Busy home cooks know the challenge: finding a dessert that feels special but doesn’t take all afternoon. A pecan tassies recipe is just that — a buttery cream cheese crust filled with gooey pecan goodness, baked in a mini muffin tin. These little treats bring the comfort of pecan pie in bite-sized form, making them perfect for families, potlucks, or holiday dessert trays. Whether you’re new to baking or carrying on a family tradition, this guide will walk you through ingredients, steps, and variations.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredient Breakdown for Pecan Tassies Recipe (Measurements + Purpose)
The beauty of a pecan tassies recipe lies in simple pantry ingredients that work together for rich flavor and perfect texture.
- Cream Cheese (3 oz) & Butter (½ cup softened) – the classic base for tassie crusts, giving it a tender, flaky texture. This is why pecan tassies recipe with cream cheese remains the most popular version.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – the structure builder for the crust, making the dough workable and sturdy.
- Brown Sugar (1¼ cups) & Maple Syrup (optional 2 tbsp) – create that signature caramelized sweetness. Use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Eggs (2 large) – bind the filling into a soft, custard-like center.
- Pecans (1 cup, chopped) – the heart of the recipe, bringing nutty crunch. If you prefer, swap with walnuts or try a nut tassies recipe.
- Vanilla (1 tsp), Cinnamon (½ tsp), or Chocolate Chips (¼ cup optional) – layers of flavor that turn simple tassies into something extra special.
Variations: For healthy pecan tassies, cut sugar in half. For gluten free pecan tassies recipe, swap flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For keto pecan tassies recipe, use almond flour and a low-carb sweetener.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions for Easy Pecan Tassies
- Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter with 3 oz cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 cup all-purpose flour and mix into a soft dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Shape the Shells
- Roll dough into 24 small balls and press each into a mini muffin tin (mini pecan tassies recipe).
- Press up the sides to form small cups. A tart tamper makes this easy.
- Mix the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1¼ cups brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla.
- Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans (pecan tassie filling recipe).
- Fill and Bake
- Spoon filling into each shell, about ¾ full. Don’t overfill or the sugar syrup may spill over.
- Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until crusts are golden and tops are set.
- Cool and Serve
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Variation Ideas:
- Old fashioned pecan tassies recipe – skip add-ins, keep it simple.
- Pecan tassies recipe without cream cheese – use pie crust instead of cream cheese dough.
- Pumpkin pecan tassies recipe – stir pumpkin purée into the filling.
- Cranberry pecan tassies recipe – add chopped dried cranberries for tart-sweet flavor.
What Makes Pecan Tassies Different from Pecan Pie?
A pecan tassies recipe delivers all the comfort of pecan pie in a smaller, easier format.
- Bite-Sized Portions – perfect for parties and dessert platters.
- Portion Control – each tassie is a two-bite treat, unlike a rich pecan pie slice.
- Faster Baking – ready in about 25 minutes, compared to nearly an hour for a pie.
- Storage-Friendly – they freeze and transport better than a full pie.
For many, pecan pie tassies recipe is the easier way to enjoy the same flavors, while classic pecan tassies keep the nostalgia alive in modern kitchens.
Variations and Flavor Twists for Pecan Tassies
Part of the charm of a pecan tassies recipe is its flexibility. A simple swap can create a whole new dessert.
- Chocolate Pecan Tassies – stir in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for a richer bite.
- Maple Pecan Tassies – replace corn syrup or part of the sugar with pure maple syrup.
- Seasonal Twists – pumpkin puree for fall, apricots or cranberries for a fruity holiday version.
- Sugar-Free or Keto Pecan Tassies – use monk fruit sweetener and almond flour crust for a lighter, low-carb option.
Whether you’re making pecan tassies with chocolate chips or testing pecan tassies sugar free, the variations keep this recipe fresh and adaptable.
Tools and Equipment for Baking Perfect Pecan Tassies
While you don’t need fancy gadgets, a few tools make a pecan tassies recipe foolproof.
- Mini Muffin Pan – essential for shaping and baking tassies.
- Tart Tamper or Cookie Scoop – speeds up pressing dough into cups and keeps portions uniform.
- Mixing Bowls & Stand Mixer – for creaming butter, cream cheese, and sugar effortlessly.
- Silicone Liners – prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
These tools help ensure your pecan tassies easy to bake, consistent in size, and reliably moist. If you’ve ever struggled with crumbly shells or stuck bottoms, silicone pans and tampers are game changers for making pecan tassies recipe quick and pecan tassies moist fluffy.
