Imagine biting into a mini tart filled with a sweet, rich pecan filling with a hint of saltiness. The crust is buttery and flaky, and the filling is a delightful contrast of sweet and savory. This salted pecan pie tart recipe gives you delectable mini treats that will make your taste buds dance.
Although most of the ingredients are common pantry items, there are a couple you might need to pick up from the supermarket. Pecans are the star of this recipe, providing a unique, subtly sweet flavor and crunchy texture. Make sure to get fresh pecans for the best result. Also, don't forget to pick up dark brown sugar, which adds a molasses-like flavor to the tarts.
Ingredients Needed for Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
Pie dough: This is the base for your tarts. You can use store-bought, but homemade gives a more authentic, buttery taste.
Unsalted butter: This provides richness to the filling. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the recipe.
Dark brown sugar: It lends a deep, rich sweetness to the filling, along with a hint of molasses flavor.
Egg: This acts as a binder for the filling, giving it structure and stability.
Vanilla extract: This enhances the flavor of the filling, giving it a sweet, aromatic quality.
Ground nutmeg: This adds a warm, spicy undertone to the filling.
Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon gives a sweet-spicy flavor and aroma.
Pecans: These give the filling its signature flavor and a delightful crunch.
Coarse salt: This enhances the flavors in the recipe and adds a slight crunch and pop of flavor.
One reader, Karlen Moffitt says:
This salted pecan pie tarts recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet and salty flavors is simply divine. The pecan filling is rich and the crust is perfectly flaky. Plus, the touch of coarse salt adds a delightful twist. It's a must-try for any dessert lover!
Techniques Required for Making Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
How to make homemade pie dough: This involves combining flour, salt, and cold butter in a food processor, then adding ice water and pulsing until the dough comes together. The dough is then shaped into a disk, wrapped in plastic, and chilled.
How to pre-bake tart crusts: This step involves partially baking the tart crusts before adding the filling. It helps to ensure that the bottom of the crust is properly baked and does not become soggy from the liquid pecan filling.
How to prepare the filling: This involves melting the butter, whisking together brown sugar, egg, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and then stirring in the melted butter and pecans to create the filling for the tart.
How to spoon the filling into tart crusts: This step involves carefully spooning about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the prepared filling into each pre-baked tart crust.
How to bake the tarts: After adding the filling, the tarts are baked at 350 degrees F for about 14 to 16 minutes, being careful not to overbake. Once the crust begins to slightly brown, the tarts are done.
How to cool the tarts: After baking, the tarts should be allowed to cool completely in the pan before serving. This helps to set the filling and ensures that the tarts hold their shape when removed from the pan.
How To Make Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
An impeccable combo of sea salt crunch, hearty pecans, and gooey caramel filling baked in a flaky crust is what you’ll love in this pecan pie tarts recipe!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½homemade pie dough
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- ½cupdark brown sugar,packed
- 1large egg
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- ¼tspground nutmeg
- ½tspground cinnamon
- ¾cuppecans,chopped
- coarse salt,for sprinkling
Instructions
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Make the homemade pie dough. Once chilled, place the dough onto a floured work surface. Roll into a large 12-inch circle. From the circle, cut 24 to 30 rounds using a 2.5-inch cookie cutter. Work quickly, as the dough becomes much more delicate the longer it is at room temperature.
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Place the dough rounds into a greased 24-count mini muffin pan(s). Press the dough flat into the bottom of the crevice and up the sides. Then chill the entire pan in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Once the dough has chilled, pre-bake the tart crusts for 7 minutes. This allows the bottom of the crust to be properly baked and not become soggy from the liquid pecan filling.
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Prepare the filling by melting the butter in a small bowl in the microwave or using a stovetop. Allow to slightly cool for a few minutes. Whisk the brown sugar, egg, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Whisk in the melted butter, then stir in the pecans.
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Remove the tart crusts from the oven when they’re finished and spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the filling into each. Top with coarse salt.
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Turn the oven up to 350 degrees F and bake the tarts for about 14 to 16 more minutes. Be careful not to overbake. Once you see the crust begin to slightly brown, the tarts are done.
