Walnut Tassies
Walnut Tassies are delightful bite-sized pastry treats featuring a rich cream cheese and buttery crust filled with a sweet walnut mixture. Perfect for holidays or gatherings, they combine creamy, nutty flavors with a tender flaky crust, appealing to those who enjoy indulgent, homemade desserts with a nostalgic touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the cream cheese, flour, and margarine together until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Press each ball into very small muffin tins to form a crust.
- Mix together brown sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, vanilla, and chopped walnuts to make the filling.
- Fill each crust with the walnut mixture.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine, or try a mix of butter and coconut oil for a unique twist. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts can work well as substitutes. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. For a more festive touch, add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for warmth.
Serving Suggestions
These Walnut Tassies make an excellent treat for afternoon tea or holiday gatherings. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert plate, serve them alongside My Favorite Brownies or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a lovely presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Walnut Tassies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a warm oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through and the crust is slightly crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Tassies contains roughly 66 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 prepare the crust in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crust a day ahead. After mixing the ingredients, cover the dough and refrigerate it until you're ready to shape and bake. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to handle.
What if I don't have small muffin tins?
If you don't have small muffin tins, you can use a standard muffin tin, but the baking time may vary. Just be sure to fill each cup only partially to create a similar effect. You can also use a mini tart pan if available.
Can I freeze Walnut Tassies?
Yes, Walnut Tassies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
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).