Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (2024)

by Dominique

Pecan Date Tarts, just in time for Thanksgiving! Pecan pie is definitely a staple for this holiday, but did you ever think about the addition of dates? I never realized how good dates are until just a few years ago. For whatever reason, when you say the word “dates” people think about their grandmother. Not really sure why dates are associated with old people.

Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (2)

Dates are so good! They are chewy, moist, sweet and taste like caramel! That is why they pair so perfect with pecans. The addition of dates to pecan pie give it such a wonderful texture. I thought it would be fun to do pecan date tarts instead of an actual pie. This way I don’t feel so guilty when I have that slice of sweet potato pie and or apple pie, too. It’s a tart, not a pie, so the calories don’t count. Hopefully, that logic makes sense to you too.

Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (3)

There is one odd ingredient here, but it makes these pecan date tarts even more decadent, golden syrup. Golden syrup is evaporated cane sugar syrup. It has so much more flavor than Karo corn syrup. It’s so delicious you can put it on your pancakes, ice cream, just about any place you would use maple syrup. I bought mine at Cost Plus Market. I think golden syrup is becoming more popular because people are looking for alternatives to corn syrup. By all means if you can’t find golden syrup, use light Karo syrup.

Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (4)

5 from 1 reviews

Pecan Date Tarts

Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (5)

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Ingredients

Crust:

    recipe fromThe Four and Twenty Black Birds Pie Book

    • 1¼cups unbleached all-purpose flour
    • ½ tspkosher salt
    • 1½ tspgranulated sugar
    • 1 stick (1/4 pound) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
    • ½cup cold water
    • 2tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • ½cup ice

    Filling:

      adapted from Smitten Kitchen

      • 1¼ cups chopped pecans
      • ¾ cup chopped dates
      • ¾ cup dark brown sugar
      • ¾ cup golden syrup
      • 3 eggs
      • 6 tbsp butter, melted
      • 2 tsp vanilla
      • ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
      • ⅛ tsp cinnamon
      • 2 pinches of salt

      Instructions

      Crust:

      1. In a food processor combine flour, salt and sugar. Pulse to combine. Add butter and pulse until butter is pea size. In a large measuring cup or small bowl combine water, vinegar, and ice. Add 2 tablespoons of ice water mixture to the food processor and pulse. Add one or more tablespoon of ice water at a time till the mixture becomes a ball with some dry bits remaining.
      2. Shape the dough into a round disc, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or more.

      Assembly:

      1. Preheat oven to 350º
      2. Roll out dough as thin as possible on a floured surface. I rolled the dough between two sheets of parchment paper, floured very well. This seemed to help me get it very thin without worrying too much about it sticking to the surface. Using the parchment paper can be a pain because it moves around, so you have to keep adjusting it. I think it was worth it in the end, because I didn't have to worry about it sticking. Also, the parchment paper is nice because if your dough gets too warm you can throw the whole thing in the freezer.
      3. Using a 4 inch biscuit cutter cut out 12 rounds (if you are willing to roll out the scraps, roll them into a ball and stick in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, before rolling out again) As you cut out each round, place it in a well greased muffin tin. Be sure to make sure the dough is down in the wells of each cup. Try not to press the dough to the bottom, but adjust it down. Once finished, place the muffin tin in the freezer. Repeat the process if using the leftover dough.
      4. In a medium bowl, whisk sugar, syrup, eggs, butter, vanilla, cider vinegar, cinnamon, and salt together. Then stir in pecans and dates.
      5. Remove the muffin tin from the freezer and spoon the filling into each one, filling almost to the top.
      6. Bake for 25- 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Cool completely on a wire rack.
      7. Serve with fresh whip cream!

      Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (6)

      Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (7)

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      Comments

        • Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (13)Phillip

          Thank you very much. They taste incredible too!

      1. Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (14)nlgoldy53

        looks delious, tastes divine!

        Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab®4

        • Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (17)Dominique

          Thanks! I sometimes forget how awesome dates are. I need to use them more in desserts!

        • Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (19)Phillip

          Thank you!

      2. Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (20)Beck

        These look delicious! My family would love these! It seems like Pecan Pie is always the first to go around our house.

        • Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (21)Dominique

          Thank you! It’s the same in our house too!

      Pecan Date Tarts - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (2024)

      FAQs

      Do you have to refrigerate pecan tarts? ›

      According to the USDA, any pie that is egg-rich (such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue, and any custard pie) must be kept in the fridge after baking and cooling. The exception here is some store-bought pies, which may contain preservatives that will allow the pies to be left unrefrigerated.

      What is the difference between a butter tart and a pecan pie? ›

      The butter tart is different from pecan pie in that it has a "runnier" filling due to the omission of corn starch. Often raisins, walnuts, or pecans are added to the traditional butter tart, although the acceptability of such additions is a matter of national debate.

      What is pecan tart made of? ›

      Mix sugar, eggs, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until combined; stir in pecans. Spoon filling into each pastry-lined tart tin, filling each 3/4 full.

      Can I eat pecan pie that was left out overnight? ›

      You can only keep it at room temperature for two hours. Since pecan pies contain eggs, they have more chances to get bad and make you sick. So, if you have kept your pies in the fridge, put them back within two hours. On the other hand, store-bought pies contain preservatives that keep them from spoiling.

      Do pecan tarts go bad? ›

      The USDA says that pecan pies will stay fresh for about three to four days in the refrigerator. Some store-bought pies may have preservatives that extend how long they last, so you can ask your local bakery for their recommendation. But three to four days in the fridge is a good general rule to follow.

      Why is a tart not a pie? ›

      Pies and tarts are both pastry shells, with some sort of filling. Both can be either savoury or sweet. The difference is that pies have a top crust, whereas a tart doesn't.

      Is pecan pie healthier than pumpkin pie? ›

      But pumpkins contain fewer nutrients compared to pecans. Hence, both of these pies are healthy in their own way. If you want to consume essential nutrients to overcome your nutritional deficiency, then go for pecans.

      What is the bitter part of a pecan called? ›

      The nut will readily distinguish it from true hickory or sweet pecan. It is flattened, often sharply angled, and the kernel is very bitter.

      Does Joanna Gaines have a pecan pie recipe? ›

      Not only is it chock-full of approachable, family-friendly recipes, the book is also packed with priceless nuggets of kitchen wisdom from Queen Gaines herself. One such gem is her surprising twist on classic pecan pie. The recipe itself is pretty basic, spare one unexpected ingredient: ancho chile powder.

      How long will tarts last unrefrigerated? ›

      Fresh Fruit Tarts: with fresh, uncooked fruit such as strawberries, should be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day. Fresh fruit does not freeze well. Fruit pies such as cherry and apple can be stored at room temperature 1 to 2 days or 7 days in the refrigerator.

      How long do tarts last at room temperature? ›

      When stored at room temperature, egg tarts should not be kept for more than a day. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month.

      How do you store pecan tarts? ›

      You can also freeze pecan tarts for up to three months. Once they cool, wrap them individually in storage wrap, and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe resealable bag.

      Do baked tarts need to be refrigerated? ›

      For food safety, always refrigerate or freeze any pie containing egg or dairy products (milk, sour cream, whipped cream or topping, ice cream, yogurt, cream cheese). Baked fruit pies can be kept at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours unless the temperature is excessively warm in that case, refrigerate.

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