Let’s talk about the absolute joy that is Easy Pecan Tassies! If you love that classic, gooey-rich flavor of Southern pecan pie, but have a soft spot for adorable, bite-sized treats, these little gems are about to become your new best friends in the dessert world. With a melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese crust and a pecan-studded, brown sugary filling, each tassie delivers sweet, nutty comfort in a single, hand-held bite. Whether you’re planning a holiday cookie tray or just want something wonderful to go with your afternoon coffee, Easy Pecan Tassies never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Easy Pecan Tassies is how you can make a truly irresistible dessert with a handful of humble ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a starring role, creating perfect layers of buttery crust and that classic pecan filling you crave.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter in the crust gives you that irresistible tender, rich base, while a bit more goes into the filling for silkiness.
- Cream cheese: This is your not-so-secret ingredient for ultra-tender, tangy crusts that melt in your mouth every time.
- All-purpose flour: Just the right structure so your tassie shells hold that luscious filling without being too heavy.
- Large egg: Brings everything together in the filling, making it that glorious, custardy texture.
- Brown sugar: For the rich, molasses-kissed sweetness that makes each bite taste like a Southern pie.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors in both crust and filling for extra homemade love.
- Pinch of salt: Balances all that sweetness and makes the pecans pop.
- Chopped pecans: The unapologetic star of Easy Pecan Tassies, giving each bite fabulous crunch and nutty depth.
How to Make Easy Pecan Tassies
Step 1: Prepare Your Mini Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 24-cup mini muffin tin a light greasing. This simple step ensures your tassies pop out without a fuss and keep their beautiful, bakery-style shapes.
Step 2: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Crust
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the combination is perfectly smooth and fluffy. Next, stir in the all-purpose flour until your dough just comes together. Divide this tender dough into 24 even portions, and press each piece into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup, forming petite, sturdy shells ready to cradle the pecan filling.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Irresistible Pecan Filling
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until it’s well blended and glossy. Fold in the chopped pecans and make sure every bit is coated with that sugary magic. This gooey filling will caramelize beautifully in the oven!
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spoon the pecan filling into each prepared crust, filling them about three-quarters full. Pop the tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are golden and the filling looks set. Let the tassies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently ease them out and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can wait!).
How to Serve Easy Pecan Tassies
Garnishes
The finishing touch can take your Easy Pecan Tassies from delightful to downright swoon-worthy. Try a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even crown each tassie with a single toasted pecan half for that picture-perfect touch.
Side Dishes
On a dessert buffet, Easy Pecan Tassies love to keep company with a bowl of fresh berries, a tray of lemon bars, or classic shortbread cookies. For a cozier spread, serve alongside strong coffee, vanilla ice cream, or even a caramel sauce for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
These gems shine on a vintage cake stand, nestled together in festive mini-cupcake liners, or tucked into treat boxes with a bow for edible gift giving. For parties, arrange them as part of a dessert charcuterie board dotted with nuts, dark chocolate, and dried fruit. Easy Pecan Tassies love making a big impression!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tassies? Lucky you! Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay extra tender, pop a slice of bread in the container to trap moisture and keep them soft.
Freezing
Easy Pecan Tassies are truly freezer-friendly. Let them cool completely, then layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer. They’ll taste freshly-baked for up to 2 months—simply thaw at room temperature when needed.
Reheating
If you crave that just-baked warmth, place the thawed or room-temperature tassies on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives the crust and makes the pecan centers gooey again, as if they were freshly pulled from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Pecan Tassies without a mini muffin tin?
While the mini muffin tin gives each tassie its signature shape, you could use a regular muffin tin for larger portions (just adjust the bake time a bit). They’ll still turn out beautifully—just more like mini pies!
What’s the difference between pecan tassies and pecan pie?
Pecan tassies are essentially bite-sized pecan pies but with a lighter, cream cheese-based crust. They’re perfect for sharing or for party platters where a full pie would be tough to serve.
Can I add extra flavors to the filling?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon work beautifully in the filling, adding subtle warmth or a sophisticated twist to your Easy Pecan Tassies.
Is it okay to prepare the dough in advance?
Definitely. You can make and chill the dough up to 24 hours ahead. Just bring it to room temperature when you’re ready to shape and bake, and you’re all set.
How can I prevent the tassies from sticking to the pan?
A generous coating of nonstick spray does wonders, but you can also use mini muffin paper liners for effortless removal—and a little extra visual flair!
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for an easy, sweet treat that’s guaranteed to impress, give Easy Pecan Tassies a spot on your dessert table. They’ve got all the soul of a homemade pie in the cutest, poppable package. Grab your mini muffin tin and get ready for love at first bite!
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Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 tassies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Pecan Tassies are delightful mini pecan pies with a buttery cream cheese crust, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Make the crust: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the flour to form a soft dough. Divide into 24 portions and press into mini muffin cups.
- Prepare the filling: Whisk together egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans. Fill each crust.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and set. Cool before serving.
Notes
- These tassies freeze well and are great for holiday prep.
- Enhance the filling with cinnamon or bourbon for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tassie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
