pecan flavor.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor that’s reminiscent of holiday baking. Just a hint is all you need to elevate this classic treat.
- Maple Syrup Twist: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like taste that rounds out beautifully with the pecan filling. This variation adds a lovely rustic charm!
- Almond Extract: Swap out traditional vanilla extract for almond extract for a fragrant, nutty twist that enhances the overall flavor of these tassies. It’s a simple change that brings a new layer of deliciousness.
- Savory Option: Experiment with a hint of cayenne pepper in the filling for those who enjoy a little heat amidst the sweetness. This unexpected twist will tantalize your taste buds!
- Caramel Drizzle: Top baked tassies with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent finish. This caramel addition will make your desserts sing with extra flavor and sweetness!
Classic Pecan Tassies Recipe FAQs
What are the best pecans to use for Classic Pecan Tassies?
Absolutely! Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor. Look for firm, whole nuts without dark spots or moisture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try toasting them lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling; this enhances their crunch and deepens their nutty flavor.
How should I store Classic Pecan Tassies?
To keep your tassies fresh, store cooled delights in an airtight container. At room temperature, they last for about 2 days. For longer preservation, pop them in the fridge for up to a week, letting them return to room temperature before enjoying their full delightful flavor.
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Can I freeze Classic Pecan Tassies?
Yes, definitely! Freeze tassies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to regenerate that lovely crispiness!
What should I do if my tassies overflowed during baking?
No worries! A little overflow can happen. If it does, just let the tassies cool completely in the pan, as this helps them firm up. If they’re too messy to remove, grab a small spoon and scoop out any excess filling once they have cooled. Remember to avoid overfilling next time for easy removal!
Can I make Classic Pecan Tassies allergy-friendly?
Of course! You can make a few substitutions to suit dietary needs. Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese to make them lactose-free and replace the two eggs with a flaxseed egg mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) for a vegan option. Always check labels for allergens associated with your ingredients, especially when it comes to nuts.
Classic Pecan Tassies: Irresistible Mini Pies for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat them together until creamy, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing on medium speed until a soft dough forms, about 3 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 24 equal balls, each weighing about ½ ounce. Press each ball into the cups of a mini muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, blend together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Whisk well.
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the pecan mixture into each tart shell.
- Place the mini muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 6 to 7 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
