Pecan Tarts
Pecan tarts are delightful bite-sized treats that feature a creamy filling enriched with brown sugar and crunchy pecans. The buttery crust, made with cream cheese, adds a rich texture, while the hint of almond and vanilla creates a comforting flavor profile. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, margarine, and flour.
- Roll into a ball. Chill for 1 hour or overnight. Pinch out 8 balls.
- Press balls into a muffin tin with fingers, working up to the top.
- Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
- Add brown sugar and mix well.
- Add margarine, vanilla, almond extract, salt, and chopped pecans.
- Put 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each cup.
- Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a flaky texture, make sure your margarine and cream cheese are well combined but not overmixed. If you prefer a nut-free option, you can substitute the pecans with chocolate chips or dried fruit. For a sweeter twist, consider adding a dash of cinnamon to the filling. This recipe is similar to the crust used in the Never Fail Crust, making it versatile for other desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pecan tarts warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a glass of West Virginia Nog during holiday gatherings. These tarts also complement a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecan tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, which helps maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Tarts contains roughly 408 calories, with 5g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them finely and adjust the quantity to your taste. Each nut will bring a unique flavor to the tarts, allowing for a delicious variation.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling it into balls to make forming the tarts easier.
Is it possible to make these tarts gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure that your other ingredients, like the margarine and sugar, are also gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy gluten-free pecan tarts without sacrificing taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).