Nothing says cozy and indulgent quite like these delightful little treats, and that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share the Cashew-Caramel Tassies Recipe with you. Picture buttery, tender mini tart shells cradling a luscious caramel filling studded with roasted salted cashews, delivering the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and just a hint of saltiness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a bite of homemade heaven, these tassies offer a simple yet unforgettable flavor experience that’s sure to steal the show every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on these straightforward, essential ingredients is the first step towards creating something truly magical. Each element contributes a unique quality that makes the Cashew-Caramel Tassies Recipe shine with buttery crust, silky caramel filling, and crunchy, flavorful nuts.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and creates the perfect tender texture for the crust.
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and helps the crust stay soft yet firm.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The structural base for the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shells.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: For that deep, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup: Gives the filling a smooth, sticky consistency that sets beautifully.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything in the filling and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm and fragrant aroma that enhances the caramel notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the nutty flavors.
- 3/4 cup chopped roasted salted cashews: Offers a satisfying crunch and a distinctive, buttery flavor.
- Optional topping – sea salt flakes or melted chocolate: Adds a finishing touch and boosts flavor contrast.
How to Make Cashew-Caramel Tassies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. This ensures your tassies release easily after baking, keeping their perfect shape intact.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This combination is the secret to a crust that’s tender yet holds up nicely. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix just until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough into 24 small balls and gently press each one into the cups of your muffin tin, making sure to push the dough up the sides to create a shell ready to hold all that gooey goodness.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, light corn syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until perfectly smooth. The silky filling base ensures every bite is full of sweet, balanced flavor. Stir in the chopped roasted salted cashews, folding them through to distribute the nutty crunch evenly.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Using a spoon, fill each prepared dough shell about three-quarters full with the cashew-caramel mixture. Be generous but careful not to overfill. Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until you see golden edges on the crust and the filling has set just right. Once baked, let the tassies cool in the pan for 5 minutes to firm up, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
If you want to take these beauties over the top, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt or drizzle melted chocolate on top once they’ve cooled. This little touch adds a sophisticated flavor boost that’s sure to wow anyone lucky enough to try one.
How to Serve Cashew-Caramel Tassies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt complements the sweetness wonderfully by adding a light crunch and enhancing all the buttery-caramel notes. For a decadent twist, drizzle with warm melted dark or milk chocolate to create an irresistible combination that looks just as stunning as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These tassies shine wonderfully alongside a hot cup of coffee or black tea, making them the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re serving them as a special dessert treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cashew-Caramel Tassies Recipe on a pretty platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a colorful, elegant presentation at your next gathering. You can even serve them individually nestled inside cute mini cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go option that’s perfect for holiday parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store any leftover Cashew-Caramel Tassies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for quick snacking.
Freezing
If you want to keep these little wonders longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to one month. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy a warm tassie, pop it in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth without softening the crust too much, giving you the delicious experience of homemade warmth even after storage.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans or walnuts for the cashews?
Absolutely! While the Cashew-Caramel Tassies Recipe shines with cashews, pecans or walnuts make fantastic alternatives, each adding its own distinct flavor and texture to the filling.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the crust?
The cream cheese is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tender crust, but if you’re in a pinch, you can try substituting with an equal amount of butter for a slightly different texture.
Can I make these tassies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the crust from crumbling.
How long do these tassies keep at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them perfect for quick enjoyment or sharing after a gathering.
Are these tassies suitable for holiday gifting?
Definitely! Their beautiful appearance and delicious flavor make the Cashew-Caramel Tassies Recipe an excellent homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s both charming and irresistibly tasty, I can’t recommend the Cashew-Caramel Tassies Recipe enough. Easy to make, adorable to serve, and wonderfully delicious, these little bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire. Give them a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cashew-Caramel Tassies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 tassies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cashew-Caramel Tassies are delightful mini tarts featuring a buttery cream cheese crust filled with a rich, sweet caramel and chopped roasted salted cashew mixture. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any dessert craving, these bite-sized treats combine a tender crust with a gooey, nutty filling that can be topped with sea salt flakes or melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chopped roasted salted cashews
Optional topping:
- Sea salt flakes
- Drizzle of melted chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with 24 cups to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough comes together into a soft ball. Divide the dough into 24 small portions and press each portion firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the mini muffin cups to form individual tart shells.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Fold in the chopped roasted salted cashews evenly.
- Fill the tart shells: Spoon the cashew caramel filling evenly into each prepared dough cup, filling each about three-quarters full to allow for slight bubbling during baking.
- Bake the tassies: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling has set firmly.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an elegant finish.
Notes
- These tassies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the tassies for up to 1 month and thaw before serving.
- Feel free to swap out cashews with pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor variation.
