Delicious Praline Tart Recipe for Sweet Lovers!
Picture yourself in the heart of the Southern United States, surrounded by lush greenery and the sweet aroma of pecans. The soft, golden brown buttery goodness of a praline tart is a delicacy that has been enjoyed by generations of Southerners. Nothing beats the sweet combination of roasted pecans, rich brown sugar, and buttery crust.
As a chef specializing in Southern cuisine, I have spent years perfecting this recipe to create the ultimate praline tart experience. This recipe is perfect for impressing your guests at any occasion or satisfying your own dessert cravings.
Buttery goodness, crunchy pecans, and an irresistible filling make this recipe one that you won’t want to miss. So let’s get started on this heavenly journey of flavor and texture with my mouthwatering Southern Praline Tart Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern-style cooking is all about comfort, nostalgia, and flavor. And this Southern Praline Tart recipe hits all the right notes. It’s a dessert that delivers the richness of butter and brown sugar, the complexity of toasted pecans, and the sweetness of praline in every single bite.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make but will impress your guests every time, this Southern Praline Tart recipe is your answer. Not only does it look beautiful with its golden brown filling and perfectly toasted pecans arranged on top, but it tastes even better. The combination of creamy cream cheese and buttery crust paired with crunchy pecans and velvety praline make this tart irresistible.
What’s more, this tart can be served at any occasion – from a casual family gathering to a fancy dinner party. It pairs well with coffee or tea after dinner, and is perfect for holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
The ingredients used in this recipe are simple but high-quality, ensuring that every aspect of the dessert comes together seamlessly. From the refrigerated pie crust to the heavy whipping cream, everything has been carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavors.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s easy to make, tastes delicious, and has that nostalgic flavor that brings back memories of family dinners and holiday gatherings. Whether you’re new to Southern-style cooking or an experienced cook looking for new recipes, this Southern Praline Tart recipe is one to try.
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is the list of ingredients:
For the tart crust:
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the pecan praline tart filling:
- ¾ cup packed golden brown sugar
- 6 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups pecans, chopped and toasted
For the turtle praline topping:
- 36 caramels, unwrapped
- 3 ½ tbsp heavy whipping cream, divided
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
Make sure you have these ingredients at hand before starting with the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s dive right in and start making this scrumptious Southern Praline Tart.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’ll be hot and ready to bake your tart once you’re done preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Praline Filling
In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown and foamy. This will take approximately 3-5 minutes.
Add in 1 cup packed golden brown sugar, stirring until combined, and then pour in ¾ cup of heavy whipping cream. Continue to whisk over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes while stirring frequently.
Next, add 2 cups of pecan halves to the mixture and cook for another minute. Once done, allow your mixture to cool down for a bit.
Step 3: Prepare the Tart Crust
While waiting for the praline filling to cool, prepare your crust by mixing together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Add in diced 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter into your dry mixture and blend with your fingers until you achieve a crumb-like texture.
Pour in 2 tbsp of ice-cold water and mix until the dough becomes firm enough to stick together when you pinch it with your fingers. Flatten it into a disc-like shape, wrap it with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for about an hour.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
After an hour has passed, take out your tart shell from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for at least five minutes before rolling it out.
Roll out the dough to fit your 9-inch tart pan with a rolling pin. Once you’ve laid it flat, use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust.
Pour the cooled-down and thickened praline filling mixture into the pie crust and spread it evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown, remove from the oven, and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Cut your tart into slices using a sharp knife, garnish with whipped cream and extra pieces of pecans, then serve. This sweet and nutty praline tart will transport you straight to the southern US – one bite at a time!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to add a unique twist to this delicious Southern Praline Tart recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to suit your taste. Here are a few suggestions:
– Hazelnuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try swapping them out for hazelnuts instead. Toasted hazelnuts have a nutty and rich flavor that complements the brown sugar and butter in this recipe perfectly.
– Chocolate: Looking for an even richer dessert? Try adding some chocolate to the mix. You can melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top of the tart after it has cooled, or mix some chopped chocolate into the filling before baking for a chocolate praline twist.
– Pink Praline: For a touch of color and sweetness, try making a pink praline tart. Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the filling mixture, and top off with pink-colored whipped cream for an aesthetically pleasing dessert that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
– Other nuts: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to create your own unique version of this classic Southern dessert.
