Tiny Pecan Tarts
Tiny Pecan Tarts are delicate, buttery treats with creamy cheese and flaky crust, perfect for parties, special occasions, or as a sweet, nutty appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and butter; blend in flour.
- Chill the mixture for about 1 hour.
- Shape into balls about 1-inch in diameter.
- Press into lightly greased or sprayed tart pan or mini muffin pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're looking for a lower fat option, try substituting half of the cream cheese with Lite Vegetable Spread. Ensure the dough is well chilled before shaping, as this will make it easier to handle. For a fun twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions
These tiny pecan tarts are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. Serve them alongside My Favorite Fruit Dip for a delightful contrast. Consider pairing them with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience. For extra flair, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked tarts for up to two months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they retain their flaky texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tiny Pecan Tarts contains roughly 1100 calories, with 14g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After shaping it into balls, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before pressing them into the pan.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative or a blend of silken tofu and a bit of lemon juice for tanginess. This will change the flavor slightly, but it should work well in the recipe.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture. You can also top the tarts with whole pecans before baking for a beautiful presentation and a nutty crunch.
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).