As a devoted food enthusiast, I’ve always found joy in the Southern tradition of baking. Among these, Mini Pecan Pie Tarts with a Cream Cheese Crust hold a special place in my heart. Growing up in the South, these tarts were a staple at various gatherings, from weddings to parties, and especially during the Kentucky Derby. The unique combination of flaky cream cheese crust with the richly sweet, gooey filling of pecan pie transforms every bite into one of life’s great, little pleasures.
Preparing these tarts is a delightful journey. The crust, made from high-quality cream cheese, butter, and flour, offers a flaky and tender base that perfectly complements the dense, nutty filling. The pecans, once mixed with the golden syrup, eggs, and butter, create a filling that is decadently richly sweet and gooey. As you take a fork to these mini delights, the contrast between the crunchy pecans and the soft filling makes for an unforgettable experience. It’s truly one of those treats that make life better, turning an ordinary day into a celebration of flavors.
Make Pecan Tarts for Your Next Party
The Joy of Mini Form Desserts
There’s something inherently delightful about transforming classic desserts into mini form. As a passionate baker, I’ve discovered that pecan tarts in miniature are not just a common occurrence at weddings, bridal and baby showers, but also a favorite at various parties. Their fantastic nature as a make-ahead, bite-size dessert makes them an ideal choice for gatherings. Whether it’s a wedding, a casual party, or a spirited tailgate, these little bites of heaven are always a hit.
The Perks of Being a Bourbon Fan
As a self-proclaimed bourbon fan, I’ve found that adding a dash of bourbon to the pecan tarts elevates their flavor immensely. Inspired by the famous Bourbon Kentucky Derby Pie, I often infuse the tart filling with bourbon and vanilla, creating a gooey, rich flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting. It’s the perfect dessert for a potluck or any gathering where a tried and true recipe is appreciated.
Crafting the Perfect Crust
The secret to these homemade mini pecan pies lies in their crust. Made with high-quality butter, this crust is the flakiest you can imagine. The key is to handle the dough gently and let it rest in the refrigerator for about an hour before baking. This rest period ensures that the crust bakes up light and airy, providing the perfect foundation for the rich, nutty filling.
A Versatile Choice for Special Occasions
These tiny treats are not just limited to one type of event. They’re a staple on holiday dessert trays, a standout among party finger foods, a sweet surprise at a cookie exchange, and a must-have on the Thanksgiving dessert table. Adding this recipe to your recipe box means you’re always ready to add a touch of sweetness to special occasions. The versatility and universal love for these desserts make them an essential in any baker’s repertoire.
What to Serve With Pecan Tarts on a Dessert Table
Complementing Pecan Tarts with a Medley of Flavors
When it comes to enhancing your party dessert table, pairing mini desserts with pecan tarts is a delightful way to offer a variety of flavors. Serving these alongside other bite-sized treats not only creates a visually appealing display but also allows guests to savor a diverse range of tastes.
- Chocolate chip tarts
- Salted Caramels
- Peppermint Fudge
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Squares
Why You’ll Love this Mini Pecan Pie Tart Recipe
The Ease and Reliability of the Recipe
One of the most compelling reasons you’ll love this Mini Pecan Pie Tart Recipe is its simplicity and fail-proof nature. These tarts are easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients that are commonly found in your cupboard or fridge. The pecan pie filling is a cinch to prepare, combining pantry staples to create a lusciously gooey filling that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re preparing for a small family gathering or a larger event, these tarts will surely be a hit.
The Secret to Perfect Crust
The tricky part of any pie is often the crust, but not with this recipe. The crust for these tarts is designed to be user-friendly. By simply combining the ingredients and allowing the dough to refrigerate, you eliminate many of the common problems associated with pie crusts. This easy-to-handle dough results in a perfectly flaky and tender crust every time, making the baking process a joy rather than a chore.
Recipe Variations
If you want to dress up your tarts another way, try adding in:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped walnuts instead of pecans
- Coconut is an awesome addition
- Bourbon instead of vanilla
Mini Pecan Pie Tart Recipe Ingredients
The Foundation: Cream Cheese and Butter Crust
The crust of these mini tarts is what sets them apart. For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using full fat cream cheese and butter. You can opt for either unsalted or salted butter depending on the desired amount of saltiness in your crust. This combination creates a rich and tender base, essential for the perfect mini pecan pie tart.
