Indulge in the delightful taste of pecan tarts, a dessert that effortlessly combines a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, gooey filling studded with crunchy pecans. Perfect for any occasion, these tarts are not only a visual treat but also a flavorful delight. The elegance of these tarts lies in their simplicity and the harmony of textures and flavors, making them a favorite for gatherings, holidays, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Ingredients:
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-4 tablespoons cold water
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tart Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thick. Cut out circles to fit into a standard muffin tin or tartlet pans. Press the dough into the pans, trimming any excess.
4. Bake the Crust:
- Place the crusts in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Pecan Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly coated.
6. Fill the Tarts:
- Spoon the pecan filling into the baked tart crusts, filling them about three-quarters full.
7. Bake Again:
- Return the tarts to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. The tops should be a golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally garnished with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy:
These pecan tarts are sure to impress your family and friends with their elegant presentation and delightful flavor. Perfect for dessert tables or a cozy evening treat, each bite offers a heavenly mix of sweetness and crunch!