Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of The Best Buttery Pecan Tarts, a recipe that brings together creamy, buttery textures with the crunch of pecans in a delightful little package. Perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or as a refined addition to a Sunday brunch, these pecan tarts are a crowd-pleaser that marries simplicity with decadent taste.
A Treat That’s as Sweet as It Is Simple
These pecan tarts boast a homemade pastry shell filled with a sweet and sticky pecan mixture that sets into a luscious, caramel-like filling upon baking. The result is a dessert that looks as sophisticated as it tastes, making it a perfect choice for those moments when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Ingredients:
For the Pecan Tart Shells:
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick of margarine or butter, softened
- 1 cup 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 chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tart Shells:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, margarine, flour, and a dash of salt until a smooth dough forms.
- Using a cookie scoop, distribute the dough into 12 muffin tins. Press the dough evenly along the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup with your fingers. Patch any holes with extra dough.
- Make the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine the beaten eggs, brown sugar, melted margarine, vanilla extract, and another dash of salt. Stir the mixture well to ensure it is thoroughly combined but avoid beating to keep the texture smooth and to prevent a crusty top from forming.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly among the pastry shells.
- Carefully pour the filling into each shell, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Bake the Tarts:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tarts to cool slightly in the muffin tin before removing them. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy Your Buttery Pecan Tarts! Serve these heavenly tarts as a luxurious treat that will delight your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of flaky pastry and gooey pecan filling makes for a truly special dessert that’s bound to become a new favorite.