Moving to the filling, the key ingredients include Brown sugar – you can choose either light or dark for varying depths of sweetness – and Pecans, which should be chopped finely to fit the mini tarts. Essential Pantry Staples like an egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt come together to create the iconic pecan pie filling that is both luscious and satisfying.
How To Make Mini Traditional Pecan Pie Butter Tarts
Prepare the ingredients
The journey to making these Mini Traditional Pecan Pie Butter Tarts begins with a simple yet crucial kitchen hack: ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This step might seem minor, but it dramatically eases the prep process, especially when it comes to blending these ingredients smoothly for the crust. Room temperature ingredients blend more evenly, eliminating the struggle of clumps and creating a consistent texture in your dough.
The recipe for the crust involves combining the softened cream cheese and butter, a staple in any baker’s cupboard, to form a base that’s both rich and flaky. This foundation sets the stage for the classic pecan filling. Start by mixing your favorite pecan pie ingredients and spooning them into the crust. The result is a delightful harmony of a buttery, creamy crust with the sweet, nutty filling – a combination that’s not only delicious but also surprisingly easier to make than you might think.
Make the Crust
The foundation of our Mini Pecan Pie Tarts with a Cream Cheese Crust is, of course, the crust. To make the crust, place cream cheese, butter, flour, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Pulse these ingredients until the mixture forms a ball. This method ensures that the ingredients are well-incorporated and creates a smooth, pliable dough. Next, divide the dough into 24 pieces and roll each into a small ball. Place these dough balls on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for an hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can also freeze them for about 20 minutes. For longer storage, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours until you’re ready to bake.
When you’re ready to bake, take the dough out and let it sit on the counter until it’s soft enough to cut and form into tart shells. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix together the ingredients by hand, using a fork or a pastry cutter to create coarse crumbs. Then, use your hands to knead and shape the dough into a ball. This hands-on approach adds a personal touch to your baking, ensuring each tart shell has a homemade feel.
Fill the Mini Muffin Pan
Grab your mini muffin tin and give it a light coating of cooking spray to ensure your tarts come out easily after baking. Take each ball of dough and press it into the pan. Push the dough gently to cover the bottom and sides of each muffin cup, making sure to create a small well in the center for the pecan filling. The dough should be even but not too thick, forming the perfect crust that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Make Your Filling
Using a whisk, combine brown sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla in a medium bowl, whisking until the filling is smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans. Fill each tart cup with this mixture, being careful not to go above the crust. This balance ensures each bite includes the perfect ratio of sweet, nutty filling to the creamy, buttery crust.
Bake the Tarts
Bake the tarts at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the crust turn a light golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven, but let the tarts continue to cook for another 10 minutes inside the warm pan. Set a timer so you don’t forget to remove them on time. If the filling appears to stick, use a butter knife or an offset spatula to gently loosen each tart from the crust. Transfer them onto a piece of parchment to cool completely.
Tips for Making Perfect Mini Pecan Butter Tarts
For that authentic Southern flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or vanilla to your filling. If you want to prepare your dough recipe ahead of time, it can be frozen for later use. Simply layer the dough balls with plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. They’ll keep well in the freeze for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the fridge before baking. Be mindful not to overfill the tarts; too much filling can spill over the top of the crust, creating a mess in the pan and oven. Extra filling that spills over can be difficult to remove and may affect the final presentation of your tarts.
Can You Make Pecan Tarts Ahead?
Pecan tarts are an excellent choice for a make-ahead dessert. You can prepare and freeze the dough well in advance, and then use it later when you’re ready to bake. This flexibility is perfect for busy schedules or preparing for large gatherings. For the prepared tarts, whether they are unbaked or already baked, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. This longevity makes them an ideal treat for those who like to plan their dessert menus ahead of time.
FAQS
Q1: What ingredients do I need for the crust?
The crust requires cream cheese, butter, flour, and a pinch of salt.
Q2: How do I make the pecan pie filling?
Combine brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and chopped pecans until smooth.
Q3: Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze the dough in advance, and the baked tarts can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Q4: What temperature should I bake the tarts at?
Bake the tarts at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the crust edges are light golden brown.
Q5: How do I prevent the filling from spilling over?
Be careful not to overfill the tarts with the pecan mixture to avoid spills during baking.