– Cheesecake: If you love cheesecake as much as I do, try adding a layer of cream cheese to the filling mixture before baking. The tart crust will provide the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
– Sweet potato pie: Looking for another Southern classic? Swap out the pecan filling for sweet potato pie filling and enjoy a new twist on two classics in one delicious dessert.
No matter which variation you choose, this Southern Praline Tart recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve finished baking your Southern Praline Tart, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This delicious dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner party to a family gathering. For the best dining experience, I recommend serving this tart at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
One of the great things about this dessert is that it pairs well with a variety of other flavors. If you’re in the mood for something decadent and indulgent, try pairing it with a rich and creamy hot chocolate. The smooth chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the crunchy pecan texture of the tart.
For a more traditional southern taste experience, pair this dessert with a glass of ice-cold sweet tea. The sweetness of the tea will bring out the buttery flavors of the crust, and the tart’s nuttiness will complement the tea’s mild bitterness.
If you’re looking to elevate your southern-style dessert game, try pairing your Southern Praline Tart with a glass of champagne. The crisp bubbles and dryness of the champagne make for an excellent contrast to the rich and buttery flavors of the tart. You’ll feel like you’re dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant!
Overall, there are many different ways that you can enjoy this Southern Praline Tart. No matter how you choose to serve it, one thing is for sure: your taste buds will thank you for it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Southern Praline Tart recipe can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption. In fact, the tart tastes even better the next day as all the flavors have had a chance to meld together. To make-ahead, simply bake the tart and let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, take the tart out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will prevent it from being too cold and hard to slice. If you prefer your tart warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the sliced tart on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes.
Leftover praline tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat individual slices, simply microwave them for about 20 seconds until heated through.
If you have any leftover pecan praline topping, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can use it to drizzle over ice cream, pancakes or waffles. Or you can even sprinkle some over your morning oatmeal or smoothie bowl!
Overall, this Southern Praline Tart is a perfect make-ahead dessert that can easily be stored and reheated without compromising on its delicious taste and texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Once you have gathered all the ingredients for the Southern Praline Tart recipe, it is important to know some tips and tricks that will guarantee you a perfect and delicious dessert.
First, make sure to handle the dough with care. Be gentle when rolling out the refrigerated pie crust and avoid stretching it too much or it will shrink during baking.
To achieve a beautiful golden brown butter pecan praline tart, keep an eye on your oven temperature. Every oven varies in temperature, so I recommend investing in an oven thermometer to ensure that it’s at the correct temperature before baking.
When you are making the praline filling, be patient while cooking it over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown but be careful not to burn the sugar. Otherwise, it will produce a bitter taste in your dessert.
It is essential also to let the tart cool down completely before serving it. This helps the praline filling set and firm up properly; otherwise, it might get runny and not hold its shape, ruining your presentation.
Lastly, feel free to get creative by adding some substitutions or variations like swapping pecans for hazelnuts or using chocolate or pink praline filling instead of classic pecan praline filling.
By following these tips and strategies, you can create an outstanding Southern Praline Tart that will impress your guests!
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a dessert that embodies the essence of Southern comfort, then look no further than the Southern Praline Tart Recipe. Boasting a rich butter pecan flavor and filled with crunchy pecan praline goodness, this tart is the epitome of indulgence.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress your guests or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe is sure to please. So why not try it out? With our comprehensive guide and tips for perfect results, you’ll be well on your way to making a mouth-watering praline tart in no time.
Don’t forget to experiment with substitutions and variations to put your own spin on this classic recipe. And when it comes to serving and pairing, don’t be afraid to get creative – the possibilities are endless!
So what are you waiting for? Channel your inner Southern chef and whip up a delectable Southern Praline Tart today – your taste buds will thank you!
Southern Praline Tart Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons Southern Comfort
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
- whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Make the crust. In a medium bowl with a hand mixer beat 6 tablespoons butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gently stir in flour and salt until well mixed. Press mixture onto bottom and at least 1/4 inch up sides of a lightly greased 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
- Bake in a 350 degree F oven until crust is light in color and has a dry appearance, about 12-14 minutes. Place tart pan on foil-lined baking sheet.
- For the filling, combine 6 tablespoons butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil stirring constantly; boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in heavy whipping cream, liqueur and vanilla. Stir in pecans.
- Pour hot filling into baked crust and carefully put baking sheet in oven. Bake in a 350 degree F oven until filling is bubbly throughout, about 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Filling will thicken as it cools. Remove ring from pan and place tart on serving plate. Garnish with whipped cream as desired.
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