Desserts

Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies

Name: Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup corn syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies are small, buttery tarts filled with a gooey, nutty pecan filling. They smell warm and caramel-like while baking, and they offer a crunchy pecan bite with a tender, shortbread-like shell. These bite-sized desserts bring a vintage charm to cookie plates, potlucks, and holiday trays. If you enjoy classic retro sweets, you might also like this take on a traditional cocktail-inspired dessert: Black Forest Old Fashioned.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24 mini tassies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: ~125 kcal
Protein: ~1.5 g
Carbohydrates: ~14 g
Fat: ~9 g
Fiber: ~1.5 g
Sugar: ~10 g
Sodium: ~70 mg

Why Make This Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies

These pecan tassies are classic, simple, and crowd-pleasing. They combine a crisp, buttery shell with a chewy, caramel-like pecan filling that melts on your tongue. They bake quickly, are easy to portion for gatherings, and hold their shape well for cookie tins or dessert trays. The aroma of toasted pecans and brown sugar while they bake makes them irresistible. They’re perfect for holiday baking, afternoon tea, or a sweet treat with coffee.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies

This recipe uses a short, tender dough pressed into a mini muffin pan and a simple pecan filling that becomes glossy and set as it bakes. Work quickly when pressing the dough into the tin so shells stay cold and flaky. Use room-temperature eggs for an even filling, and keep an eye on the edges—golden crust signals they are ready.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 large eggs
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or spray with nonstick spray. Have your ingredients measured and ready so you can work smoothly.

Step 2: Mixing

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms a soft dough. Press the dough into the bottoms and up the sides of each cup in the mini muffin pan, making small tart shells.

Step 3: Cooking

In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans. Pour the pecan mixture into each dough cup, filling nearly to the top but leaving a small gap so the filling won’t overflow. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges of the shells are golden brown. The centers should be slightly glossy but not liquid.

Step 4: Finishing

Let the tassies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes so the filling sets. Carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies

Serve these tassies on a dessert tray with coffee or tea. They pair well with whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert. For holiday gatherings, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. They also make great bite-sized treats for parties or boxed gifts.

How to Store Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving to soften the filling.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Expert Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies

Chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft while you press it—cold dough gives flakier shells.
Press dough evenly so each tassie bakes uniformly; thinner bottoms can overbrown.
For a deeper flavor, toast the chopped pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes before adding.
Use light corn syrup for a milder sweetness, or dark corn syrup for a richer molasses note.
If you have overflow, place a baking sheet under the muffin pan to catch drips.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Pecan: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the shell dough or drop a few dark chocolate chips into each cup before baking.
Bourbon Pecan: Stir 1 tablespoon of bourbon into the filling for a boozy, warm flavor (omit if serving to children).
Maple Pecan: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a natural maple flavor (baking time may vary slightly).
Cranberry Pecan: Fold 1/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries into the filling for a tart contrast.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each tassie after baking for a sweet-salty finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tassies will this recipe make?
- This recipe yields about 24 mini tassies when using a standard mini muffin pan. Results may vary slightly depending on how thick you press the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes. You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before pressing into pans. Let it sit at room temperature a few minutes if it becomes too firm to press.
Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of mini?
- You can, but bake time will increase and the ratio of crust to filling will change. Watch for the filling to set and test with a toothpick.
What if my filling is still runny after baking?
- Bake a few minutes longer and watch closely. Also ensure your oven temperature is accurate; an oven that runs cool may require extra time. The filling should be set with a slight jiggle.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
- Yes. Walnuts or chopped hazelnuts work well. Toast them first for better flavor. Note that using different nuts will change the overall taste and texture.
Are tassies safe to freeze after baking?
- Yes. Freeze cooled tassies in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies are an easy, nostalgic treat with buttery shells and a rich, nutty filling that everyone loves. They bake quickly, store well, and adapt nicely to flavor variations—perfect for holidays or everyday treats. For a classic reference and inspiration, check this trusted source on traditional pecan tassies: Classic Pecan Tassies – One Hot Oven®.