Mini Pumpkin Spice Tarts with Maple Pecan Topping

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Individual tartlets filled with spiced pumpkin custard, topped with crunchy maple-glazed pecans for a festive fall treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers sheet ready-made pie crust, pumpkin puree, brown sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 12 American cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out 1 sheet ready-made pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut into twelve 3-inch circles.
  2. Step 2: Press each dough circle into a mini muffin tin, creating small tart shells.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth and well combined.
  4. Step 4: Divide the pumpkin filling evenly among the tart shells, filling each about 3/4 full.
  5. Step 5: Bake the tarts for 20 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
  6. Step 6: While the tarts bake, toss 1/2 cup chopped pecans with 2 tbsp maple syrup in a small bowl.
  7. Step 7: Spread the maple-pecan mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until sticky and fragrant, stirring once.
  8. Step 8: Remove the tarts from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before topping each with a spoonful of the maple pecans.
  9. Step 9: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mini Pumpkin Spice Tarts with Maple Pecan Topping take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Mini Pumpkin Spice Tarts with Maple Pecan Topping?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mini Pumpkin Spice Tarts with Maple Pecan Topping?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mini Pumpkin Spice Tarts with Maple Pecan Topping for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mini Pumpkin Spice Tarts with Maple Pecan Topping?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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