After an entire decade of not baking them, I recently rediscovered the sheer joy of creating homemade Pecan Tassies. Turning to a fresh recipe, I was absolutely dazzled by these glorious mini pecan pies, and I simply couldn’t wait to share their magic with you. If you, like me, find yourself needing a little portion control when faced with a decadent full-sized pecan pie, then this exceptional Mini Pecan Pie Recipe is an absolute godsend. These delightful, bite-sized treats are especially perfect for the festive holiday season, offering all the rich flavor without the overwhelming size.
Why You Absolutely Must Bake These Irresistible Mini Pecan Tassies
These delightful mini pecan pies, also known as pecan tassies, are more than just a dessert; they are a charming culinary experience that offers a multitude of benefits for any home baker or host. Their captivating combination of a tender, flaky crust and a rich, gooey filling makes them an instant favorite. Here’s why these bite-sized treats deserve a prime spot on your baking list:
- Perfect Portion Control for Sweet Indulgence: Craving the deep, nutty flavor of a classic pecan pie but wary of overindulging? These mini versions are your ultimate solution. Each individual tassie provides that intensely rich, sweet, and satisfying taste in a perfectly controlled, bite-sized package. This makes guilt-free enjoyment a reality, allowing everyone to savor the moment without the commitment of a large slice.
- Ideal for Elegant Holiday Dessert Buffets: Their miniature size and inherently elegant appearance make these pecan tassies a standout addition to any holiday spread, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a festive New Year’s Eve gathering. Guests can easily pick up one (or two!) without the need for plates and forks, encouraging mingling and conversation. They add a sophisticated touch to your dessert table, making it truly inviting and diverse.
- A Star on Your Thanksgiving Menu: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, pecan tassies are a delicious and deeply comforting choice for a Thanksgiving feast. They offer a traditional, familiar taste with an added touch of charm and convenience. Their inherent portability also makes them excellent for sending home with guests as a thoughtful, homemade thank-you gift, solidifying your reputation as the most gracious and generous host or hostess.
- Elevate Any Celebration with Effortless Charm: While perfectly suited for the major holidays, these versatile tassies are robust enough for any festive gathering throughout the year. Imagine them as a charming centerpiece at a Kentucky Derby Party, a sophisticated treat for a baby or bridal shower, or even a cozy addition to a Sunday family brunch. Their unique flavor profile, further enhanced by a secret ingredient we’ll discuss, will leave a lasting and memorable impression on everyone who tries them.
The Unexpected Twist: A Secret Ingredient Story
In my household, nuts, and indeed many dried fruits, have often been met with less-than-enthusiastic reception. For many years, pecan pies and tassies were a rare sight on our family menu, primarily because I remained the sole ardent fan. My boys, bless their hearts, might begrudgingly nibble on them in certain cookies, but a full pecan pie was simply out of the question for a family dessert. This personal backdrop set the stage for a delightful culinary experiment and a quest to create a pecan dessert that even the skeptics would adore.
When I decided to bake these exquisite pecan tassies for company, I wasn’t deterred by my family’s usual preferences. Instead, I saw an opportunity to create something truly special. I knew I wanted to add a particular touch, an ingredient that would elevate the flavor and texture of the filling without overtly announcing its presence. The solution came in the form of finely chopped dates. This seemingly simple addition works wonders, lending a profound richness, a lovely chewiness, and a subtle molasses-like nuance to the filling that truly transforms the dessert – all without screaming “dried fruit” to those who might be wary.
I decided to keep this secret ingredient under wraps until after my guests had thoroughly sampled the tassies. The glowing reviews, the satisfied smiles, and the genuine delight on their faces were all the confirmation I needed. It was only then that I finally revealed the unexpected twist. The pleasant surprise, coupled with their genuine appreciation for the unique flavor, made these mini pecan pies an instant hit and a highly requested new favorite in my recipe collection!
Essential Ingredients for Your Mini Pecan Tassies
Crafting these delectable mini pecan pies requires a thoughtful selection of staple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. A quick trip to the grocery store for fresh pecans, quality cream cheese, and soft dates will set you on your way to baking bliss. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in both the tender crust and the rich filling. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Unsalted Butter (Pastry & Filling): While some recipes might call for salted butter, I generally recommend unsalted butter for baking. This allows you to have complete control over the salt content in your recipe, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile. For both the pastry and the filling, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. This crucial step allows it to cream beautifully with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother, more consistent texture and a tender crust.
- Cream Cheese (Pastry): This is the secret to our wonderfully tender, flaky, and subtly tangy pastry crust. Like the butter, cream cheese should be at room temperature. When softened, it blends seamlessly with the butter and flour, creating a pliable dough that is a dream to work with and yields a crust that practically melts in your mouth.
- All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental building block of our delicate pastry, providing essential structure without making the crust tough or dense.
- Granulated Sugar: A primary sweetener for both the buttery pastry and the rich pecan filling. It balances the savory notes of the nuts and butter, contributing to the signature sweetness of pecan pie.
- Large Egg (Filling): The egg acts as a vital binder for the pecan filling, helping it to set into that gloriously gooey and custardy consistency that defines a perfect pecan pie. Ensure it is lightly beaten before adding to incorporate more evenly into the mixture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Do not compromise here! Pure vanilla extract is an indispensable ingredient for imparting a warm, aromatic depth that artificial vanilla simply cannot replicate. Its rich notes truly enhance the overall flavor profile of the pecan filling, adding complexity and warmth.
- Finely Chopped Pecans (Filling): The undisputed star of the show! For the absolute best flavor, always toast your pecans before chopping and incorporating them into the filling. This crucial step releases their natural oils, intensifying their nutty flavor and adding an irresistible layer of complexity to every single bite.
- Finely Chopped Dates (Filling): This is the “secret ingredient” that truly elevates this recipe above the rest. Dates contribute a natural, caramel-like sweetness, a delightful chewy texture, and a molasses-like depth of flavor, making the filling extra rich and luxurious without tasting overtly like dried fruit. They provide that perfect gooeyness!
- Pecan Halves (Optional Garnish): For a stunning and professional-looking presentation, topping each tassie with a whole pecan half is highly recommended. It adds an elegant touch and provides a clear visual cue to your guests about the delicious, nutty contents within.
- Powdered Sugar (Optional Garnish): A light dusting of powdered sugar after the tassies have cooled adds a delicate touch of extra sweetness and a beautiful, snowy finish, perfect for showcasing these treats during the holidays.
Mastering the Art of Pecan Tassies: Expert Baking Tips for Perfection
Achieving bakery-quality mini pecan pies at home is entirely within reach with a few tried-and-true techniques and smart approaches. From shaping the perfect crust to enhancing the flavor of your filling, these expert tips will guide you to tassie perfection and ensure your efforts result in truly outstanding treats.
- The Magic of the Tassie Tamper (or Your Thumbs!): To create uniformly shaped and perfectly neat pastry cups, a dedicated tassie tamper is an invaluable tool. It allows you to quickly and neatly press the dough into the mini muffin tin, ensuring consistent thickness and shape every time. If you don’t happen to have one of these handy gadgets, don’t fret! Your thumbs work just as effectively. Simply roll small balls of dough, place them in the muffin cups, and gently press them from the center outwards, carefully pushing the dough up the sides to form a neat and even cup.
- Invest in a Quality Non-Stick Mini Muffin Tin: A good quality non-stick mini muffin tin is an absolute game-changer for this recipe. It ensures that your delicate pecan tassies release cleanly and effortlessly after baking, preserving their perfect shape and preventing any frustration. While it’s non-stick, lightly greasing the tin before placing the dough is still a smart practice to guarantee the easiest release.
- The Art of the Pecan Half Garnish: For a truly professional, bakery-worthy finish, always plan to top each tassie with a beautiful pecan half. The best time to do this is about halfway through the baking process. Not only does this add an exquisite aesthetic appeal, making your tassies look like they came straight from a gourmet bakery, but it also gives a clear, enticing hint to your guests about the delicious pecan-filled surprise inside. This simple step dramatically elevates the presentation.
- Why Toast Your Nuts? Flavor Enhancement 101: Toasting pecans before incorporating them into your filling is a non-negotiable step for any serious baker. Nuts often sit on shelves for some time, and a quick toast helps to revive and awaken their flavors. The gentle heat of the oven or a dry skillet coaxes out their essential oils, intensifying their natural, rich, nutty flavor and giving them a delightful crispness. This small effort makes a significant and noticeable difference in the overall taste and aroma of your finished tassies.
- Versatile Cream Cheese Pastry Crust: The tender cream cheese pastry crust used in this recipe is incredibly versatile and a true workhorse in the kitchen. Don’t limit yourself to just pecan tassies! This delightful crust is also perfect for a wide variety of other mini tarts and tassies. Experiment with vibrant fillings like zesty lemon curd, spiced apple pie filling for mini apple tarts, a rich chocolate ganache, or even a creamy mini cheesecake. The possibilities are endless, making this adaptable crust a valuable staple in your baking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Tassies
Pecan Tassies are essentially miniature pecan pies, ingeniously baked in a mini muffin tin. The name “tassie” is thought to come from the Scottish word “tasse,” meaning a small cup or goblet, which perfectly describes their charming, cup-like shape. What truly sets this particular recipe apart is its unique and incredibly tender cream cheese pastry crust, offering a delightful contrast to the rich, gooey pecan and date filling. This special “surprise ingredient” (chopped dates!) elevates the flavor and texture, making these tassies even more irresistible and complex than many traditional pecan pies.
Absolutely! Pecan tassies are excellent candidates for freezing, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy holiday seasons or whenever you need a quick sweet treat. Once completely cooled to room temperature, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing their quality. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or gently warm them in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for 10-15 minutes for that freshly baked taste. For shorter-term storage, they can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days, maintaining their freshness and delicious taste.
Toasting nuts, like pecans, is a simple yet profoundly transformative step in baking that significantly enhances their flavor. Nuts, especially those that have been stored for a while, can often taste somewhat flat. The gentle heat of the oven or a dry skillet helps to revive them by releasing their natural essential oils. This process intensifies their inherent nutty flavor, deepens their aroma, and gives them a more appealing, slightly crisper texture. Skipping this step means missing out on a richer, more complex depth of flavor in your pecan tassies, making them taste fresher and more vibrant.
Yes, you absolutely can! Both the cream cheese pastry dough and the pecan filling are well-suited for advance preparation, which makes baking day much less stressful. The pastry dough can be made a day or two in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the dough easier to handle when you’re ready to form the shells. Similarly, the pecan filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to bring the filling to room temperature for easier handling and even distribution before assembling your tassies.
This cream cheese pastry crust is wonderfully versatile and provides a perfect tender, buttery base for countless flavor combinations! While it shines spectacularly with our pecan and date filling, you can certainly experiment with other delicious options. Consider using a classic lemon curd for a zesty and bright mini tart, a spiced apple pie filling for charming mini apple tarts, or even a rich chocolate ganache for a decadent treat. For a festive touch, small amounts of pumpkin pie filling or a vibrant cherry pie filling would also be absolutely delightful. The possibilities are truly endless, making this crust a fantastic staple to master for all your mini tart creations.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These mini pecan pies are incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways to suit any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations. Their charming, individual size makes them incredibly appealing and easy to enjoy:
- Holiday Gatherings: A quintessential must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dessert tables. Their portion-controlled nature allows guests to easily sample other festive treats without feeling overly full.
- Potlucks and Picnics: Effortlessly transportable and no-fuss to serve, these tassies are perfect for sharing at any communal event, from backyard barbecues to school functions.
- Brunches and Tea Parties: They make a sophisticated and sweet addition to a breakfast or brunch spread, or a delightful accompaniment alongside your afternoon tea or coffee.
- Thoughtful Gift Giving: Package a few freshly baked tassies in a decorative box with a beautiful ribbon for a homemade and heartfelt gift during the holidays, as a thank-you gesture, or for neighbors and friends.
- Everyday Indulgence: Keep a batch on hand in your freezer for those moments when you crave a sweet, satisfying bite with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or for a late-night treat.
For an elevated experience that truly highlights their flavors, consider pairing your pecan tassies with:
- A Scoop of Premium Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream creates a heavenly contrast with the warm, gooey filling, a classic combination that never disappoints.
- A Dollop of Freshly Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a cloud of homemade whipped cream complements the richness of the pecan filling beautifully, adding a delicate texture.
- A Warm Cup of Coffee or Espresso: The slight bitterness and robust flavor of coffee or a rich espresso enhances the sweet, nutty, and caramel-like notes of the tassies, creating a perfect balance.
- A Glass of Fine Bourbon or a Sweet Dessert Wine: For adult gatherings, these pairings bring out the deeper, more complex notes of the pecans and dates, offering a sophisticated culinary experience.
Discover More Delicious Recipes for Your Table
If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed creating and savoring these delightful mini pecan pies, you’re sure to find more culinary inspiration within my expansive recipe collection. I’ve carefully curated a selection of tried-and-true recipes that are perfect for holiday meals, special occasions, or simply for elevating your everyday cooking. Explore these fantastic additions to complete your menu and delight your family and guests:
Flavorful Sides to Complement Your Meal
- Sweet Corn Casserole: A comforting and creamy classic that brings a touch of homestyle goodness to any holiday feast or family dinner.
