If you have a soft spot for classic Southern desserts, then you absolutely need to dive into this Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe. These bite-sized delights combine a velvety cream cheese crust with a rich, buttery pecan filling that’s kissed with just a hint of maple. The contrast of textures—the crisp, tender shell and the gooey, nutty center—makes these tassies utterly irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a charming holiday treat or a cozy snack to share with loved ones, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for festive gatherings or anytime sweetness calls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy butter and cream cheese that give the crust its melt-in-your-mouth softness, to the rich brown sugar and pecans that make the filling so satisfyingly nutty, every component works in harmony.
- 3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature: Provides a rich, creamy base for the crust and adds essential moisture.
- 5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Gives the crust its signature tender, flaky texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds the crust together with just the right crumb.
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness to the luscious filling.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Incorporates richness and helps bind the filling’s flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Creates structure and a light custard texture in the filling.
- ½ teaspoon maple extract: Infuses a subtle, aromatic hint that elevates the pecan flavor.
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans: Offers crunch and nutty depth throughout the filling.
- 36 pecan halves (for topping): Adds an elegant finish and that iconic pecan tassie look.
How to Make Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by creaming together room temperature butter and cream cheese using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy base is the secret to the perfectly tender crust that melts in your mouth. Next, gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. This simple dough needs no fuss but forms the perfect little cups to cradle the pecan filling.
Step 2: Shape the Dough in Muffin Pans
Lightly spray three mini muffin pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Use a mini cookie scoop to portion out the dough evenly—this recipe makes 36 tassies, so dividing the dough carefully ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of crust. Place the dough balls into the muffin cups, then refrigerate them while you prepare the filling. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the crust hold its shape during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, maple extract, and finely chopped pecans. This mixture creates the sweet, nutty filling that defines these tassies. The eggs and melted butter work together to bind everything, while the maple extract adds that subtle, warming note that makes this recipe truly special.
Step 4: Shape the Dough Cups
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. After about 15 minutes of chilling, take one muffin pan out of the fridge. Use your fingers to press the dough along the bottom and sides of each muffin cavity, forming little cups. This step is key because it creates the perfect vessel to hold the luscious pecan filling without spilling over during baking.
Step 5: Fill and Top the Tassies
Spoon the filling into each dough cup, filling about two-thirds full to allow for slight rising. Then, nestle one pecan half right on top of each tart. This topping is not only decorative but adds that signature snap and visual appeal that make the tassies look as good as they taste.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled muffin pans into the preheated oven and bake for around 18 minutes or until the tops of the tassies turn a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool for a bit before carefully loosening each tart with a small knife and transferring them to a cooling rack. This resting time ensures they set properly and develop the perfect texture.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
While the pecan half topping is the classic choice, you can also dust the tassies lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a modern twist that highlights the sweetness beautifully. Fresh whipped cream on the side turns these little treasures into indulgent bites of pure joy.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments like a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cozy mug of spiced chai tea. For a larger spread, consider serving alongside seasonal fruit preserves or a smooth vanilla bean ice cream to complement the nutty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow guests at your next gathering, arrange tassies on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant display, or place them in decorative cupcake liners that pop with color. You can also serve them warm in a rustic wooden bowl with a scattering of extra chopped pecans around for a charming farmhouse vibe that feels both inviting and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that might be a challenge!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crust tender and the filling moist without drying out or getting soggy.
Freezing
Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled tassies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy these delectable treats anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring frozen tassies back to life, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in a 300ºF oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This slight reheating restores the crispness of the crust and the gooey warmth of the filling, making them taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to the dough and filling to maintain the right balance of flavor in the tassies.
What if I don’t have maple extract? Can I substitute it?
If you don’t have maple extract, vanilla extract is a great substitute. It won’t provide the same distinctive maple aroma, but it still complements the pecans beautifully.
Can I make these tassies larger or smaller?
While mini muffin pans are ideal for bite-sized tassies, you can use regular muffin pans to make larger versions. Just keep an eye on baking time, as larger tassies will need more time to bake through.
How can I prevent the tassies from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to spray your mini muffin pans thoroughly with cooking spray, and if desired, consider lining them with mini silicone liners to make removal easier and ensure your tassies come out perfectly every time.
Are pecan tassies gluten-free?
Traditional Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe—each little tart is a perfect bite of buttery, nutty bliss that’s both nostalgic and delightfully satisfying. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with family and friends, these tassies always bring smiles and warm memories. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these timeless little treasures. I promise, they’ll be gone before you know it!
Print
Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 36 tassies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies are delightful bite-sized tarts featuring a creamy cream cheese pastry crust filled with a rich, sweet pecan and brown sugar filling. Perfectly topped with a pecan half, these classic Southern treats are easy to make and ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
Crust
- 3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 36 pecan halves (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the room temperature butter and cream cheese until well combined and smooth. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Scoop the dough: Spray three mini muffin pans (totaling 36 tart cups) with cooking spray. Using a mini cookie scoop, portion the dough evenly into the muffin cups. Refrigerate the pans while preparing the filling to firm up the dough.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, maple extract, and finely chopped pecans. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Preheat and shape crust: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. After chilling the dough for about 15 minutes, remove one muffin pan from the refrigerator. Press the dough evenly along the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cavity to create a small cup shape for the filling.
- Fill the cups: Spoon the pecan filling into each dough cup, filling them about two-thirds full. Top each filled cup with a whole pecan half for garnish.
- Bake the tassies: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and set. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before carefully loosening edges with a small knife and transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent shrinking during baking and makes it easier to shape.
- Room temperature butter and cream cheese ensure the crust blends smoothly without lumps.
- You can substitute maple extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Store pecan tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For easier removal, lightly grease the mini muffin pans or use silicone muffin molds.
