If you love pecan pie but don’t always want to commit to baking a whole pecan pie, these maple pecan tassies are the answer. They have everything you want in a pecan dessert. Buttery crust, gooey centers, and tons of pecan flavor, all in an easy mini size.
These little tarts are perfect for holidays, parties, and cookie trays, but they’re also simple enough to make just because. They’re made with clean, familiar ingredients and sweetened with pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar, which gives them that classic pecan pie flavor without being overly sweet.
I even make these as breakfast treat! They have great ingredients and I feel way better about those than some of the sugary “grab and go” breakfast options out there. I made these for a holiday brunch last year, and my kids were sneaking them before the table was even set. Everyone loved how sweet and gooey they were, and I loved that the ingredients were simple enough I could feel good serving them.
Ingredients We Love
- Butter: Gives the crust a rich flavor and flakiness.
- Cream cheese
- Flour: whole cell crushed wheat or fresh milled flour work great! All purpose flour will work too- find out how to use either in this recipe here
- Egg
- Pure maple syrup: Be sure to get the real stuff-sorry Mrs. Buttersworth! I like to use the pure maple syrup from Costco
- Pure vanilla extract: We want to use REAL maple extract. The imitation vanilla has some not so hot ingredients. If you’ve never tried to make your own it’s so simple, you can find my homemade vanilla recipe here.
- Salt
- Finely chopped pecans: You can also use walnuts if that’s what you have on hand!
Tip: Using pure vanilla instead of imitation really enhances the flavor and keeps the ingredients simple.
Making the Crust
Start by using a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually work in the flour. Chilling the dough for a while makes it easier to handle.
Roll small balls of dough and press them into mini muffin tins to form little cups. A shot glass or wooden tamper works perfectly here.
Preparing the Maple Pecan Filling
Whisk together the egg, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and a tiny pinch of salt. Fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly mixed.
Assembling and Baking
Spoon the filling into each prepared crust cup. Bake until the edges are slightly golden and the centers still look a little soft. Let them cool in the pan so the filling sets but stays gooey.
Tips for Perfect Tassies
- Don’t overbake; the centers will set as they cool.
- Chill the dough to make shaping easier.
- Mini muffin tins create the perfect bite-size portions.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday twist.
Serving Suggestions
Ideas for enjoying your tassies:
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Include in a holiday dessert tray.
- Pack a few in lunchboxes as a treat.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Store baked tassies in an airtight container for a few days or freeze them for later.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but maple syrup keeps the filling extra gooey and flavorful.
Can I use other nuts?
Pecans are classic, but walnuts work as well.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Bake in batches for even cooking.
These mini maple pecan tassies are the perfect balance of buttery crust, gooey filling, and nutty flavor. With your process photos and ingredient notes, readers can see exactly how to make them, which keeps them engaged and improves SEO.
⬇️ Find the full recipe with exact measurements and step by step instructions in the recipe card below.
Maple Pecan Tassies – Easy, Gooey, and No Refined Sugar
Ultra gooey maple pecan tassies made without refined sugar. Perfect mini desserts for holidays, parties, or a sweet treat. Easy cream cheese crust, maple pecan filling, and clean ingredients.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (128 g- if you're using a fresh milled flour or whole cell crushed wheat)
Filling
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg, room temp
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
Make the Crust
1. In a small bowl, with a hand mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually beat in the flour until combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm enough to roll.
4. Roll 1–2 tablespoon balls and place one in each mini muffin tin.
5. Press the centers down to form small cups using a shot glass or wooden tamper.
Make the Filling
1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
2. Stir in chopped pecans.
Assemble and Bake
1. Spoon filling into each prepared crust cup.
2. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, until edges are slightly browned and centers look slightly soft.
3. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing. The filling will set but remain gooey inside.
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overbake; the centers will continue to set as they cool.
- Chill the dough before shaping for easier handling.
- Mini muffin tins are perfect for bite-size portions.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday twist.
Find more recipes like this at thegoodstuffbakeshop.com
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 2Amount Per Serving:Calories: 314Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 103mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 4g
Nutrition information is calculated automatically as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Accuracy is not guaranteed as values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods used.
This pecan tassies with maple syrup is so good, perfect bite sized dessert. I am going to make it agian.
These maple pecan tassies were little bites of goodness—gooey in the middle, easy to make, and perfect when you want something sweet without much effort.
These Pecan tassies look delicious and I love that they are made without any refined sugar.
These maple pecan tassies are delicious and easy to put together, so addictive without the addition of sugar.
Little buttery cups filled with maple and pecans, these tassies bake up soft in the center with lightly crisp edges—simple to make and perfect when you want something sweet without refined sugar.