Description
Experience the nostalgic comfort of warm, buttery pecan tarts. These individual-sized treats capture the beloved flavors of traditional Southern pecan pie in a perfectly portioned crust. With a crisp, flaky shell giving way to a rich, gooey, caramel-like interior filled with toasted pecans, these tarts are an elegant yet approachable dessert. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying during a quiet autumn afternoon, they bring a sense of culinary meditation and pure delight to any kitchen table.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup cream cheese, chilled
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine flour, cold butter, and cream cheese until a dough forms; wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough into 24 small balls and press each into the bottom and sides of mini-tart tins.
In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Place a teaspoon of chopped pecans into each prepared tart shell.
Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans until the shells are about 3/4 full.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
Allow to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are very cold when making the dough to achieve the perfect flaky texture. You can toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan before using to intensify their earthy flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg