Maple Pecan Tarts

Maple Pecan Tarts

How do you make dessert even better? Make it into an adorable hand-held mini size! Maple Pecan Tarts are a darling little spinoff of your family’s favorite classic Pecan Pie. Pecan Pie is a holiday staple at our Thanksgiving table (along with squash and apple too!). So I knew my family would love this pint sized recipe that just tastes like the holidays. The melt in your mouth maple pecan filling is rich and dreamy and just oozing with nostalgia. Pair that with an easy to assemble, delectable tart crust, and Maple Pecan Tarts are sure to bring everyone home for the holidays. You’ll be making memories with every bite!

Here’s all you’ll need: butter, cream cheese, flour, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and pecan halves.

Maple Pecan Tarts by Happylifeblogspot.com #pecanpie #minitarts #pecantart #thanksgivingdessert #maplepecan #minipecantarts

First let’s make that absolutely wonderful tart crust. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of butter and cream cheese until nice and smooth. It’s easier to work with if they’re both softened a bit. Toss them in the microwave for 30 seconds or so if you need to. I’m just here to make your life easier! You’re welcome!

Maple Pecan Tarts by Happylifeblogspot.com #pecanpie #minitarts #pecantart #thanksgivingdessert #maplepecan #minipecantarts

Next gradually beat in the flour, half a cup at a time, to form a soft dough. Shape it into a ball and then flatten into a disc. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour or until firm. Trust me, it’s SO worth the wait!!

Maple Pecan Tarts by Happylifeblogspot.com #pecanpie #minitarts #pecantart #thanksgivingdessert #maplepecan #minipecantarts

Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into 12 equal as can be portions. Shape each portion into a ball and roll it out on a lightly floured surface, to form a 5-inch circle. If you find the dough to be too firm, just warm it up with your hands a little bit. The heat from your hands will naturally make it more pliable.

Maple Pecan Tarts by Happylifeblogspot.com #pecanpie #minitarts #pecantart #thanksgivingdessert #maplepecan #minipecantarts

Transfer each portion to a 4-inch tart pan (with removable bottom). Press the dough into the tart pan and trim any excess dough that hangs over the edges. Place the tarts on a baking sheet (it makes them much easier to handle) and refrigerate for 20 minutes. You can line the baking sheets with parchment paper if you like for an even easier cleanup.

Maple Pecan Tarts by Happylifeblogspot.com #pecanpie #minitarts #pecantart #thanksgivingdessert #maplepecan #minipecantarts

Meanwhile let’s mix up that amazing Maple Pecan Tart filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, 2/3 cup melted butter, vanilla extract and a dash of salt. I grew up in Niagara Falls, NY, right on the border of Canada, so maple syrup is a must in the flavor department!

Maple Pecan Tarts by Happylifeblogspot.com #pecanpie #minitarts #pecantart #thanksgivingdessert #maplepecan #minipecantarts

Pour about 1/4 of a cup of filling into each tart shell. Be careful not to overfill or you’ll have maple pecan filling oozing over the sides.

Maple Pecan Tarts by Happylifeblogspot.com #pecanpie #minitarts #pecantart #thanksgivingdessert #maplepecan #minipecantarts

Finally arrange the pecans on top of the filling. Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the centers are just about set. This is one of the only times in your life when you can be happy about a little jiggle! Remove from the oven and transfer Maple Pecan Tarts to wire racks to cool.

Maple Pecan Tarts by Happylifeblogspot.com #pecanpie #minitarts #pecantart #thanksgivingdessert #maplepecan #minipecantarts

Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, you can have whatever you like! I’d love to hear some of your variations!! Make your Thanksgiving dessert table one to remember this year and try our Ginger Streusel Pumpkin Pie, Over The Top Apple Pie Cheesecake or Apple Hand Pies!

Maple Pecan Tarts by Happylifeblogspot.com #pecanpie #minitarts #pecantart #thanksgivingdessert #maplepecan #minipecantarts

Maple Pecan Tarts

November 14, 2018
: 12 tarts
: Easy

By:

Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • FILLING:
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2/3 cup butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Dash salt
  • 3 cups pecan halves
Directions
  • Step 1 In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the flour, half a cup at a time, to form a soft dough. Shape it into a ball and then flatten into a disc. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour or until firm.
  • Step 2 Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into 12 equal as can be portions. Shape each portion into a ball and roll it out to form a 5-inch circle. Transfer each portion to a 4-inch tart pan (with removable bottom). Press the dough into the tart pan and trim any excess that hangs over the edges. Place the tarts on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  • Step 3 In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, 2/3 cup melted butter, vanilla extract and a dash of salt. Pour about 1/4 of a cup of filling into each tart shell. Be careful not to overfill.
  • Step 4 Arrange the pecans on top of the filling. Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the centers are just about set. Cool on a wire racks. Enjoy!

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