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

March 14, 2024

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!