Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and food that makes your taste buds dance like no one is watching. Picture this: you walk into the kitchen, and the sweet, buttery aroma of a Butterscotch Pecan Tart fills the air. delicious banana bread It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience—a deliciously nutty, caramel dream that makes you forget about all your dietary aspirations. This Thanksgiving Dessert will have everyone at the table asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
But wait! Before you dive in, let me share a little secret: my fondest memories of Thanksgiving revolve around this very tart. I remember my grandma whipping it up every year, her apron dusted with flour and laughter echoing through our home. The anticipation built as we waited for it to cool, and trust me when I say, it was worth every minute of patience. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your family with this fabulous dessert that’s as delightful as Grandma’s hugs.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Butterscotch Pecan Tart combines rich flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing.
- Preparation is straightforward, so even novice bakers can shine.
- Its stunning appearance will steal the spotlight on any Thanksgiving table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round or for any festive occasion.
- For more inspiration, check out this Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars recipe.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Essential for making the tart crust; opt for unbleached for a more natural flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter to achieve a flaky crust; remember, we want it to be buttery but not spreadable.
- Granulated Sugar: A must for sweetness in both the crust and filling; it balances out the nuttiness perfectly. savory sweet potato hash.
- Brown Sugar: This adds depth and richness to the filling; light or dark works—just use what you have!
- Large Eggs: These hold everything together; they also add richness to our custard-like filling.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans are key here; they bring crunch and flavor that scream Thanksgiving.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious filling texture; don’t skimp on this one!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates all those delightful flavors; choose pure vanilla extract if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together flour and sugar. Add cold butter pieces and blend using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press into a tart pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Place the tart crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes burnt crust!
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Fold in those toasted pecans like you’re giving them a warm hug—be gentle!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once your crust has cooled slightly (patience is key), pour that luscious butterscotch filling into it. Make sure every nook and cranny of that crust gets filled!
Step 5: Bake Again
Return your tart to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes or until set in the middle but still jiggles slightly—like you after dessert.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let your tart cool completely before slicing—it’ll be tough but worth it! Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
So there you have it! Your Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart is ready to wow friends and family alike. Slice generously because trust me—no one wants just a sliver of this heavenly creation!
You Must Know
- This Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart is more than just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures.
- Each slice offers a delightful crunch paired with the creamy sweetness of butterscotch, making it the star of your holiday table.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first, allowing it to cool while you make the filling. Bake the tart until golden, then let it set in the fridge for a bit before serving. This sequence guarantees a perfectly cooked dessert every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts if you’re feeling adventurous or add chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can also elevate the taste, turning this Thanksgiving Dessert into something extraordinary.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to reheat it, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to warm them up without losing their delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chill your dough before rolling it out to prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Use fresh pecans for that unbeatable crunch and flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; letting it set enhances the richness of the butterscotch filling.
Sharing this recipe with friends at my family’s Thanksgiving dinner was a memorable experience. Their delighted faces as they took that first bite made all my baking efforts worthwhile!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart?
To create a delicious Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart, you will need a few key ingredients. Start with a pre-made tart shell or make your own using flour, butter, and sugar. For the filling, gather brown sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and eggs. cinnamon sugar soft pretzels Don’t forget the star ingredient: pecans! They should be chopped for better distribution throughout the tart. Adding a pinch of salt and vanilla extract enhances the flavors, making this dessert truly irresistible.
How long does it take to prepare Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart?
Preparing Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart typically takes about 20 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and mixing them together. The baking process requires an additional 30-35 minutes in the oven. Overall, you can have this delightful dessert ready in just under an hour, making it a convenient option for busy holiday preparations.
Can I make Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart is that it can be made ahead of time. Prepare your tart up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing for a perfect serving experience.
What can I serve with Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart?
Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the rich filling. Alternatively, serve it with vanilla ice cream for a warm and cold contrast that guests will love. Drizzling extra butterscotch sauce over the top can also enhance its flavor profile, creating an indulgent treat everyone will enjoy.
Conclusion for Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart:
In summary, Thanksgiving Dessert: Butterscotch Pecan Tart is a delightful addition to your holiday table. With its rich butterscotch filling and crunchy pecans, this dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. perfect pairing with coffee cake Preparing it is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy cooks during the holidays. By making it ahead of time, you ensure that you can enjoy more moments with family and friends while still serving an exceptional dessert.
Butterscotch Pecan Tart
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Butterscotch Pecan Tart is a stunning Thanksgiving dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of butterscotch with crunchy toasted pecans. This elegant tart features a flaky crust and a creamy filling, making it a show-stopper at any holiday gathering. Easy to prepare and delightful to serve, this dessert is sure to become a cherished tradition on your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold, diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour and granulated sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly; press into a tart pan.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes or until golden brown; let cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Gently fold in pecans.
- Pour filling into cooled crust and bake for another 30-35 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
