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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 350°F, ensuring an even heat distribution for optimal baking.
- Gently melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Carefully coat the bottom of each mini tart shell with a thin, even layer of the melted chocolate, creating a delectable base.
- Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the chocolate layer, allowing it to settle into the tart shells.
- In a separate bowl, combine finely chopped pecans with melted butter and brown sugar, mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Spoon the pecan mixture evenly into each tart shell, ensuring a consistent distribution of flavors and textures.
- 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.
- Transfer the prepared tarts to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 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