best pecan tart recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
best pecan tart recipe
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The Best best pecan tart recipe

I have been making pecan tarts for years, and this is the best recipe I have ever tried. It is a classic dessert that always gets rave reviews from my family and friends. The combination of a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, nutty filling is simply irresistible.

My kids love helping me make these tarts, and they always ask for them on special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers. It is also a great option for those who are looking for a healthier dessert.

Pecans are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, making this tart a more nutritious choice than many other desserts. I love that I can feel good about serving this to my family. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and taking your time with the dough.

The crust should be chilled before baking to ensure it stays flaky. The filling is simple to make, but it is important to cook it until it is thick and bubbly. This ensures that the tart sets properly and has the perfect texture.

I have tried many pecan tart recipes over the years, but this one is by far the best. It is easy to follow and produces consistent results every time. The flavor is rich and decadent, but not overly sweet.

The pecans add a wonderful crunch that complements the smooth filling. I am confident that you will love this recipe as much as my family does.

Best Pecan Tart

Best Pecan Tart

4.5 from 942 votes

A rich and nutty pecan tart with a buttery, flaky crust. This classic dessert is perfect for holidays and special occasions.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

3 large eggs
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecan halves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust.
3Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
4Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together.
5Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6This chills the butter, which is key for a flaky crust.
7On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 12-inch circle.
8Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
9Trim the excess dough.
10Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
11Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights.
12Continue baking for another 5-7 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden.
13Let it cool slightly on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
14This pre-baking step prevents a soggy bottom.
15In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
16Arrange the pecan halves in a single layer over the bottom of the pre-baked crust.
17Pour the filling evenly over the pecans.
18Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
19The center should jiggle just slightly when you shake the pan.
20Let the tart cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rolling pin
Parchment paper
Pie weights or dried beans
Baking sheet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 32g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the tart. You can also substitute dark corn syrup for a richer taste.

Watch Video Of How Best Pecan Tart Works

To store leftover pecan tart, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. For the best texture, reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes, which will crisp up the crust and warm the filling.

You can also serve it at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This pecan tart is always a good idea for any occasion, from holiday dinners to family gatherings.

It is a classic dessert that everyone loves, and it is surprisingly easy to make. I often bring it to potlucks and it is always the first thing to disappear.

The combination of the buttery crust and the sweet, nutty filling is simply perfect. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Tart

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time. Just make sure to pre-bake it according to the package directions before adding the filling. A frozen deep-dish pie crust works well for this recipe.

2. How do I know when the pecan tart is done baking?

The tart is done when the filling is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center. It should be golden brown and slightly puffed. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

3. Can I make this pecan tart ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can make this tart a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then cover it loosely with foil and store it at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for up to three days, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

4. Can I use other nuts in this recipe?

While pecans are the star of this recipe, you can substitute with walnuts or a mix of nuts. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change. For a classic pecan tart, stick with pecan halves for the best result.

5. How do I store leftover pecan tart?

Store leftover pecan tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore the crust’s crispness.

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