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Best Pecan Tart Recipe

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4 from 52 reviews

This Best Pecan Tart Recipe features a rich, buttery cream cheese dough filled with a luscious, sweet pecan filling that combines brown sugar, eggs, butter, and crunchy pecans. Perfectly balanced flavor and texture make this tart an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)

Filling

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with cream cheese and unsalted butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tart.
  3. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough evenly to fit your tart pan. Carefully press the dough into the pan, trimming excess edges.
  4. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, melted unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  5. Assemble the tart: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the prepared dough in the tart pan, spreading it out with a spatula.
  6. Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This enhances the filling’s texture and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better dough mixing.
  • Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinking during baking.
  • For extra flavor, toast pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; best eaten within 3 days.
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.