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Allow the tarts to cool completely in the pan before serving. (A spoon helps get them out easily.) Top with a dollop of whipped cream or even a small drizzle of pure maple syrup. Leftovers are great for up to 3 days – store covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: The filling can be made 1 day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. The tarts can be placed in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Filling Quantity: The filling would not fit an entire pie. It is likely that the ingredients in the recipe be doubled and sub in some sort of liquid sweetener to keep the filling moist.
Nutrition
- Calories: 37.94kcal
- Fat: 2.84g
- Saturated Fat: 0.73g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.63g
- Carbohydrates: 2.96g
- Fiber: 0.28g
- Sugar: 2.47g
- Protein: 0.47g
- Cholesterol: 8.24mg
- Sodium: 18.85mg
- Calcium: 5.43mg
- Potassium: 16.59mg
- Iron: 0.12mg
- Vitamin A: 9.22µg
- Vitamin C: 0.03mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
When making your pecan pie tarts, it's important to remember that the key to a flaky, delicious crust is to keep your dough cold. When rolling out your dough, try to work quickly to prevent it from warming up too much. If you find your dough becoming too soft or sticky, don't hesitate to pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to handle and help ensure your tarts have that perfect, buttery crust. Additionally, pre-baking the crusts before adding the filling will help to prevent them from becoming soggy. This is a technique known as 'blind baking' and is often used in pie recipes to achieve a well-baked crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
Prepare the dough: Use store-bought pie dough to save time, or make the dough in advance and freeze it for later use.
Pre-bake the crusts: Pre-bake the tart crusts in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the pecans and make the dough, saving time and effort.
Make ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of baking.
Uniform shape: Use a cookie cutter to ensure uniform shape and size for the tart crusts, saving time and creating a professional look.
Substitute Ingredients For Salted Pecan Pie Tarts Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the recipe, and it can be used as a 1:1 replacement for butter in many baking recipes.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar flavor profile to brown sugar and can be used as a 1:1 replacement. It also adds a subtle caramel-like flavor to the tarts.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This can replace the egg as a binding agent in the recipe.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a delightful depth of flavor similar to vanilla extract. Use it in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice can provide a warm and aromatic flavor similar to nutmeg and can be used as a 1:1 replacement in the recipe.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other warm spices like nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, making it a suitable substitute for ground cinnamon in this recipe.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture to pecans, making them a great substitute in this recipe.
coarse salt - Substitute with sea salt flakes: Sea salt flakes can provide a similar burst of salty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the tarts, just like coarse salt.
Presenting Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
Elevate the tart with a touch of sophistication: Present the salted pecan pie tarts on a sleek, white rectangular plate to create a modern and elegant look. The clean lines of the plate will allow the golden brown tarts to stand out, showcasing their exquisite appearance.
Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the salted pecan pie tarts with a fine layer of powdered sugar to add a touch of visual appeal. The delicate white dusting will contrast beautifully against the rich, caramelized pecan filling, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Accompany with a quenelle of vanilla bean whipped cream: Place a quenelle of luscious vanilla bean whipped cream alongside the salted pecan pie tarts to provide a luxurious and indulgent element to the presentation. The smooth, creamy texture of the whipped cream will complement the nutty flavors of the tarts, adding a touch of finesse to the dish.
Arrange in a symmetrical pattern: Artfully arrange the salted pecan pie tarts in a symmetrical pattern on the plate to create a visually appealing display. The precise arrangement will demonstrate attention to detail and precision, reflecting the high culinary standards expected in a Michelin-starred setting.
Drizzle with a caramel sauce: Create an artistic drizzle of rich caramel sauce on the plate, surrounding the salted pecan pie tarts to add a decadent and luxurious touch to the presentation. The luscious caramel sauce will not only enhance the flavor but also elevate the visual appeal of the dish, showcasing the artistry of the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
- Rolling pin: A rolling pin is used to flatten and shape the pie dough into a large circle before cutting it into smaller rounds.
- Cookie cutter: A cookie cutter is used to cut the pie dough into smaller rounds for the tart crusts.
- Mini muffin pan: A mini muffin pan is used to shape and bake the tart crusts.
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used to melt the butter for the filling.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to mix the brown sugar, egg, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon together for the filling.
- Spoon: A spoon is used to spoon the filling into the pre-baked tart crusts and to remove the tarts from the pan after they have cooled.
