Imagine the aroma of warm spices filling your home, the sweet scent of maple syrup lingering in the air—this is the essence of a delightful American Christmas dessert. Our Maple Pecan Tart is a rich and decadent treat that embodies the flavors of the holiday season. The combination of buttery pastry, crunchy pecans, and luscious maple syrup will make this dessert the star of your festive table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy dessert by the fireplace, this recipe is sure to bring comfort and joy to all who indulge.
**Maple Pecan Tart**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
– 1/3 cup powdered sugar
– 1 egg, beaten
**For the Filling:**
– 1 cup pure maple syrup
– 3 eggs
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 ½ cups pecan halves
– Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom by greasing it lightly with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the beaten egg into the mixture and stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Form the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle slightly larger than your tart pan. Carefully press the dough into the pan, ensuring an even layer across the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
5. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
6. Arrange the pecan halves evenly over the prepared tart shell, then pour the maple syrup mixture over the pecans, ensuring they are fully coated.
7. Place the tart pan on a baking sheet to catch any spills, then bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. Remove the Maple Pecan Tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Whether you’re sharing this Maple Pecan Tart with loved ones or savoring it in solitude, the rich flavors and buttery crust will transport you to a place of holiday bliss. Embrace the joy of the season with each decadent bite, and let the warmth of maple syrup and pecans wrap you in a cozy embrace. Bake up this delicious dessert and create lasting memories with a treat that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
