Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted a pecan tart? They’re like little bites of heaven! The rich, buttery filling is perfectly complemented by the nutty crunch of pecans, making each bite a delightful experience. I can’t help but get excited just thinking about them! Pecan tarts are the ultimate dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday feast. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Trust me, once you try making these pecan tarts, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat! Let’s dive into making these delicious treats together!
Ingredients for Pecan Tarts
To make these delightful pecan tarts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pre-made tart shell
How to Prepare Pecan Tarts
Alright, let’s get those tarts baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want that perfect, golden crust.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. You’ll want to see that lovely caramel color starting to form—yum!
Next, it’s time to add the chopped pecans to the mixture. Gently fold them in, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Now, grab your pre-made tart shell. Pour that delicious pecan filling right into the shell, filling it up to just below the edge.
Pop the tart into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools. Once baked, let the tarts cool completely before serving. This waiting game is tough, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for any busy day!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Irresistibly rich and sweet flavor that satisfies any dessert craving.
- Each tart is a delightful bite-sized treat, great for sharing (or not!).
- These pecan tarts are a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and holidays!
Tips for Success
To ensure your pecan tarts turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure to use fresh pecans for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference! If you can, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling; this enhances their nuttiness and adds an extra layer of crunch.
Next, be careful not to overmix your filling. Just whisk until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to a rubbery texture. Also, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so check for that perfect jiggle in the center around the 30-minute mark. If you notice the edges are browning too quickly, you can tent the tarts with aluminum foil.
Finally, don’t skip the cooling step! Letting them cool completely allows the filling to set beautifully. Enjoy these tips, and happy baking!
Variations of Pecan Tarts
Oh, the possibilities with pecan tarts are endless! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add a little chocolate? Simply mix in some mini chocolate chips with the pecans for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore. Or, if you want to spice things up, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling. It gives the tarts a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall!
You could also experiment with different nut combinations. Throw in some chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for a unique crunch. Want to make them a bit more festive? Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top before serving for that extra touch of sweetness. Trust me, these variations will keep your pecan tarts exciting and new every time you make them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delicious pecan tarts and now you have some leftovers—lucky you! To store them, simply place the tarts in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up; this helps prevent sogginess.
If you want to enjoy them warm again, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the tarts on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but be careful not to overdo it—30 seconds should do the trick, just to take the chill off. Enjoy those lovely tarts again with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Nutritional Information for Pecan Tarts
Let’s talk about the nutritional aspects of these delectable pecan tarts! Each tart is approximately 200 calories, which makes them a sweet indulgence worth savoring. They contain about 10 grams of fat, with 1 gram being saturated fat. You’ll also find around 3 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, it’s all about enjoying these little treats in moderation, right? So, go ahead and treat yourself!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious pecan tarts? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can swap them for walnuts or even a mix of nuts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I know when my tarts are done baking?
Great question! Your pecan tarts are ready when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just pour it into the tart shell right before baking for the freshest result.
What can I serve with pecan tarts?
These tarts are fantastic on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve them with a nice cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
Are pecan tarts gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free tart shell, then yes! Just check the label to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you can enjoy these treats without worry.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your pecan tarts, the right pairings can take them to the next level! I love serving these delightful tarts with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess balances the rich, sweet filling beautifully. If you’re looking for a cozy vibe, a warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea complements the flavors perfectly. For a more festive touch, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the tarts before serving. Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Print
Pecan Tarts: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Today
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 tarts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pecan tarts with a rich filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pre-made tart shell
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Add chopped pecans to the mixture.
- Pour the filling into the tart shell.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh pecans for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pecan tarts, dessert, baking