Classic Pecan Tassies Recipe: Easy Miniature Pecan Pies for Any Occasion
Pecan Tassies are truly one of those hidden gems in the world of baking that deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Often described as miniature pecan pies, these bite-sized delights are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare. Despite their elegant appearance, which might suggest a complicated process, Pecan Tassies are a testament to the fact that some of the best desserts are also the easiest. Their rich, buttery, and slightly tangy cream cheese crust perfectly cradles a sweet, gooey pecan filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a casual gathering, or simply craving a comforting homemade dessert, these tassies are sure to impress with minimal effort.
So, What Exactly Are Pecan Tassies? A Sweet Southern Tradition
Pecan Tassies are a beloved Southern dessert with a history as rich as their flavor. The name “tassie” has interesting roots; it’s thought to derive from the French word “tassette,” meaning a small pocket or pouch, which aptly describes their individual, cup-like form. Interestingly, “tassie” is also a Scottish slang word for cup, adding another layer to its etymology. Regardless of its exact linguistic origin, the term perfectly encapsulates these charming, bite-sized treats.
At their core, Pecan Tassies consist of two main components: a tender, melt-in-your-mouth pastry shell and a luscious, sweet filling. The pastry shell is uniquely simple, typically requiring only three staple ingredients: cream cheese, butter, and all-purpose flour. This combination creates a rich, flaky, and slightly tangy crust that is incredibly easy to work with and forms the perfect base for the flavorful filling. While other tassie varieties might feature lemon or fruit fillings, the pecan version is arguably the most famous and quintessentially Southern, largely due to the pecan being native to the region. The filling itself is a simple mixture of eggs, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt, crowned with a beautiful pecan half, much like a miniature pecan pie. These small, individual servings make them ideal for parties, dessert platters, or simply enjoying as a perfectly portioned indulgence.
The Simple Art of Making Pecan Tassies: A Visual Guide
One of the most appealing aspects of making Pecan Tassies is how straightforward the process is. The dough, often referred to as a “cream cheese pastry,” comes together incredibly quickly—we’re talking less than 5 minutes of active prep time! The key to its workability and tender texture lies in the chilling process. Once the ingredients are combined, the dough needs a little time in the refrigerator to firm up. This step is crucial for making the dough easier to handle and preventing it from sticking when you press it into the muffin tins.
After chilling, the dough is then shaped into small rounds and pressed into a mini muffin pan. Don’t worry about perfection here; the beauty of homemade treats often lies in their slight imperfections. As you can see from my batch, a little rustic charm doesn’t detract from the delicious outcome. Even if you quickly shaped these, the end result will still be wonderfully satisfying. The goal is to create a snug little cup for the filling, ensuring the dough comes up the sides to hold all that gooey goodness.
Once filled with the sweet pecan mixture, these miniature pies are baked to golden perfection. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking is pure bliss – a warm, inviting scent of toasted pecans and caramelizing sugar. And here they are, fresh out of the oven! They truly are adorable, aren’t they? The tiny size and delicate golden crust make them visually appealing, perfect for serving at any gathering. While my shaping might have been quick this time, I promise you, even with a little more care next time, the fundamental deliciousness of these tassies remains constant. They cool quickly, but the best part is undoubtedly tasting them while they’re still slightly warm, allowing that luscious filling to truly shine.
Why You’ll Love Making and Eating Pecan Tassies
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Pecan Tassies, both for the baker and the eater. For starters, their small size makes them incredibly versatile. They are perfect as a bite-sized dessert for holiday platters, potlucks, or afternoon tea. No need for plates and forks; these are delightfully hand-held. This also means portion control is easier, although you might find it hard to stop at just one!
From a baker’s perspective, the recipe is straightforward and forgiving. The cream cheese crust is a dream to work with, far less temperamental than traditional pie crusts. The filling is a simple stir-and-pour affair, making the entire process enjoyable, even for novice bakers. Plus, they freeze exceptionally well, which is a huge advantage for meal prepping desserts ahead of time or enjoying a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes. Just thaw and serve!
