The Best Buttery Pecan Tarts You'll Ever Bake
Oh, the joy of baking! There's something so incredibly satisfying about creating something delicious from scratch. But sometimes, you want a recipe that's truly special, a treat that's guaranteed to impress. Enter the pecan tart, a classic dessert with a rich history and a timeless appeal. And I'm not just talking about any pecan tart – I'm talking about the best buttery pecan tarts you'll ever taste!
This recipe is a love letter to all things buttery and nutty. The crust is flaky and golden, the filling is bursting with pecan flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, and the whole thing is topped with a drizzle of melted butter for that extra touch of indulgence.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience pure baking bliss. Let's make some magic!
The Best Buttery Pecan Tarts
INGREDIENTS
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
For the Filling:
1 cup (120g) light brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) light corn syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (180g) pecan halves
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
1. Making the Crust:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle.
Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
Gently press the dough into the pan, making sure it comes up the sides.
Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
2. Making the Filling:
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling.
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
Stir in the pecan halves.
3. Assembling and Baking the Tarts:
Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and carefully pour the pecan filling over the bottom.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly browned.
Let the tart cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling with melted butter.
4. Serving and Enjoying:
Slice the tart into wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoy as is.
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
And there you have it! The most delicious and irresistible buttery pecan tarts you'll ever make. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these tarts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don't be afraid to get creative with the toppings – a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scattering of chopped pecans are all delicious ways to take these tarts to the next level.
Happy baking, and enjoy!