The Perfect Mini Pecan Tarts Recipe for Sweet Bite-sized Joy

Crafting delectable mini pecan tarts brings pure joy to any dessert table.

sweet nutty morsels promise a delightful culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Pecans add rich, buttery complexity that melts beautifully in each compact pastry shell.

Crisp, flaky crusts cradle a luxurious caramel-like filling that tingles taste buds.

Home bakers can effortlessly create these elegant treats with simple ingredients and minimal preparation.

Weekend gatherings or quiet afternoon snacks become extraordinary moments with these bite-sized delicacies.

We challenge you to whip up a batch and savor every incredible crumb.

Keeping Bite-Size Treats Just Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month without losing flavor or texture.
• Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crisp texture and revive caramel's softness.

FAQs

• What are the main ingredients for these sweet bite-size treats?

The main ingredients are mini tart shells, chocolate, caramel sauce, pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and sea salt.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunchy texture and flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the tart shells from breaking?

Handle the mini tart shells gently and use a light touch when adding layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecan mixture to avoid cracking.

• Are these treats suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, these treats contain pecans and are not recommended for individuals with nut allergies.

Sweet Bite-Size Treats: Mini Delights Await

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these delightful mini tarts with simple steps and minimal kitchen skills required.
• Decadent Flavor Combo: Indulge in the rich blend of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy pecans that create a perfect sweet and salty experience.
• Impressive Party Pleaser: Wow guests with these elegant bite-sized treats that look professionally crafted but are super simple to make.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to fancy dinner parties, these mini tarts always steal the show.

Bite-Size Treats: Gather Your Supplies

• Mini Tart Shells: Small pastry shells perfect for creating delicate dessert bites.
• Chocolate: Rich, smooth chocolate that forms the base layer of these sweet treats.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the dessert.
• Caramel Sauce: Sweet, golden sauce that provides a luxurious layer of flavor.

• Melted Butter, Brown Sugar: A classic combination that helps bind the pecan mixture and adds deep, sweet undertones.

• Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt that enhances the overall flavor profile and provides a subtle contrast to the sweet ingredients.

Steps to Bite-Size Treat Heaven

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a perfectly warm environment for baking your delightful treats.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

Gently melt the chocolate until smooth and silky, creating a luxurious foundation for your mini tarts.

Step 3: Build Chocolate Layer

Carefully spread the melted chocolate across the bottom of each mini tart shell, forming a rich and glossy base.

Step 4: Drizzle Caramel

Pour a generous stream of caramel sauce over the chocolate layer, adding a luscious and gooey dimension to your dessert.

Step 5: Prepare Pecan Mixture

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

Mix thoroughly until the pecans are completely coated and form a delectable crumbly mixture.

Step 6: Fill Tart Shells

Spoon the prepared pecan mixture into each tart shell, ensuring an even distribution of the nutty goodness.

Step 7: Garnish Tarts

Top each tart with whole pecans and sprinkle a delicate touch of sea salt to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the tarts in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the edges to become golden brown.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Allow the tarts to cool completely, letting the layers set and the flavors intensify before serving these irresistible mini delights.

Nifty Tricks for Bite-Size Success

• Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth, glossy chocolate.
• Warm caramel sauce slightly to make it easier to drizzle evenly across tart shells without clumping.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to your sweet treats.
• Use flaky sea salt sparingly; its delicate crunch adds a sophisticated contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate.
• Place tarts on a wire rack to cool completely, preventing soggy bottoms and ensuring a crisp, clean texture.

Small Treats: Fun New Flavors

• Vegan Delight: Replace chocolate with dairy-free dark chocolate, swap butter with coconut oil, and use maple syrup instead of caramel sauce for a plant-based version.
• Nutty Alternative: Substitute pecans with almonds or walnuts, creating a different crunchy texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free mini tart shells made from almond flour or rice flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sugar Variation: Replace brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet taste.

How to Present Bite-Size Treats

• Chocolate Caramel Pecan Party Platter: Arrange tarts beautifully on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves for elegant presentation.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve these sweet bites alongside a rich port or moscato for a luxurious after-dinner experience that elevates the flavor profile.
• Ice Cream Companion: Place a small scoop of vanilla bean or bourbon ice cream next to the tarts for a decadent temperature and texture contrast.
• Gifting Delight: Package these mini tarts in cute individual boxes with ribbon for stunning homemade edible gifts that will impress friends and family.

Mini Pecan Tarts Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful mini pecan tarts bring Southern charm to dessert tables with buttery pastry and rich caramel-like filling. Guests will savor each bite of these elegant, bite-sized treats that perfectly balance nutty pecans and sweet indulgence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package mini tart shells
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) whole pecans

Sweeteners and Binding:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) butter, melted

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) sea salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 350°F, ensuring an even heat distribution for optimal baking.
2. Gently melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
3. Carefully coat the bottom of each mini tart shell with a thin, even layer of the melted chocolate, creating a delectable base.
4. Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the chocolate layer, allowing it to settle into the tart shells.
5. In a separate bowl, combine finely chopped pecans with melted butter and brown sugar, mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
6. Spoon the pecan mixture evenly into each tart shell, ensuring a consistent distribution of flavors and textures.
7. Garnish the tarts with whole pecans strategically placed on top, then sprinkle a delicate pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweet and savory profile.
8. Transfer the prepared tarts to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the tarts to cool completely on a wire rack, letting the flavors meld and the texture set.

Notes

• Customize Chocolate Selection experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate for varied flavor profiles.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms ensure mini tart shells are completely dry before adding chocolate layer to maintain crisp texture.
• Make Gluten-Free easily swap regular tart shells with gluten-free pastry shells for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Control Sweetness adjust brown sugar quantity in pecan mixture to manage overall dessert sweetness, catering to different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 215 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg