These mini phyllo pecan tarts with maple syrup are decadent and delicious. Made with phyllo shells and maple syrup, they are the perfect bite-sized appetizer or dessert for your next party. The crunchy pecans and gooey filling are reminiscent of a pecan pie but with fewer calories!
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In an attempt to lighten up one of my favorite desserts, I decided to miniaturize a pecan pie recipe. I stumbled upon some pre-shaped miniature phyllo shells at the grocery store and used this as a base for my pecan pie filling. If you want a full-sized dessert, I recommend my pecan tart with bourbon and orange.
Why you'll love this recipe
- A quick and easy party dessert that comes together in under 20 minutes.
- A small bite-sized tart packed with all the buttery, sugary, and nutty delciousness you love .
- At only 65 calories each, this is a healthier version of your favorite classic dessert.
Key ingredients and why we love them
This easy pecan tart recipe has only eight ingredients!
Maple Syrup: I make these pecan tarts without corn syrup. Instead, I replace the corn syrup with maple syrup. The filling still sets and tastes delicious. The richness of pure maple syrup adds an earthy flavor and robustness to these tarts.
Pecans: Pecans have a rich and buttery taste that lends itself very well to baking. You can toast your pecans before adding them to the tart filling for an added depth of flavor.
Mini Phyllo Shells: These individual-sized tart shells are the perfect compliment for a rich and decadent part filling. The serving size is ideal for entertaining.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! You can swap maple syrup and corn syrup in equal measure in this recipe. However, corn syrup is a little thicker, and you may find the filling sets up a little more firmly.
If your pecan tart has a slight jiggle when you shake it, then it's done! However, if the filling is still mostly liquid, you want to cook it for longer.
The biggest difference is that tarts don't have an upper crust. Tarts are also often baked in a shallow baking pan.
Serving suggestions
These miniature tarts are delicious served warm. However, make sure you allow them to cool first so the filling can set fully.
Homemade whipped cream is the perfect topping for this dessert. While the tarts are cooling, whip up a batch and add a dollop to the top before serving!
Enjoy these with a cup of coffee or chai tea, for the perfect dessert!
Step-by-step instructions
Making these miniature pecan tarts is simple.
HEATHER'S HELPFUL HINT
Keep your phyllo shells in the freezer until you are ready to fill them. They will hold their shape better in the oven if they don't come to room temperature before baking.
In a medium bowl, combine butter, egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Whisk until well combined. Add chopped pecans and mix until incorporated.
Remove phyllo shells from the freezer and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Scoop approximately one tablespoon of filling mixture into each phyllo shell.
Bake for 10-15 minutes. Starting at 10 minutes, keep a very close eye on your phyllo shells to ensure they don't over-bake or bubble over. Place baking sheet on a wire rack and cool for about 15 minutes, or until the filling has set completely. Enjoy!
Make ahead and storage tips
Make-Ahead: You can cook your mini pecan tarts in advance and then freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 2 hours. Then, reheat in a 350-degree oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Storage: These tarts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Any longer than that, and I recommend freezing the tarts.
Recipe variations
These mini tarts are incredibly versatile, and you can make many additions and substitutions to the recipe.
- I have also made these tarts using agave nectar, honey, and corn syrup in place of the maple syrup. While the taste will vary, all are fantastic substitutes.
- Phyllo shells also come in a chocolate flavor. This would be a delicious swap in this dessert. Especially paired with a light drizzle of chocolate on the top-YUM!
- If you're not a fan of phyllo shells, you could swap these out and use Pillsbury pre-made pie crust in miniature muffins pans.
Try these other pecan desserts
Don't stop with these mini phyllo pecan tarts with maple syrup! Be sure to check out some more of our delicious pecan dessert recipes linked below.
Recipe
Mini Phyllo Pecan Tarts with Maple Syrup
Equipment
- 19 x 13-inch half-sheet baking pan
- Silpat baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg large
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 15 mini phyllo shells
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of your oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a half-sheet baking pan with a Silpat or aluminum foil.
- In a medium bowl, combine butter, egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined. Add chopped pecans and mix until incorporated.
- Remove phyllo shells from the freezer and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Scoop approximately one tablespoon of filling mixture into each phyllo shell.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes. Starting at 10 minutes, keep a very close eye on your phyllo shells to ensure they don't over-bake or bubble over.
- Place baking sheet on a wire rack and cool for about 15 minutes, or until the filling has set completely.
Notes and Tips
- Make Ahead and Freezing Tips: You can cook your mini pecan tarts in advance and then freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 2 hours. Reheat in a 350-degree oven for 5 minutes before serving.
- Silpat Baking Sheet: If you don't own a silpat, use parchment paper or cover the baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Phyllo Shells: You can find phyllo shells in the frozen section of your grocer store. They are located by the frozen desserts and frozen fruit.
- Pecans: You can lightly toast your pecans for 7-10 minutes in a 350-degree oven for an added depth of flavor.
- Maply Syrup: I love the flavor of maple syrup in this recipe. You can substitute with agave nectar, honey, or corn syrup.
Nutrition
I originally posted this recipe in February 2016. I updated it in November 2021 with new pictures and a few updates to the recipe.
Did you make this recipe? First, let me say THANK YOU for giving it a try! Please leave us a rating and leave any feedback in the comments section at the bottom of this post. I always love to hear your thoughts and ideas on what went well - and what didn't - with a recipe!
Happy Baking!
Heather
This Cake is Desi says
i have to try theseeee... They look so good.
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy them if you give them a try :)
This Cake is Desi says
Sooon for sure.
Summer Daisy says
Looks so delicious! I need to try these ♥
summerdaisy.net
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you! You'll definitely like them if you give them a try :-)
laurasmess says
These are adorable! We don't get the Superbowl over here in Australia but I'm currently watching the NBA season via the internet... I reckon these mini pecan pies would be perfect for the OKC/Golden State game on the weekend ;) Great recipe!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
My husband is a Golden State fan- he really likes Stephen Curry! I'm not a big basketball watcher but anything to do with Riley Curry is absolutely adorable ;-) Hope you have a great weekend Laura!
laurasmess says
Stephen Curry is absolutely amazing... but totally agree that Riley is a show-stealer! They seem like such a lovely family, too. I've been following Stephen's wife Ayesha's foodie adventures (she has a blog called Little Lights of Mine with recipes). Hope you have a lovely weekend too! xx
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
I just recently discovered her blog and it is awesome! I agree, they do seem like such a cute family. Hope you're enjoying the game :-)
laurasmess says
Such an awesome game today! Hope your husband watched it, Warriors v OKC :) Thanks lovely x
Francesca says
I understand absolutely nothing about football and I have no intention to make any improvement in that department for the future! ???? Plus, Sunday night I'm all about my beloved Downton Abbey! However, I tried to catch the halftime show because of the viewers' high expectations and because it is truly entertaining. I hope this year Beyonce' is going to deliver something better than Kathy Perry! I thought her performance was quite disappointing!
Your mini tarts sounds and looks divine! I love the idea of using phyllo shells instead of pastry puff! They must be light and impossible to resist.
Looking forward to commenting the halftime show with you! xo
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
I don't blame you one bit Francesca! Only because I grew up going to games with my dad, do I enjoy watching them now as an adult. And come Super Bowl time I usually don't care about either of the teams. Enjoy your Downton Abbey on Sunday and have fun tuning into the halftime show. Speaking of halftime shows, I was also underwhelmed by Katie Perry last year. I think the sharks she was dancing with were more amusing than her ;-)
Francesca says
????????????
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Hope you enjoyed the halftime show last night Francesca! I was completely wooed by Beyonce and Bruno... it was quite the show! :-)
Francesca says
IT WAS AWESOME! I loved everything about it: Chris Martin and the Coldplay were wonderful too and the idea of Beyonce, Bruno and Chris singing together at the end was brilliant! I loved the choreography and their clothes and the colors they picked were fabulous!
And Lady Gaga singing the anthem? A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! ????
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Oh yes, Lady Gaga was AH-mazing singing at the beginning- I was beyond impressed! You are absolutely right, EVERYONE was just wonderful! The moment at the end where they were all singing together on the stage and the audience flashed the "believe in love" sign... *fantastic*!
Just Add Attitude says
The shell shape pastry looks so pretty. As do the pies, I know for sure I would not be able to stop at just having one! Enjoy the super bowl. ;)
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you B! I'm afraid that I wasn't able to stop at one either ;-) But c'est la vie!!
Antonia says
What a perfect party dessert Heather! I love the idea of using phyllo cups, and adding whipped cream sounds perfect :D A truly gorgeous dessert! I am going to try these out the next time I entertain.
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you Antonia! The phyllo cups make this dessert a snap to pull together. I found them in the freezer section with the pie crusts. It'd be fun to try something savory as a filling as well I was thinking..
Antonia says
Hi Heather! I would like to nominate you for the Three Day Quote Challenge. Please do not feel obligated to participate. If you are interested the information is on my homepage :-) I hope you are having a nice weekend!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you for the nomination Antonia! I left a little note on your page as well :-) Hope you enjoyed your Super Bowl viewing last night!
Antonia says
You are welcome Heather :-) Thanks!
mom says
This may be the only way I can consume Pecan 'Pie' and not over indulge. Your dad is now scouring the shelves in the stores trying to find this phyllo shell shape.
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Yes! I find the mini bites perfect for portion control! We ended up freezing some of them and I'm looking forward to popping one in the microwave in the future :)
mom says
As to the Super Bowl, I TOTALLY missed the Clydesdale's but did enjoy Helen Mirren;s comments on drinking and driving. Did you eat the rest of your delicious Pecan Treats during the game?
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
If you can believe it, they are STILL in the freezer! I'm exercising some serious willpower ;-)
Next Stop: TBD says
pretty and fun! will definitely have to try!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
YAY! Hope you enjoy :)
apuginthekitchen says
Heather those are so beautiful, I am awestruck at how perfect they are. Your photographs are just gorgeous. Those sweet little tarts are also delicious, pecan pie is such a classic and yummy dessert and I love the phyllo shells rather than a traditional pastry crust. I'm with you too, the food along with the half time show and commercials are what draws me to watch super bowl, not the football. LOL!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Such kind words Suzanne, thank you so much! We could make a nice spread with your bruschetta and these miniature pies ;-) Happy snacking for the game this weekend!
Sweets by Chy says
I literally laughed out loud... thought I was the only one that attend Super Bowl festivities for the food and half-time. I don't feel so bad anymore. Beautiful dessert...awesome recipe!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Exactly! It's really more of a social event than a sporting event for me ;-) Thanks for stopping by!