Mini Pecan Tarts

The first time I made these Mini Pecan Tarts, the kitchen smelled like butter and toasted pecans. Each tart had that gooey, caramel-like center and crisp golden crust that made every bite taste like fall.

I baked them for a family dinner, and they vanished before dessert was even served. They’re sweet, nutty, and just the right size for a little treat after a meal.

If you love the taste of classic pecan pie but want something simple and bite-sized, these mini tarts are the perfect recipe to try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Party Size: Bite-sized portions make these ideal for gatherings and dessert tables.
• Buttery Cream Cheese Crust: The cream cheese pastry is tender, flaky, and adds wonderful richness.
• Rich Pecan Filling: Sweet, nutty, and perfectly caramelized in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time or bake these a day in advance.
• Easier Than Pie: No rolling pin required, and these bake faster than traditional pecan pie.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 24 mini pecan tarts, perfect for serving at parties or special occasions. The recipe can easily be doubled if you need more.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The cream cheese dough is simple to work with, and the filling comes together quickly.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mini muffin tin (24 cups)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small spoon for pressing dough

Ingredients

These mini tarts combine a tender, buttery crust with a sweet pecan filling that bakes up golden and delicious. The cream cheese in the pastry creates an exceptionally rich base that pairs beautifully with the caramelized pecans.

For the Cream Cheese Pastry:

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), softened to room temperature for a tender, flaky crust
• Cream Cheese: 3 ounces (85g), softened to room temperature, adds richness and tenderness
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (125g), spooned and leveled for the right texture
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors

For the Pecan Filling:

• Light Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g), packed, provides that classic caramel sweetness
• Egg: 1 large, at room temperature, binds the filling
• Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon, melted, adds richness
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, pure extract works best
• Pecans: 3/4 cup (85g), chopped into small pieces

Variations for Mini Pecan Tarts

• Add Chocolate: Place a small chocolate chip in the bottom of each tart before adding the filling.
• Bourbon Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of bourbon to the filling for a grown-up twist.
• Use Walnuts: Swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer their slightly milder flavor.
• Maple Sweetness: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract for a different flavor profile.
• Add Spice: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for warmth.

How to Make Mini Pecan Tarts Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cream Cheese Pastry

Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and well combined. This creates the base for your tender crust. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should come together easily without being sticky.

2. Shape the Tart Shells

Divide the dough into 24 equal portions, rolling each into a small ball. Press each ball into an ungreased mini muffin cup, using your thumb or a small spoon to create a cup shape. Make sure the dough comes up the sides of each cup to hold the filling.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be well combined and slightly glossy. Fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

4. Fill and Bake

Spoon the pecan filling into each pastry cup, filling them about three-quarters full. The filling will puff up slightly as it bakes. Place the muffin tin in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The tarts are done when the filling is set and the edges of the pastry are lightly golden.

5. Cool and Remove

Let the tarts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is important because it allows the filling to set properly. Run a small knife around each tart to loosen it, then carefully lift them out. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Decoration

These mini pecan tarts are beautiful on their own, but you can dress them up for special occasions. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Serve them on a pretty platter alongside coffee or tea. For added indulgence, top each tart with a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They look stunning arranged on tiered dessert stands at parties.

How to Serve Mini Pecan Tarts

These versatile treats work for many occasions:

• Holiday Dessert Tables: A must-have for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
• Afternoon Tea: Pair with hot tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon treat.
• Gift Boxes: Pack in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.
• Brunch Spreads: Add sweetness to your weekend brunch menu.
• Dessert Buffets: Perfect alongside other bite-sized sweets at parties.

Storing Mini Pecan Tarts

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days if your kitchen is cool.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Dough Storage: The unbaked dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Soften Ingredients Properly: Make sure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the smoothest dough.
• Don’t Overfill: Fill tarts only three-quarters full to prevent overflow during baking.
• Press Evenly: Create uniform cups in the muffin tin so all tarts bake evenly.
• Check for Doneness: The filling should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
• Cool Before Removing: Let tarts cool in the pan to avoid breaking the delicate pastry.
• Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh pecans have better flavor and crunch than older ones.
• Room Temperature Egg: A room temperature egg blends more smoothly into the filling.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Tart (1 of 24)
Calories	110
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	25mg
Total Carbohydrates	11g
Dietary Fiber	0.5g
Sugars	7g
Protein	1g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Mini Pecan Tarts FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the pastry to avoid an overly salty taste.

Why is my pastry tough? Overmixing the dough develops too much gluten, making it tough. Mix just until combined.

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, these tarts taste great the next day. Store them in an airtight container and bring to room temperature before serving.

My filling overflowed. What happened? The cups were likely too full. Fill them only three-quarters of the way to leave room for the filling to expand.

Can I use a different nut? Absolutely. Walnuts work well, or try a mix of pecans and walnuts for variety.

Do I need to grease the muffin tin? No, the butter in the pastry provides enough fat to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Mini Pecan Tarts bring together everything you love about pecan pie in a convenient, party-ready size. The cream cheese pastry creates a tender, rich base that perfectly complements the sweet, nutty filling. Whether you are planning a holiday dessert spread or simply want a special homemade treat, these tarts deliver impressive flavor with minimal effort. The make-ahead friendly nature means you can prepare them when it suits your schedule, and they store beautifully for several days. Every bite offers that perfect combination of buttery crust and caramelized pecans that makes pecan pie such a beloved classic.