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Coconut-Pecan Caramel Tarts

Ingredients
  

  • For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • For the Caramel Filling:
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded coconut toasted
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans toasted
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare the Crust:
  • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and resembles wet sand.
  • Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a mini tart pan or muffin tin to form a thin, even crust.
  • Bake the crusts for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
  • Make the Caramel Filling:
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
  • Slowly add the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the caramel cool slightly.
  • Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
  • In a small pan, toast the shredded coconut and chopped pecans over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant.
  • Once toasted, remove from heat and stir in the butter and corn syrup to coat the coconut and pecans. Set aside.
  • Assemble the Tarts:
  • Spoon a generous amount of the caramel filling into each tart crust. Spread it out evenly, filling each tart about ¾ of the way full.
  • Top each tart with a spoonful of the toasted coconut and pecan mixture, gently pressing it down into the caramel layer to ensure it sticks.
  • Chill and Set:
  • Place the tarts in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the caramel filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve:
  • Once set, remove the tarts from the fridge and serve them chilled or at room temperature. The glossy caramel layer, crunchy coconut-pecan topping, and buttery graham crust will combine to create an irresistible bite!