Pecan butter tarts are one of those classic desserts that instantly evoke warmth, nostalgia, and cozy afternoons. With a gooey, sweet filling nestled inside a golden, flaky puff pastry shell, these tarts are perfect for autumn, holiday gatherings, or even just a quiet treat with your morning coffee. Unlike heavier desserts, butter tarts are bite-sized indulgences that offer a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors.
This guide will take you step by step through making the perfect pecan butter tarts, with tips to ensure the filling is gooey, the pastry is crisp, and every bite is heavenly.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed and rolled out to 1/8-inch thickness
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preferred sweetness)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp corn syrup (light or golden)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted*
- 1 pinch salt
For Finishing:
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Optional Variations:
- Swap half the pecans for walnuts or chocolate chips
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for warmth
- Use dark corn syrup or molasses for a deeper, richer flavor
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- 3-inch round cookie cutter
- Small mixing bowls
- Whisk and spoon
- Wire rack for cooling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions, and gently roll it into a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick.
2. Cut & Shape the Pastry
Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 8–10 circles from the rolled pastry. Place each circle on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for puffing. You want the edges to rise without crowding each other.
Tip: Save the scraps, reroll, and cut more circles for additional tarts. Puff pastry is forgiving and easy to reuse.
3. Make the Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, egg yolk, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and uniform. Fold in the toasted pecans for a crunchy texture.
To toast pecans: Heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Toasting brings out the natural oils and deepens their flavor.
4. Fill & Seal
Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of each pastry circle. Gently press down the edges with your fingers to create a shallow well. This step helps prevent the filling from spilling over during baking.
Pro Tip: For extra flair, pinch the edges slightly or create a fluted border. It’s both decorative and functional.
5. Brush with Egg Wash & Bake
Lightly brush the outer edges of each pastry circle with the beaten egg. This gives the tarts a beautiful, golden sheen. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed, golden-brown, and the filling is bubbling slightly at the edges.
Tip: If the filling appears too runny, extend baking by 2–3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Cool & Glaze
Allow the tarts to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For added sweetness and visual appeal, drizzle lightly with maple syrup while the tarts are still slightly warm. Serve immediately or let them cool to room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Butter Tarts
- Prevent Overflow: Making a small indentation in each pastry circle before filling helps keep the filling contained.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet tart, reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup and taste as you go.
- Texture Variation: Add chocolate chips or dried fruit for different textures and flavors.
- Serving Temperature: Butter tarts are delightful both warm and at room temperature. Warm tarts offer gooey filling, while cooled tarts are easier to slice.
- Storage: Keep cooled tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5–6 days. Reheat slightly before serving.
- Freezing: Assemble the tarts without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Pecan: Fold in 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips into the filling.
- Maple Walnut: Replace pecans with walnuts and use pure maple syrup instead of corn syrup.
- Spiced Autumn: Add ¼ tsp cinnamon, ⅛ tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the filling for a warm spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
- Arrange on a dessert platter for holidays, parties, or potlucks.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast treat.
The History of Butter Tarts
Butter tarts are a quintessentially Canadian dessert with roots dating back to the 19th century. Traditionally, they are small pastries filled with sugar, butter, and eggs, often with nuts or raisins. While regional variations exist, the core concept remains the same: a rich, sweet filling in a crisp, flaky shell. This modern puff pastry version keeps the essence but adds ease and elegance for today’s bakers.
Troubleshooting
- Runny Filling: Make sure your oven is fully preheated. If the filling is too liquid, bake a few extra minutes.
- Soggy Pastry: Avoid overfilling and ensure the edges are pressed down to contain the filling. Use a hot oven to crisp the pastry.
- Uneven Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even color and puff.
Final Thoughts
Pecan butter tarts are more than just a dessert; they’re a cozy treat that captures the flavors of fall and the warmth of home baking. With simple ingredients and a little attention to detail, anyone can make these tarts look and taste like they came from a bakery. From casual snacks to festive desserts, these tarts are sure to impress and satisfy.