Maple Walnut Tassies Recipe

Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crust.

Cream cheese: Adds tanginess and contributes to the dough's texture.

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, giving structure to the crust.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to the filling.

Walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Melted butter: Enhances the richness of the filling.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.

Maple syrup: The star ingredient, offering a unique sweetness and depth of flavor.

Eggs: Help bind the filling together and provide structure.

When forming the crust for the tassies, ensure the dough is evenly pressed into the mini muffin tin. This will help create a uniform base that can hold the filling without spilling over. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 15 minutes before pressing it into the tin can make it easier to handle and shape.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as it has a similar fat content and will provide a comparable texture.

• cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, though it may be slightly less rich.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, though it may result in a denser texture.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and can add a slight caramel flavor.

• walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar fat content and moisture level, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can provide a different but complementary flavor to the tassies.

• maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a similar sweetness and viscosity, though it will have a different flavor profile.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) can be used as a vegan alternative, though the texture may be slightly different.

• Allow the Maple Walnut Tassies to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that the filling sets properly and the crust maintains its texture.

• Once cooled, place the tassies in an airtight container. If stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate structure.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The tassies will stay fresh for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy these delightful desserts over several days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the tassies. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Transfer the frozen tassies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without losing their delightful flavor and texture.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the tassies in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain their quality.

• For a quick thaw, you can leave them at room temperature for about an hour. However, avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and the filling unevenly heated.

• If you prefer a slightly warm treat, reheat the thawed tassies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will revive their freshly baked aroma and taste.

• Always ensure the tassies are stored away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from absorbing unwanted odors.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Maple Walnut Tassies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method ensures the crust remains crisp while the filling stays gooey and delicious.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the Maple Walnut Tassies on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue heating in 10-second intervals. Be cautious not to overheat, as the crust can become soggy.

• For a quick stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the Maple Walnut Tassies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, occasionally checking to ensure they are warming evenly. This method helps maintain the crust's texture while gently warming the filling.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the Maple Walnut Tassies in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooking. The air fryer will keep the crust crispy and the filling perfectly warm.

• For a toaster oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the Maple Walnut Tassies on a baking tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes, checking to ensure they are warmed through. This method is great for maintaining the crust's crispiness and the filling's texture.

• Oven: Used to bake the tassies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and flour for the dough, as well as mixing the filling ingredients.

• Electric mixer: Helps in beating together butter and cream cheese until smooth.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, brown sugar, and maple syrup.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients such as vanilla extract and melted butter.

• Mini muffin tin: Used to shape the dough into crusts and hold the filling while baking.

• Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

• Spoon: Used to spoon the filling into each crust.

• Cooling rack: Allows the tassies to cool properly after baking before removing them from the tin.

• Knife: Handy for chopping walnuts to the desired size.

• Small bowl: Useful for beating the eggs before adding them to the filling mixture.

Prepare the filling: Mix the brown sugar, walnuts, melted butter, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and beaten eggs ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Uniform shape: Use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly, ensuring each crust is the same size.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the dough and filling to save time.

Chill the dough: Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle and form into mini muffin tins.

Batch baking: Use multiple mini muffin tins to bake more tassies at once, reducing overall baking time.