Mini Pecan Tarts for Thanksgiving 🍂 – Kid-Safe, No-Mess, Coconut Cream-Topped Dessert
Skip the mess with these mini pecan tarts baked in muffin tins—perfect for little hands and Thanksgiving feasts. Ready in 25 minutes with a dollop of whipped coconut cream.
These mini pecan tarts solve the chaos of traditional pies—no crust to roll, no sharp knives needed, and no mess for kids to clean up! With a buttery pecan filling and a coconut cream topping, they’re a Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 25 minutes. The muffin tin method ensures even bakes and easy serving, while the coconut cream adds a modern twist to this classic dessert. Perfect for families with little ones or anyone craving a stress-free holiday treat.
These tarts are designed for Thanksgiving perfection—no rolling pins, no pie crusts, just simple ingredients and a muffin tin. Kids can help assemble the tarts, and the coconut cream topping adds a creamy, dairy-free finish that pairs beautifully with the nutty filling.
The recipe uses pre-made pie crusts for convenience, but you can sub homemade if you prefer. The coconut cream is optional but highly recommended for its light, refreshing contrast to the rich pecan filling.
Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a large Thanksgiving feast, these mini tarts are a crowd-pleaser. They’re also great for leftovers—store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a quick dessert the next day.
For best results, use a stand mixer to whip the coconut cream, but a hand mixer works just as well. If you’re allergic to coconut, a simple whipped cream or Greek yogurt topping would work too.
Ingredients
- 12 pre-made pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups pecan pieces, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly. Set aside.
- Step 2: Roll out each pie crust and cut into circles slightly larger than the muffin tins. Press each crust into a muffin cup, trimming excess dough. Chill for 10 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Stir in pecans.
- Step 4: Divide the pecan mixture evenly among the prepared crusts. Fill each to the top, but not overflowing.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and set. Let cool completely before adding coconut cream.
- Step 6: For coconut cream: Whisk chilled coconut milk until thick and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Pipe or spoon onto cooled tarts.
Mini Pecan Tarts with Coconut Cream
Kid-safe, no-mess Thanksgiving dessert ready in 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- - 12 pre-made pie crusts
- - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- - 2 cups brown sugar
- - 4 large eggs
- - 2 cups chopped pecans
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep Muffin Tins: Line with paper liners and chill pie crusts.
💡 Chill crusts to prevent shrinking during baking.
Mix Filling: Whisk butter, sugar, eggs, and spices until smooth.
💡 Use a stand mixer for even consistency.
Bake Tarts: Fill crusts and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
💡 Let cool completely before adding coconut cream.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Pre-Made Pie Crusts
These save time and ensure even tarts. Look for refrigerated pie crusts for best texture.
Substitutions: Use homemade pie dough or puff pastry for a flaky crust.
Coconut Milk
Chilled coconut milk whips better than room temperature. Avoid light coconut milk for richness.
Substitutions: Use heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a dairy-based topping.
Pecans
Chopped pecans provide texture and flavor. Toast them beforehand for extra depth.
Substitutions: Use walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t available.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Pecan Tarts
👩🍳 Crust Prep
Chill the crusts in the muffin tin for 10 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.
⏱️ Timing
Bake tarts just until golden—overbaking dries out the filling.
🌿 Nutty Flavor
Toast pecans in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before adding to enhance their flavor.
✨ Presentation
Garnish with a pecan half and a sprig of fresh thyme for a festive touch.
Variations & Customizations
Vegan Version
Use vegan pie crusts and substitute coconut milk for the butter in the filling.
Chocolate Drizzle
Add a chocolate glaze made from melted dark chocolate and a splash of coconut milk.
Spiced Pecans
Toss chopped pecans with cinnamon and brown sugar before adding to the filling.
Mini Tartlets
Use mini tart pans for individual-sized desserts at holiday parties.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted turkey slices with gravy
- Herbed mashed potatoes
- Apple pie à la mode (with vanilla ice cream)
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a spiced apple cider or a dessert wine like late harvest Riesling.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble tarts up to 24 hours ahead. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked tarts for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Instructions
Place tarts on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why did my tarts sink in the center?
A: Underbaking is the likely cause. Ensure the filling is fully set before removing from the oven.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pie crusts and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Q: How do I prevent the coconut cream from weeping?
A: Chill the coconut milk thoroughly overnight and avoid over-whipping the cream.
Q: Can I use a different nut?
A: Yes—walnuts, almonds, or a mix work well. Adjust baking time slightly for different nut sizes.
Final Thoughts
These mini pecan tarts are a game-changer for Thanksgiving desserts—no mess, no stress, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults. The coconut cream adds a modern twist that elevates this classic treat. Save this recipe for your next holiday gathering, and don’t forget to share the complete meal series for Pinterest visibility!
For best Pinterest visibility, post this dessert pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: start with the main dish (turkey), followed by sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, and finish with these tarts.