But ultimately, it’s the taste that truly seals the deal. The contrast between the tender, slightly salty crust and the rich, sweet, nutty filling is pure culinary harmony. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the toasted pecans, followed by the gooey sweetness of the brown sugar mixture. They encapsulate the cozy, comforting flavors of the South in a charming, miniature package.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Tassies Every Time
While Pecan Tassies are forgiving, a few tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure a perfect batch:
- Butter and Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure both butter and cream cheese are truly softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy dough without lumps and ensures easy mixing. If they’re too cold, the dough will be crumbly; too warm, and it might be greasy.
- Chilling the Dough: Do not skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough for at least an hour makes it much easier to handle, preventing it from sticking to your hands and the muffin tin. It also helps the crust hold its shape during baking, resulting in a flakier texture.
- Pressing the Dough: When pressing the dough into the muffin tin, aim for an even thickness and make sure the dough comes all the way up the sides. This creates a sturdy cup for the filling and prevents any leaks during baking. You can use your fingers or a small tart tamper for this.
- Toasting Pecans (for filling): The recipe calls for toasting pecans for the filling. While optional, toasting significantly enhances their flavor, bringing out a deeper, nuttier aroma and taste. Just keep an eye on them in the oven to prevent burning.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the crusts with the pecan mixture. Leave a small amount of space at the top to prevent overflow, as the filling will puff slightly while baking.
- Cooling and Removal: It’s important to remove the tassies from the pan while they are still warm. If they cool completely in the pan, the caramel-like filling can stick, making them difficult to extract without breaking. A thin knife or offset spatula can help loosen them gently.
- Storage: Store cooled Pecan Tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. As mentioned, they also freeze beautifully for longer storage.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While the classic Pecan Tassie is perfect as is, you can always experiment with variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Tassies: Add a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Bourbon Pecan Tassies: A splash of bourbon (1/2 teaspoon) in the filling can add a sophisticated depth of flavor, especially fitting for a Southern dessert.
- Spiced Tassies: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling can warm up the flavors even more.
Serve Pecan Tassies simply as a delightful treat, or elevate them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special dessert experience. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
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Recipe: Classic Pecan Tassies
Pecan Tassies
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 8 tablespoons butter — softened, salted (114 grams)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ⅓ cup pecan halves (for chopping)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar (150 grams)
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 24 large pecan halves (for topping, no toasting required for these)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 C). Lightly spray a 24-indentation mini muffin tin with cooking spray. This will help ensure the tassies release easily after baking.
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**Prepare the Crust:** In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together at medium speed with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated and a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing. Shape the dough into 24 uniform balls. For best results and easier handling, cover these dough balls and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (you can place them directly into the mini muffin tin for chilling). Once chilled, press each ball into a disc and neatly fit them into the 24 indentations of your mini muffin tin, ensuring the dough comes all the way up the sides to form a sturdy cup.
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**Prepare the Filling:** While the crust chills, prepare your filling. For enhanced flavor, toast the 1/3 cup of pecan halves (for chopping) using your preferred method (e.g., bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or lightly toast in a dry skillet over medium heat). Let them cool completely, then finely chop them. Sprinkle these chopped pecans evenly into the pastry-lined cups. In a separate bowl, stir together the large egg, packed light brown sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
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Spoon the prepared filling mixture over the chopped pecans in each cup, dividing it evenly. Don’t overfill. Finally, gently top each tassie with one of the remaining 24 large pecan halves for a beautiful presentation. Bake in the preheated oven at 325 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
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**Cool and Serve:** Remove the mini muffin tin from the oven. While the tassies are still warm (but not too hot to handle), carefully slide a thin knife or offset spatula around the edge of each tassie and gently lift them from the pan. This is crucial as the filling can stick once fully cooled. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving, though they are also delicious slightly warm.
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**Storage Tip:** Pecan Tassies freeze exceptionally well! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven before serving.
Conclusion: A Timeless Treat Worth Making
Pecan Tassies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Their ease of preparation, combined with their crowd-pleasing flavor and charming presentation, makes them a perfect addition to any baker’s repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your baking journey, these miniature pecan pies offer a rewarding experience and a delicious outcome. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow this straightforward recipe, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible magic of homemade Pecan Tassies!