Pecan Tarts

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

about 20

Updated: Nov. 17, 2023
The flaky crust combined with a rich center makes these little pecan tarts a satisfying snack to serve and eat. They look so appealing on a pretty platter and make a great finger-food dessert when you're entertaining. They also freeze well. —Jean Rhodes, Tignall, Georgia

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • FILLING:
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup chopped pecans
  • Pecan halves, optional

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy; blend in flour and salt. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°. Shape into 1-in. balls; press onto the bottom and up the sides of greased mini-muffin cups.
  3. For filling, in a small bowl, beat the egg. Add brown sugar, butter and vanilla; mix well. Stir in pecans. Spoon into tart shells. If desired, top each tart with a pecan half.
  4. Bake until lightly browned and set, 25-30 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before carefully removing from pans.

Pecan Tarts Tips

How much should you fill each tart with the pecan filling before baking?

You should fill this tart recipe about 3/4 full with the pecan filling. Just make sure you're not filling them over the crust line!

Can you use store-bought pie crust instead of making your own for pecan tarts?

You can use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade crust if you'd like. If you go the homemade route, make sure to follow our expert pie crust tips from professional bakers.

How do you store pecan tarts?

You can make these pecan tarts ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor, and Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 tart: 145 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.