There’s something magical about the combination of buttery pastry and rich, nutty pecans that makes pecan tarts an irresistible treat. In this indulgent recipe, we’re going to guide you through the creation of Heavenly Pecan Tarts – a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and nutty flavors. Whether you’re preparing these tarts for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Pecan Filling:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Pecan halves
Instructions
Making the Pastry:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cutter that fits your tart pans.
- Line Tart Pans: Gently press the pastry circles into individual tart pans, trimming any excess. Place the tart pans on a baking sheet.
- Prepare Pecan Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Fill Tart Shells: Distribute pecan halves evenly among the tart shells. Pour the prepared pecan filling over the pecans, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the pecan tarts to cool in the tart pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Garnish with whipped cream and additional pecan halves if desired.
Cook Notes
- Chilled Ingredients: Ensure that both the butter for the pastry and the eggs for the filling are cold. This helps create a flaky pastry and a smooth filling.
- Pastry Texture: Handle the pastry dough with care to maintain a tender texture. Overworking the dough can result in a tough crust.
- Room Temperature Filling: For a smoother filling, let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the other ingredients.
Variations
Chocolate Pecan Tarts:
Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the pecan filling for a delightful chocolatey twist. The combination of gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans is simply heavenly.
Bourbon-Infused Pecan Tarts:
Add a splash of bourbon to the pecan filling for a grown-up version of these tarts. The warm, rich flavor of bourbon complements the sweetness of the pecans beautifully.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto-Friendly:
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ice water (if needed)
For the Pecan Filling:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar-free maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered erythritol
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Low-Carb Option:
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ice water (if needed)
For the Pecan Filling:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar-free maple syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
In conclusion, these Heavenly Pecan Tarts are not just a dessert; they are a symphony of flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your palate. Whether you choose to stick with the classic recipe or explore the keto and low-carb variations, you’re in for a treat that combines the rich crunch of pecans with the buttery goodness of the pastry. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a baking adventure that will result in a plateful of pure indulgence. Your taste buds will thank you for it!
