How to create buttery pecan caramel tart

How to Create Buttery Pecan Caramel Tart: A Simple Guide

There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a buttery pecan caramel tart. The crunchy pecans, gooey caramel filling, and flaky crust come together in every bite to create a dessert that feels like a hug for your taste buds. What’s even better is that this indulgent treat isn’t as complicated to make as you might think. In this blog, we’ll walk you through every step in simple English, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, you can create this delicious tart right in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the process, here’s a quick list of the ingredients you’ll need:

For the Tart Crust:

1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (cold and diced)
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
A pinch of salt
2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling:

1 cup (200g) brown sugar
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) pecans (roughly chopped or halved)

Note: Make sure you measure the ingredients accurately to get the best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break this recipe into easy-to-follow steps: preparing the crust, making the caramel filling, assembling the tart, and baking it to perfection.

Step 1: Make the Tart Crust

The tart crust acts as the base for this dessert, so it’s important to get it right.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Add Butter: Add the cold, diced butter into the dry mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if it takes a few minutes—just work gently and don’t overdo it.
Add Cold Water: Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. It should hold its shape when you press it with your fingers. If it’s too dry, add a tiny splash more water.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This keeps the butter firm and makes the dough easier to roll out.
Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, roll the dough into a thin circle (about ¼ inch thick) on a lightly floured surface. Place it carefully into a tart pan or pie dish and press it into the sides. Trim off any excess dough.
Blind Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or rice. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes. This ensures the crust doesn’t get soggy when we add the filling.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling

The caramel is what makes this tart luxurious and mouthwatering.

Melt Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth (about 3-4 minutes).
Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be careful because the mixture might bubble up. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly.
Flavor the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The caramel is now ready to use!

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

Spread Pecans: Place the chopped or halved pecans evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Pour the Caramel: Slowly pour the warm caramel sauce over the pecans, making sure it covers them completely. Use a spoon if needed to spread it evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

The tart only needs a little time in the oven to set the filling and bring out all the flavors.

Bake: Place the tart back into the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling slightly and the pecans look toasted.
Cool Completely: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. The caramel will thicken as it cools, making it easier to slice.

Enjoy Your Creation!

Once cooled, your buttery pecan caramel tart is ready to enjoy. Cut it into slices and serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. If you’re saving it for later, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days—but we doubt it’ll last that long!

This tart is perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or as a treat for yourself. With its buttery crust, rich caramel, and nutty pecans, this dessert is guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it.

Now that you know how to make it, give it a shot. Happy baking!