Smoked Maple Pecan Tart

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A buttery tart shell filled with a rich maple-pecan custard, infused with smoked sugar for a sophisticated Southern twist. This southern-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers all-purpose flour, cubed cold unsalted butter, smoked 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 480 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 3.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: For crust: Pulse flour and smoked sugar in a food processor until combined. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until mixture resembles coarse sand.
  2. Step 2: Press dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake crust for 15 minutes until golden brown; set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Stir in chopped pecans, then pour mixture into the cooled crust.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes until center is just set and edges are golden.
  7. Step 7: Cool completely before slicing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Maple Pecan Tart take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 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 Smoked Maple Pecan Tart?

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 Smoked Maple Pecan Tart?

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 Smoked Maple Pecan Tart for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Smoked Maple Pecan Tart?

Southern 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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