Description
Mini Caramel Pecan Tarts are bite-sized treats featuring a buttery crust filled with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting, they bring all the rich flavors of pecan pie in an elegant, handheld dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2–4 tablespoons ice water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 12 whole pecans (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough comes together. Roll out and cut rounds to fit mini tart pans or a mini muffin tin.
- Press dough into tins and prick bottoms with a fork. Bake crusts for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until mixture begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
- Spoon filling into pre-baked tart shells.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until filling is set and bubbling.
- Cool completely before removing from tins. Garnish with whole pecans if desired.
Notes
- Toast pecans before using for deeper flavor.
- Store-bought pie dough or tart shells can be substituted for homemade crust.
- Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Do not overcook caramel to prevent it from hardening.
- These tarts make excellent edible gifts for holidays.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
