Every time I make these delightful Pecan Tassies, I can’t help but be taken back to my childhood. The rich aroma of buttery crust and sweet pecan filling wafts through my home, instantly bringing memories of our family gatherings in the cozy kitchen of my grandmother’s house. I remember feeling warm and happy as we all gathered around the table, each of us eagerly awaiting our turn to indulge in her delectable treats. It was a simple pleasure that brought us together, and now, I’m excited to share this same joy with you! I truly believe that food has the power to create unforgettable moments, and I know you’ll feel the same warmth when you try making these little gems yourself.
How to make Pecan Tassies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is your foundation for a wonderful crust that crumbles just right.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter makes everything better! It adds that rich flavor and tender texture to the crust.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: A touch of sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: For that deep, caramel-like flavor that just sings in the filling.
- 1 large egg: This binds everything together and creates a lovely custard filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because who doesn’t love the comforting warmth of vanilla?
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: The star of the show! Their delightful crunch and rich flavor are what make these tasies truly special.
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s bring these little morsels to life! Here’s how to make them, step by step.
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Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for achieving that perfect golden color on your tassies!
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Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, and sugar. You can either use a fork or your fingers to blend them together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It will feel a bit sticky but don’t worry, that’s just perfect!
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Shape the crust: Now, take a little bit of that buttery mixture and press it into the bottom and up the sides of a mini muffin tin. I usually make about 24 individual crusts, and it’s such a fun process—like making tiny edible cups!
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Prepare the filling: In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. You can feel that excitement building because the filling is going to be absolutely heavenly!
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Add the pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans into your sweet mixture. This is where the magic happens! The pecans not only enhance the flavor but provide that wonderful crunch.
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Fill the crusts: Carefully pour the pecan mixture into each prepared pastry shell, filling them about three-quarters full. You’ll see the pecans peeking through the top, just waiting to be baked.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The tops should be nice and golden, and the filling will be set—your kitchen will smell divine!
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Cool down: Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, gently remove the tassies and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
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Enjoy: Now, this is the hardest part—waiting for them to cool! But I promise you, the wait will be worth it.
Why I Love Making This Dish:
Pecan Tassies hold a special place in my heart. I adore how they can foster connection, evoking memories of laughter, love, and family gatherings. There’s something so satisfying about creating comfort food that you know will delight your loved ones. Every bite bursts with flavor and a kind of sweetness that feels timeless. When you take a bite, you’ll experience that melt-in-your-mouth buttery crust combined with the crunchy pecans, and it just feels like a warm hug!
What You’ll Need:
Aside from the ingredients, you might want to have a mini muffin tin on hand. It’s absolutely essential for shaping the tassies perfectly. I also recommend having a good mixing bowl, a whisk, and measuring cups. These tools will make the whole process so much easier!
Step-by-Step Guide:
- First, preheat the oven as mentioned.
- Prepare your muffin tin and work on the crust. You can even get creative here—use a cookie cutter for different shapes if you’d like!
- As you move to the filling, remember to whisk well. It’ll make all the difference when it comes to consistency!
- Don’t skip the cooling step! It not only improves the flavor but helps to firm them up.
Tips for Perfect Results:
If you want that crust to be extra crispy, make sure your butter is cold when you start mixing. And don’t overmix the dough—just combine until it’s crumbly and holds its shape. I’ve also found that letting your filling sit for a few minutes before pouring it into the crust can help the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Sides:
These Pecan Tassies are perfect as-is, but if you want to add a little something extra, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that sweet and salty contrast I love!
Leftovers:
If you happen to have some leftovers (though, trust me, they may not last!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They taste delightful when fresh, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge! Just let them warm up at room temperature before enjoying again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
You can certainly swap them out for walnuts or even almonds if you prefer! Just remember that the flavor will change slightly, but it’s always fun to experiment.
What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
That’s alright! You can try using a regular muffin tin, but the baking time may increase slightly. Just keep an eye on them!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix your filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before it goes into the crust.
As I wrap up, I just want to say how much I cherish these Pecan Tassies. They’ve become a family favorite and are a delightful reminder of all the wonderful moments we’ve shared around the table. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making them! They are simple enough for a quiet afternoon in the kitchen yet special enough for any gathering. Give them a try, and I’m sure your family will be singing your praises, just as mine does!
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something beautiful together. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out—let me know if your family ends up asking for seconds, just like mine!