When and How to Use Pecan Tassies Recipe (Occasions, Storage, Freezer Tips)
A pecan tassies recipe is one of those desserts that fits any season.
- Holidays: These bite-sized treats shine on Christmas cookie trays, Thanksgiving dessert spreads, or Easter brunch tables. They’re just as at home at summer potlucks.
- Meal Prep & Freezing: Yes, you can freeze pecan tassies. Cool them completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Storage Tips: Wondering do pecan tassies need to be refrigerated? Not right away — they keep at room temp in a sealed container for 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness.
- Portable Treats: They travel well, making them ideal for bake sales, office snacks, or school lunchbox surprises.
How Pecan Tassies Recipe Supports Family-Friendly Baking
A pecan tassies recipe works beautifully for family life because it checks so many boxes.
- Quick & Approachable: Even beginner bakers can master tassies thanks to their simple dough and filling.
- Budget-Friendly Swaps: Use store-bought pie crust (pecan tassies using pie crust) or even cake mix (pecan tassies recipe using cake mix) to cut down prep time.
- Heritage Appeal: Recipes like grandma’s pecan tassies or southern pecan tassies connect us with family traditions, making them feel more special at gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly Portions: Tassies are the right size for little hands, and they double as a sweet lesson in baking together.
Tips, Adjustments, and Cautions for Perfect Pecan Tassies
A little care goes a long way when baking a pecan tassies recipe.
- Avoid Overbaking: Pull them when the tops are just set — overbaking dries out the filling.
- Adjust Sweetness: For healthy pecan tassies, reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute (pecan tassies sugar free).
- Dairy-Free Options: Swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative to make pecan tassies recipe dairy free.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Replace flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten free pecan tassies recipe.
- Sticky Dough Tip: Dust your fingers or tamper with flour when pressing dough into tins.
(Disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist — just sharing what’s worked in my kitchen. Adjust ingredients according to your family’s needs.)
Troubleshooting Common Pecan Tassies Problems
Every baker has run into hiccups — here’s how to fix them in your pecan tassies recipe.
- Why do pecan tassies stick to the pan? Usually from overfilling — grease pans lightly and avoid spilling filling down the sides.
- Why is the filling dry? Overbaking or not enough sugar. Bake until just set and use fresh eggs for moisture.
- Why do tassies crumble? The dough may be too dry or missing enough cream cheese. Chill dough before shaping.
- Why aren’t mine gooey inside? Filling might be under-measured. Make sure each shell has about a tablespoon of filling.
These small adjustments help keep pecan tassies moist and fluffy every time.
FAQs about Pecan Tassies Recipe
What is the recipe for pecan tassies?
A cream cheese and butter dough forms mini crusts, filled with a sweet pecan mixture, then baked in a muffin tin.
Can you freeze pecan tassies?
Yes — they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Do pecan tassies have to be refrigerated?
They last 3 days at room temp in a sealed container. For longer storage, refrigerate up to a week.
Are pecan tassies healthy?
Traditional tassies are indulgent, but lighter versions (keto pecan tassies or pecan tassies sugar free) use substitutions to cut carbs and sugar.
What does “tassie” mean?
The word comes from a Scottish term for “little cup,” fitting since these are mini pies baked in small cups.
Conclusion
A pecan tassies recipe brings the cozy taste of pecan pie into perfectly portioned little bites. With easy prep, freezer-friendly storage, and endless variations, they’re a dessert you’ll return to again and again. Whether you bake classic pecan tassies or try seasonal twists like maple or chocolate, these tassies will always find a place at your family table.
Next Step: Bookmark this recipe for your next holiday, and share it with friends who love bite-sized, comforting desserts.
Print
Pecan Tassies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 tassies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery pecan tassies recipe with cream cheese crust and gooey pecan filling. Perfect bite-sized dessert for holidays and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter with 3 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour and mix into a soft dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Shape the Shells: Roll dough into 24 small balls and press each into a mini muffin tin. Press up the sides to form small cups.
- Mix the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1¼ cups brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon filling into each shell, about ¾ full. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until crusts are golden and tops are set.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For healthy pecan tassies, reduce sugar by half.
- For gluten-free pecan tassies, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- For keto pecan tassies, use almond flour and low-carb sweetener.
- Nutrition information is estimated based on similar recipes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tassie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 27mg