Are you craving a decadent dessert but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? Then these mini pecan pie tarts are the perfect solution! They're incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and undeniably adorable. These bite-sized delights are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant recipe, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. This recipe offers a fantastic combination of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas, making it a winner for busy lifestyles.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Press into tins: Gently press the dough circles into mini muffin tins.
Make the Pecan Filling:
- Whisk ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in butter and pecans: Stir in the melted butter and pecans.
- Fill the crusts: Spoon the pecan filling evenly into the prepared tart shells.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool: Let the tarts cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice flavor.
- Substitute chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor profile.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled tarts for an extra touch of indulgence.
- If you don't have mini muffin tins, you can use a regular muffin tin and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Nutritional Information (per tart, approximate):
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These mini pecan pie tarts are a delightful treat that's surprisingly easy to make. The perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, combined with a flaky crust, makes them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Enjoy! These easy recipes are sure to become a staple in your healthy meals repertoire, offering a delicious alternative to processed desserts. They’re a fantastic addition to your best recipes collection!