- Ciabatta Stuffing: A flavorful and sophisticated twist on traditional stuffing, featuring savory pancetta and hearty ciabatta bread.
- Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread: A wonderfully aromatic and festive quick bread, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful side.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A decadent and sweet side dish, crowned with a crunchy, irresistible praline topping, a true crowd-pleaser.
- Spinach Souffle: A light, airy, and elegant vegetable dish that always impresses with its delicate texture and rich flavor.
Light and Refreshing Salads
- Overnight Fruit Salad: A vibrant and incredibly easy-to-prepare fruit salad that gets even better with time, bursting with fresh flavors.
- Ambrosia Salad: A timeless Southern classic, this creamy fruit salad is bursting with a delightful mix of fruits, coconut, and marshmallows.
- Cranberry Fluff: A festive and delightfully fluffy cranberry dessert salad, perfect for adding a pop of color and sweetness to your holiday table.
More Irresistible Desserts
- Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes: All the cozy, comforting flavors of classic pumpkin pie, conveniently baked into individual cupcake form.
- Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies: Another delightful mini pecan treat, these tender thumbprint cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or a sweet snack.
- Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes: A comprehensive collection of beloved recipes to inspire and complete your perfect holiday baking repertoire.
- Best Holiday Pies: Explore a wide variety of classic and creative pie recipes, ensuring you have the perfect dessert for any celebration.
More Seasonal and Staple Recipes
- 25 Thanksgiving Recipes: A curated list of my top 25 Thanksgiving recipes, designed to ensure your holiday meal is unforgettable and stress-free.
- Dry Brined Turkey: Master the technique for achieving a perfectly juicy, flavorful, and crispy-skinned turkey with this expert dry brining method.
- More of the Best Holiday Recipes: A broader collection for all festive occasions throughout the year, celebrating flavors and traditions.
- More of the Best Pie Recipes: Dive into an array of delicious pies, from classic fruit favorites to creamy custards and seasonal delights.
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Pecan Tassies AKA Mini Pecan Pies
20 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour
48 tassies
These delightful Pecan Tassies, essentially mini pecan pies, feature a wonderfully tender cream cheese crust and a rich, gooey filling with a delightful and unexpected twist – chopped dates! Adapted from a cherished private collection, this recipe promises an unforgettable bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Pastry Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Rich Pecan and Date Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans, toasted for enhanced flavor
- 1 cup finely chopped dates (the secret ingredient for gooey richness!)
- 48 pecan halves, optional (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar to garnish, optional
Instructions for Baking Perfect Pecan Tassies
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Prepare the Pastry: In a food processor, blend together the room temperature butter, cream cheese, and flour until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough crust. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling. This chilling step makes the dough much easier to handle and prevents it from sticking.
- Make the Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the lightly beaten large egg and pure vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Gently fold in the toasted finely chopped pecans and the finely chopped dates. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the Tassie Shells: Lightly grease two mini muffin tins (each with 24 cups). Roll the chilled pastry dough into small, evenly sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place each dough ball into a muffin cup. Using your thumb or a dedicated tassie tamper (recommended for consistent results), press the dough firmly against the bottom and up the sides of each tin to create a uniform cup shape.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the pecan and date mixture evenly into each unbaked pastry shell, filling each cup almost to the top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes in your preheated oven. Approximately halfway through the baking time (around 15-20 minutes in), carefully remove the tins from the oven and delicately place a pecan half on top of each tassie for a beautiful, decorative presentation. Return the tins to the oven to finish baking until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is fully set and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tins from the oven and allow the tassies to cool completely in their tins on a wire rack. This is a crucial step, as it helps the gooey filling to set properly and prevents the delicate crusts from breaking when removed. Once fully cooled, carefully remove the tassies from the tray. If desired, dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Chef’s Notes & Pro-Tips
For the most appealing presentation, especially when serving guests during holidays or special occasions, garnishing each tassie with a perfectly placed pecan half truly elevates their look, making them appear professionally baked. Remember that room temperature ingredients are key for achieving a smooth, pliable dough and a well-incorporated filling. Furthermore, don’t skip the step of toasting your pecans; it makes a remarkable difference in flavor intensity and the overall deliciousness of your mini pecan pies!
Recommended Baking Tools
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- High-Quality Food Processor
- Durable Non-Stick Mini Muffin Pan
- Handy Tassie Tamper
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24 servings (2 tassies each)
Serving Size:
2 tassies
Approximate Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 272Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 87mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 18gProtein: 3g
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