Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Maple Pecan Tart Recipe! This tart is like a warm hug on a chilly day, sweet and nutty with that lovely maple flavor dancing on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering—everyone was raving about it! It’s the perfect combination of buttery crust and rich, gooey filling. What I love most is how simple it is to whip up, yet it feels so special. Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a cozy night in, this tart is always a hit. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredients for Maple Pecan Tart Recipe
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – this is the base for our buttery crust, so make sure it’s measured accurately!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – it should be nice and creamy to help create that flaky texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – just the right amount to sweeten the crust without overpowering the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – a little pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup ice water – this is essential for bringing the dough together without melting the butter.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped – these will add that delicious nutty crunch; feel free to toast them for extra flavor!
- 1/2 cup maple syrup – the star of the show! Make sure it’s pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- 2 large eggs – these help bind everything together and give the filling a lovely richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – just a hint of spice to complement the maple and pecans beautifully.
How to Prepare Maple Pecan Tart Recipe
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your tart bakes evenly!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it; we want that tender crust!
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick, then transfer it to a tart pan. Press the dough into the edges and trim any excess.
- Now for the filling—whisk together the maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Add the chopped pecans and stir to combine. Then, pour this delicious mixture into your prepared tart crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly puffed up.
- Once it’s done, let the tart cool on a wire rack before slicing. This cooling time is essential for the filling to firm up!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutrition for each slice of this delightful Maple Pecan Tart! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so they might vary slightly depending on what you have at home.
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
This tart is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a delightful addition to your dessert table! Enjoy it in moderation, and savor every sweet, nutty bite.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Tart Recipe
- Irresistibly delicious flavor that combines sweet maple and crunchy pecans.
- Simple preparation with just a few steps, perfect for home bakers of any level.
- A stunning dessert that’s sure to impress guests at any gathering or holiday feast.
- Versatile enough to enjoy year-round, whether it’s a festive occasion or a cozy weekend treat.
- Pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Tips for Success with Maple Pecan Tart Recipe
Alright, let’s make sure your Maple Pecan Tart turns out absolutely perfect! First off, for a flaky crust, keep your butter cold. If it starts to warm up while you’re mixing, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. Nobody wants a soggy crust! Also, when you’re rolling out the dough, make sure to flour your surface—this helps prevent sticking and tears.
For the filling, whisk it well to incorporate air, which helps it puff up beautifully while baking. If you want an extra crispy crust, blind bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. And remember, letting the tart cool completely before slicing is key to achieving those clean, neat pieces. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Variations on Maple Pecan Tart Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up this Maple Pecan Tart! For a chocolate twist, try folding in some mini chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the top once it’s cooled. Want to switch up the nuts? Walnuts or hazelnuts can bring a delightful flavor change! You could also add a sprinkle of nutmeg or even a dash of bourbon to the filling for an extra kick. And don’t forget about seasonal spices—pumpkin spice is a fantastic addition in the fall. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Maple Pecan Tart, I’ve got a few ideas that will take it to the next level! A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light, airy touch that beautifully balances the richness of the tart. If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, scoop some vanilla ice cream alongside—oh my goodness, the warm tart with cold ice cream is pure heaven! You can also drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup over the top for that sweet finishing touch. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Maple Pecan Tart fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it’s unlikely to last that long! If you need to reheat it, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until warmed through. You can also reheat the whole tart in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes—this will help maintain that lovely texture. Just remember, enjoy it warm but don’t overdo it; we want to keep that gooey filling intact!
FAQ about Maple Pecan Tart Recipe
Can I use other types of syrup instead of maple syrup?
While maple syrup is the star of this tart, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it will change the taste a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have pecans?
No worries! You can absolutely use walnuts, almonds, or even mixed nuts in place of pecans. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment!
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance! Just keep it covered in the refrigerator after it cools down. For the best taste, I recommend serving it fresh, but it still tastes great the next day!
How do I know when the tart is done baking?
The filling will be set and slightly puffed up when it’s ready. A good tip is to give the tart a gentle shake—if it jiggles slightly in the center but is firm around the edges, you’re all set!
What’s the best way to slice the tart?
To get those perfect slices, make sure the tart has cooled completely. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat edges. A warm tart is tempting, but patience pays off for those beautiful pieces!
Maple Pecan Tart Recipe: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious maple pecan tart made with a buttery crust and a sweet filling.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt.
- Add ice water gradually and form a dough.
- Roll out the dough and fit it into a tart pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add chopped pecans to the mixture.
- Pour the filling into the tart crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh pecans for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Maple Pecan Tart Recipe, dessert, pie, pecans, maple syrup