Introduction to PECAN TASSIES
Ah, PECAN TASSIES! Just the name brings a smile to my face. These delightful mini pecan pies are like little bites of happiness, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these tassies are a quick solution for a busy day. I love how they combine a buttery crust with a sweet, nutty filling that dances on your taste buds. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for impressing loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This PECAN TASSIES
These PECAN TASSIES are a dream come true for any home cook! They’re incredibly easy to make, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish. The taste? Oh, it’s a delightful blend of buttery goodness and sweet, crunchy pecans that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in. You’ll love how they bring joy to your table!
Ingredients for PECAN TASSIES
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these scrumptious PECAN TASSIES. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your buttery crust, giving it that perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for a rich flavor and a tender crust. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetens the crust, balancing the nuttiness of the filling.
- Egg: A binding agent that helps hold everything together while adding a lovely richness.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans are the star of the show! They add that delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Brown sugar: This gives the filling a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making each bite even more irresistible.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavors.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding a dash of cinnamon for warmth or using pecan halves for a beautiful presentation. You can find the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make PECAN TASSIES
Making PECAN TASSIES is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of these mini pecan pies ready to impress!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking. You want that crust to be golden and flaky, and starting with a hot oven helps achieve that perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly texture. It should feel like wet sand, ready to hold its shape. This buttery crust is the foundation of your PECAN TASSIES, so take your time to get it just right!
Step 3: Form the Crusts
Now, it’s time to press the crust mixture into your mini muffin tins. Use your fingers to evenly distribute the mixture along the bottom and up the sides of each cup. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will create a sturdy base for your sweet filling.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. You want a smooth mixture with no lumps. The consistency should be slightly thick but pourable. This filling is what makes PECAN TASSIES so irresistible!
Step 5: Combine and Pour
Next, stir in the chopped pecans until they’re well coated with the filling. Then, carefully pour this mixture into the prepared crusts. Fill each one about three-quarters full to allow for some rising as they bake. The pecans will float to the top, creating a beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the PECAN TASSIES from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps them firm up. Then, gently remove them from the tins and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Now, they’re ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing; it makes a world of difference!
- Chop your pecans finely for a better texture and even distribution in the filling.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the tassies hold their shape when removed from the tins.
- Experiment with different nuts or add chocolate chips for a fun twist!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Equipment Needed
- Mini muffin tin: Essential for shaping your PECAN TASSIES. If you don’t have one, a regular muffin tin works too, just adjust the baking time.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple for mixing the crust and filling. Any size will do!
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the filling ingredients smoothly. A fork can work in a pinch!
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements. If you’re in a hurry, eyeballing can work, but precision is key!
Variations of PECAN TASSIES
- Chocolate Pecan Tassies: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Maple Pecan Tassies: Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar to infuse a warm, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans.
- Spiced Pecan Tassies: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a cozy, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
- Gluten-Free Pecan Tassies: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these tassies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan Pecan Tassies: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a plant-based option.
Serving Suggestions for PECAN TASSIES
- Pair your PECAN TASSIES with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
- Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea to enhance the nutty flavors.
- For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.
- Arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh fruit for a colorful display.
FAQs about PECAN TASSIES
As I’ve shared my love for PECAN TASSIES, I often get questions about these delightful treats. Here are some common queries that might help you on your baking journey!
Can I make PECAN TASSIES ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and filling separately a day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble and bake them fresh!
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great alternatives. They’ll still give you that nutty flavor, but with a different twist!
How do I store leftover PECAN TASSIES?
Store your PECAN TASSIES in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for freshness.
Can I freeze PECAN TASSIES?
Yes! These mini pecan pies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
What’s the best way to serve PECAN TASSIES?
Serve them warm or at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream on the side can elevate your presentation and flavor!
Final Thoughts
Making PECAN TASSIES is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in your kitchen. Each bite is a delightful reminder of cozy gatherings and shared laughter. I love how these mini pecan pies can brighten up any occasion, from holiday feasts to casual get-togethers. The joy of watching friends and family savor these treats is truly priceless. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of freshly baked tassies fill your home. Trust me, once you share these little bites of happiness, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
PECAN TASSIES: Discover the Best Recipe for Perfection!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini tassies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Tassies are delightful mini pecan pies with a buttery crust and a sweet, nutty filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, and granulated sugar to form the crust.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of mini muffin tins.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared crusts.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
- Allow to cool before removing from the tins.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Chop the pecans finely for a better texture.
- These can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tassie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