- Oven: An oven is used to pre-bake the tart crusts and to bake the tarts.
Storing and Freezing Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
Allow the salted pecan pie tarts to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming and making the crusts soggy.
Store the tarts in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
The tarts can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the tarts:
- Place the cooled tarts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren't touching each other.
- Freeze the tarts until solid, about 2-3 hours.
- Transfer the frozen tarts to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen pecan pie tarts:
- Remove the desired number of tarts from the freezer and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
- Allow the tarts to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they reach the desired temperature.
- If you prefer warm tarts, you can reheat them in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Note: Freezing the tarts may slightly affect the texture of the crust and filling, but they will still taste delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover salted pecan pie tarts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the tarts are heated through and the pecans are lightly toasted. This method will help restore the crispness of the crust and bring out the nutty flavor of the pecans.
For a quicker option, you can use a microwave. Place the tarts on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the filling to become rubbery and the crust to become soggy.
If you want to add a touch of extra indulgence, serve the reheated tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, gooey filling and the cool, creamy topping will elevate your leftover dessert to a whole new level.
For a more adventurous twist, try crumbling the leftover tarts over a bowl of Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast treat. The combination of the sweet, salty, and nutty flavors will give your morning meal a gourmet touch.
If you find yourself with an abundance of leftover tarts, consider transforming them into a new dessert altogether. Crumble the tarts into a parfait glass, layering them with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and fresh berries. This deconstructed approach will give your leftovers a fresh and exciting new look.
Interesting Fact About Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
The pecan pie tarts recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of pecans with a hint of salt for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. These bite-sized tarts are a great addition to any dessert table or gathering, offering a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the classic pecan pie flavor. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup, these tarts are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves pecan pie or sweet and salty flavor combinations.
Is Making Salted Pecan Pie Tarts at Home Cost-Effective?
The salted pecan pie tarts recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, including pecans, butter, and brown sugar, are relatively affordable and commonly found in most households. However, the cost may slightly increase if the household does not have homemade pie dough readily available and needs to purchase it. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a reasonable option for a homemade dessert. Overall Verdict: 8.
Are Salted Pecan Pie Tarts Healthy or Unhealthy?
The salted pecan pie tarts recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of butter and brown sugar, which are high in saturated fat and added sugars, respectively. Consuming too much of these ingredients can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other health issues.
- The recipe also calls for a homemade pie dough, which likely contains additional butter or shortening, further increasing the fat content.
- Pecans, while nutritious in moderation, are high in calories and fat. The recipe uses a generous amount of pecans, which can add to the overall calorie count.
However, there are some ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing too much flavor:
- Reduce the amount of butter and brown sugar used in the filling. You can experiment with using half the amount called for and gradually adjusting to find a balance between taste and health.
- Use a whole wheat or nut-based crust instead of the traditional pie dough. This can increase the fiber content and provide a more nutritious base for the tarts.
- Decrease the number of pecans used and replace some of them with chopped dates or dried cranberries. This can lower the fat content while still providing texture and sweetness.
- Use a sugar substitute, such as erythritol or stevia, in place of some or all of the brown sugar. This can significantly reduce the added sugar content.
- Top the tarts with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream. Greek yogurt is lower in fat and higher in protein, making it a healthier alternative.
Editor's Opinion on Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
As a culinary expert, I find this salted pecan pie tarts recipe to be a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. The combination of the buttery crust, sweet pecan filling, and a touch of coarse salt creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The pre-baking of the tart crust ensures a crisp base, while the addition of nutmeg and cinnamon adds warmth to the filling. The final touch of coarse salt enhances the overall taste, elevating this dessert to a new level. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress with their delicious, sophisticated flavors.
Enhance Your Salted Pecan Pie Tarts Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Salted Pecan Pie Tarts
Why trust this Salted Pecan Pie Tarts Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delectable experience with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The homemade pie dough ensures a buttery, flaky base, while the rich dark brown sugar and pecans create a luscious, nutty filling. The addition of vanilla extract and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon elevates the taste to a whole new level. The touch of coarse salt adds a delightful contrast, enhancing every bite. With meticulous attention to detail and a harmonious blend of ingredients, this recipe is a testament to its trustworthiness.
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