Looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert? Try this easy pecan tassies recipe featuring a homemade crust and gooey pecan filling, perfect for a quick family favorite treat, save for later

Easy Pecan Tassies Recipe Perfect for Holiday Desserts

Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, the quest for the perfect dessert to impress your guests begins. Look no further than these Easy Pecan Tassies, a delightful combination of buttery pastry, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. What makes this recipe stand out is its ease of preparation, requiring only everyday ingredients and minimal effort, yet yielding an impressive and delicious result. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of pecans, caramel, and pastry provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and all the ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores.
Ease of preparation: Despite their elegant appearance, these tassies are remarkably simple to make, requiring basic baking skills and minimal preparation time.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a beautifully presented dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery, all achieved with surprisingly little effort.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for these Easy Pecan Tassies include a package of frozen puff pastry, thawed; a cup of pecan halves; a half cup of light corn syrup; a half cup of granulated sugar; three tablespoons of melted unsalted butter; two large eggs; one teaspoon of vanilla extract; and a pinch of salt. For practical substitutions, you can use other types of nuts if pecans are not available, though pecans provide the classic flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter color and flavor, you can reduce the amount of corn syrup and sugar slightly.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out circles of pastry using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, about 3 inches in diameter. You should be able to get around 12-15 circles.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
Step 3: Place a tablespoon or two of the pecan mixture onto one half of each pastry circle, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Fold the other half of the pastry circle over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 4: Place the tassies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each tassie. Brush the tops of the tassies with a little bit of egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a splash of water) for a golden glaze. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Allow the tassies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Handy Tips

Make sure to keep your puff pastry cold, as this will help it to hold its shape and bake up flaky and delicious. If the pastry starts to soften and become difficult to work with, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
Avoid overfilling the tassies, as the filling will spread out a bit during baking. You want to leave enough room for the pastry to seal properly and for the filling to cook evenly.
For an extra crunchy topping, you can sprinkle a few extra pecan halves on top of the tassies before baking.

Heat Control

When baking the tassies, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. The ideal temperature is 400°F (200°C), and you’re aiming for a golden brown color on the pastry. This should take about 20-25 minutes, but check on them after 15 minutes and then every few minutes thereafter. The tassies are done when the pastry is golden and the filling is set. If you prefer a lighter color, you can reduce the baking time slightly.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these Easy Pecan Tassies comes from the pecans and the baked pastry. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure your pecans are fresh and of good quality. Also, don’t overbake the tassies, as this can make the pastry too crispy and the filling too hard. You’re aiming for a delicate balance between the crunch of the pecans and pastry and the softness of the filling.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To ensure your tassies bake evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This will help them to cook consistently and prevent some from becoming too brown while others remain pale.
For a professional touch, consider drizzling the cooled tassies with a bit of caramel sauce or honey before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Keep your workspace clean and organized by having all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start assembling the tassies. This will make the process much smoother and less stressful.

Storage Tips

The baked tassies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at a low temperature.
When storing, make sure the tassies are completely cooled to prevent moisture from accumulating and making the pastry soggy.
For the best results, store the tassies in a single layer in the container to prevent them from sticking together.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These Easy Pecan Tassies are perfect for gifting, especially during the holiday season. Consider packaging them in decorative tin containers, glass jars, or even paper cones wrapped with ribbon. You can also add a personal touch by including a handwritten note or a small bag of gourmet coffee or tea. For a more rustic look, place the tassies in a wicker basket lined with parchment paper and tie with twine. Whatever method you choose, the recipient is sure to be delighted by the thoughtful and delicious gift.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the pecan mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
🌟 Creative toppings: Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the tassies with a bit of sea salt, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free alternative. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or seeds for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your tassies turn out too soggy, it might be because the pastry wasn’t sealed properly or they were stored in a humid environment. Try baking them for a few extra minutes to crisp them up.
Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts can be a good substitute. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the tassies while they’re baking. If they’re getting too brown, cover the tops with foil to prevent overcooking. If they’re not browning enough, give them a few more minutes.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, the baked tassies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at a low temperature.
Is it gluten-free? The traditional recipe uses puff pastry, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free alternative to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions. Keep in mind that you might need to bake the tassies in batches depending on the size of your baking sheet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Easy Pecan Tassies are a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests with a delicious and elegant dessert. With their perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and impressive presentation, they’re sure to become a holiday classic. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the recipe your own, and consider gifting them to friends and family for a thoughtful and delicious treat. Happy baking, and enjoy the joy and warmth that these tassies bring to your holiday gatherings!

Easy Pecan Tassies Perfect Holiday Desserts