Easy 3-Step Pecan Delight Cups Recipe: Sweet Treats in a Flash

Pecan delight cups sparkle with sweet sophistication that catches everyone’s attention instantly.

Rich, buttery textures melt together in a delectable dance of flavor and crunch.

Each delicate morsel carries a whisper of Southern comfort and culinary creativity.

Imagine biting into a miniature dessert that combines creamy smoothness with nutty depth and caramelized warmth.

Delicate shells cradle a luxurious filling that promises pure indulgence with every single bite.

Layers of decadent ingredients intertwine, creating a sensory experience that feels both elegant and comforting.

The recipe invites you to craft a dessert that will become an instant favorite at any gathering.

Explore this irresistible treat that refines simple ingredients into something truly magical.

Pecan Cups That Are Buttery and Sweet

• These pecan delight cups deliver a perfect blend of crispy pastry exterior and gooey, rich pecan filling that melts in your mouth with every delightful bite.
• The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced home cooks.
• These bite-sized treats are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties, offering a sophisticated yet comforting sweet experience that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.
• From start to finish, these pecan cups take just about 45 minutes, including baking and cooling, ensuring a quick and satisfying dessert solution for spontaneous cravings or last-minute entertaining.

What Goes in These Pecan Pastry Cups

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Soft and rich base for creating delicate, tender dough cups with a smooth texture.
• Flour: Provides structure and binds the pastry ingredients together, best when all-purpose and sifted.

• Brown Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Classic sweet filling with deep caramel notes and rich flavor profile.
• Pecans: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and signature texture to the filling, best when freshly chopped.

• Tart Pans: Small, shallow pans create perfect individual dessert portions with uniform shape.

Instructions for Baking the Perfect Pecan Cup

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab your small tart pans and have them ready – no greasing needed.

Step 2: Craft the Luscious Filling

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Toss in finely chopped pecans and set the mixture aside to let the flavors mingle.

Step 3: Create the Silky Dough

In a separate bowl, blend softened butter and cream cheese until they’re smooth as silk. Gradually introduce flour, mixing after each addition until you’ve got a perfectly combined dough.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Cups

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into adorable little balls. Nestle each ball into a section of your tart pans. Gently press down in the center to create cute cup shapes that’ll cradle your pecan filling.

Step 5: Fill with Nutty Goodness

Carefully spoon the pecan filling into each dough cup. Be gentle – you want a full cup, but not an overflowing mess!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide those tart pans into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown that’ll make your mouth water.

Step 7: Cool and Savor

Once baked, carefully remove the pans from the oven. Transfer your pecan delights to a cooling rack and let them cool completely.

Tips for Rich Filling and Crisp Crust

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the butter and cream cheese mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming cups for easier handling and better shape retention.
• Press Evenly: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create uniform cup shapes with thin, consistent walls to ensure even baking.
• Prevent Overflow: Leave a small rim of space at the top when filling cups to stop the pecan mixture from bubbling over during baking.
• Toast Pecans First: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the filling.
• Check for Doneness: Look for a golden-brown crust and slightly firm filling as indicators that your Pecan Delight Cups are perfectly baked.

How to Store and Reheat These Mini Treats

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Pecan Delight Cups in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed cups in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy edges and keeps the filling soft and delicious.

Drinks to Serve with Pecan Cup Desserts

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Match these rich pecan cups with a chilled moscato or late harvest riesling, which complement the nutty, caramel-like sweetness of the dessert.
• Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a smooth, medium-roast coffee with a hint of caramel or hazelnut to enhance the pecan's warm, toasty flavor profile.
• Creamy Vanilla Counterpoint: Add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to contrast the crisp pastry texture and provide a cool, silky accompaniment to the warm pecan filling.
• Bourbon Tasting Experience: Pour a small glass of smooth bourbon, which brings out the deep, rich notes of the pecans and adds a sophisticated touch to this delightful dessert.

Fun Ways to Mix Up the Traditional Filling

• Chocolate Pecan Indulgence: Add dark chocolate chips to the filling and drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cups for a rich, decadent version.
• Maple Crunch Cups: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for extra texture and tropical flavor.
• Spiced Caramel Pecan Bites: Incorporate ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the filling, then top with a light caramel sauce after cooling for a warm, aromatic treat.
• Bourbon Pecan Mini Tarts: Mix a tablespoon of bourbon into the filling for an adult-friendly version with deep, complex undertones that complement the nutty pecans.

Pecan Cup FAQs for the Curious Baker

• How long do Pecan Delight Cups stay fresh?

These delightful treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.

• Can I freeze Pecan Delight Cups?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• What if I don't have small tart pans?

You can use a mini muffin tin as a great alternative. The cups will be slightly smaller but just as delicious.

• Are these suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, these cups contain pecans and are not recommended for those with nut allergies. Always check ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

Pecan Delight Cups Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet pecan delight cups dance with rich caramel and buttery pecans, creating a southern dessert masterpiece. Delicate pastry shells cradle luxurious filling, promising indulgent moments that melt deliciously on your palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups finely chopped pecans
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, softened

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparation Ingredient:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange small tart pans on the countertop, ensuring they are ready for use without additional greasing.
2. Create a rich filling by whisking melted butter with brown sugar, incorporating eggs and vanilla extract until smoothly blended. Fold in finely chopped pecans and set the mixture aside to allow flavors to meld.
3. In a separate mixing vessel, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until silky and uniform in texture. Gradually integrate flour, stirring consistently to develop a cohesive dough.
4. Portion the dough into small, uniform spheres using gentle rolling motions. Carefully nestle each dough ball into individual tart pan sections, delicately pressing the center to craft cup-like indentations.
5. Carefully spoon the prepared pecan filling into each dough cup, exercising precision to avoid overflow and maintain structural integrity.
6. Slide the filled tart pans into the preheated oven, allowing the delicate cups to bake for 25-30 minutes until they acquire a golden, appetizing hue.
7. After removing from the oven, gently transfer the pecan delights to a cooling rack, permitting them to rest and solidify completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Soft, buttery pastry cups cradle a rich, gooey pecan filling that melts in your mouth with every delightful bite.
• Perfectly portioned in small tart pans, these individual desserts make elegant treats for gatherings or quiet moments of indulgence.
• Chopping pecans finely ensures a smooth, even texture throughout the filling, preventing large chunks that might disrupt the delicate balance.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a more consistent dough and filling with better overall flavor integration.
• Cool completely before serving to allow the filling to set and develop a beautiful, glossy finish that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness and enjoy a cool, firm texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg