Caramel Pecan Easter Tart
This decadent Caramel Pecan Easter Tart features a buttery shortcrust filled with homemade salted caramel and toasted pecans. Topped with chocolate drizzle and Easter decorations, it's an impressive yet surprisingly simple holiday dessert that elevates your Easter spread beyond the usual suspects.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Cooling Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
For the Crust
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Caramel Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Topping
- 1½ cups pecans toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- Optional: 2 oz melted dark chocolate for drizzling
- Optional Easter decorations: chocolate mini eggs or small Easter-themed chocolates
For the Crust
Mix the dry ingredients. In a food processor (or with nimble fingers if you're old-school), combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt with a quick pulse.
Add the butter. Drop in those cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse sand. Think beach vacation, not sandbox your cat uses.
Bind it together. Add the egg yolk and just enough ice water to make the dough come together. Don't overwork it – this isn't therapy dough!
Chill out. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This is your excuse to watch half an episode of whatever you're binging.
Roll it out. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a circle about 11 inches in diameter. Transfer to your tart pan, press into the corners, and trim the excess. Prick the bottom with a fork – it's oddly satisfying.
Blind bake. Line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or beans, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.
For the Caramel
Sugar transformation. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat WITHOUT STIRRING (I'm serious – put down that spoon) until it turns amber, about 8-10 minutes.
Butter time. Carefully add the butter (it will bubble like a science experiment gone wrong) and whisk until melted.
Cream dream. Remove from heat and slowly pour in the cream while whisking. It's like a spa day for your caramel.
Flavor boost. Stir in vanilla and salt. Let the mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
Assembly
Scatter the nuts. Spread most of the toasted pecans over the cooled tart crust, saving some for garnish.
Pour that liquid gold. Carefully pour the caramel over the pecans, ensuring even distribution. If the caramel has thickened too much, warm it slightly.
Final touches. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with remaining pecans and a little flaky sea salt.
Get Easter-y. If using, drizzle melted chocolate over the top and decorate with Easter-themed chocolates or candies.
Patience, grasshopper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set before serving.
- The tart crust can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a deeper flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the caramel.
- Make sure your tart has fully set before attempting to remove it from the pan – nobody wants a caramel waterfall!
- For picture-perfect slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.