Pecan Tarts with Cream Cheese Crust: A Sweet Symphony of Flavors

There's something truly magical about the combination of buttery pecans and a velvety cream cheese crust that makes pecan tarts an irresistible treat. Whether you're looking to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, these pecan tarts are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to create these delectable pecan tarts with a cream cheese crust that elevates the classic recipe to a whole new level of indulgence.

Ingredients:

For the Cream Cheese Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Prepare the Cream Cheese Crust:
• In a food processor, combine the flour, cold butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
• Pulse the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it forms a smooth dough.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
• Roll and Shape the Crust:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
• Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles that will fit into your tart pans.
• Press the dough circles into greased mini tart pans, ensuring an even layer across the bottom and up the sides.
• Trim any excess dough.
• Prepare the Pecan Filling:
• In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
• Mix the ingredients until well combined, creating a luscious pecan filling.
• Fill the Tart Shells:
• Spoon the pecan filling into each tart shell, ensuring an even distribution.
• For an extra touch, you can arrange a few whole pecans on top for a visually appealing presentation.
• Bake to Perfection:
• Place the filled tart pans on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
• Allow the pecan tarts to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve and Enjoy:
• Once cooled, these pecan tarts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as they are or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent touch.

Indulge your taste buds with the perfect blend of crunchy pecans and a buttery cream cheese crust in these delightful pecan tarts. With a simple yet sophisticated recipe, these treats are bound to become a cherished dessert in your home. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a delicious journey to create these mouthwatering pecan tarts that are sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!