Are you craving a taste of autumn? These pecan tarts are the perfect answer! Rich, buttery, and bursting with the warm, nutty flavor of pecans, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Forget store-bought – these homemade pecan tarts are a delicious and impressive dessert that's sure to become a family favorite. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Making 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 the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This means baking the crust with weights (like dried beans) inside to prevent it from puffing up.
Making the Pecan Filling:
- Combine sugars and butter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add pecans: Stir in the pecan halves.
- Fill the crust: Pour the pecan filling into the pre-baked tart shell.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
- Cool: Let the tart cool completely on a wire rack before removing it from the pan. This prevents the filling from becoming runny.
Tips for the Best Pecan Tarts:
- Use good quality pecans: The flavor of your pecans will greatly impact the overall taste of your tarts.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry crust and filling. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
- Let it cool completely: Patience is key! Letting the tart cool completely allows the filling to set properly.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Tarts: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Pecan Tarts: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Bourbon Pecan Tarts: Stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for an adult-friendly treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious homemade pecan tarts! They're a perfect example of quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!). This recipe demonstrates simple homemade cooking at its finest, resulting in one of the best recipes you'll ever try.