Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cream cheese and sweet cherry pie filling with these easy-to-make Cherry Cheese Tarts. Perfect for any occasion, these tarts offer a rich and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a sweet treat, these tarts are sure to impress.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry or refrigerator. However, you might need to pick up a can of cherry pie filling if you don't already have it. Additionally, make sure you have cream cheese on hand, as it's essential for the creamy filling. The graham cracker crumbs can be found in the baking aisle of your supermarket.
Ingredients For Cherry Cheese Tarts
Graham cracker crumbs: These are the base for the crust, providing a sweet and crunchy foundation for the tarts.
Sugar: Used to sweeten both the crust and the cream cheese filling.
Butter: Melted butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together to form the crust.
Cream cheese: The main ingredient for the filling, giving it a rich and creamy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor to the filling.
Eggs: Help to set the filling and give it structure.
Cherry pie filling: Used as a topping, adding a sweet and fruity finish to the tarts.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When pressing the graham cracker crumbs mixture into the muffin liners, use the bottom of a small glass or a spoon to ensure an even and compact crust. This will help the crust hold together better and provide a sturdy base for the cream cheese filling.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with digestive biscuit crumbs: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and flavor profile to graham crackers.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide sweetness and a slightly different flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar texture and binding property, with a hint of coconut flavor.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add sweetness and a unique flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the tarts.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) can be used as a vegan alternative.
cherry pie filling - Substitute with strawberry pie filling: Strawberry pie filling offers a different fruit flavor while maintaining the same texture and sweetness.
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How To Store / Freeze Your Tarts
To keep your cherry cheese tarts fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between each tart to prevent sticking.
Refrigerate the tarts for up to 5 days. This ensures the cream cheese filling remains creamy and the cherry pie filling stays vibrant.
For longer storage, you can freeze the tarts. First, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the tarts to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the tarts in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dessert.
Avoid microwaving the tarts to thaw, as this can cause the cream cheese mixture to become watery and the crust to lose its crunch.
If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can enjoy the tarts straight from the freezer. They make a delightful frozen treat, especially on a hot day.
For an added touch, garnish the thawed tarts with a fresh cherry or a dollop of whipped cream before serving. This enhances both the presentation and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the cherry cheese tarts on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too much. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crust's crispiness and the cream cheese filling's smooth texture.
If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Place the tarts on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the cream cheese filling can become too soft and the crust might lose its crunch.
For an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the tarts in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method can help retain the crust's crispiness while gently warming the filling.
If you prefer a stovetop method, use a double boiler. Place the tarts on a heatproof plate and set it over a pot of simmering water. Cover with a lid and steam for about 5-7 minutes. This gentle method ensures the cream cheese filling warms evenly without drying out the crust.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the tarts at a precise temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Muffin tin: Holds the paper liners and provides structure for the tarts during baking.
Paper liners: Prevents the tarts from sticking to the muffin tin and makes for easy removal.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter for the crust.
Mixing bowl: Used to beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Electric mixer: Helps to achieve a smooth and creamy texture for the cream cheese mixture.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of smaller quantities like vanilla extract.
Spatula: Used to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and to help fill the muffin liners with the cream cheese mixture.
Spoon: Used to press the graham cracker crust mixture into the bottom of each muffin liner.
Cooling rack: Allows the tarts to cool completely after baking.
Refrigerator: Chills the tarts before serving to set the cherry pie filling topping.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare the crust in advance: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Use a food processor: Quickly blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract for a smoother mixture.
Pre-measure ingredients: Have all your ingredients ready to go before you start.
Line muffin tin efficiently: Use pre-cut muffin liners to save time.
Quick cooling: Place the tarts in the freezer for a few minutes to speed up the cooling process.
Cherry Cheese Tarts
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup Sugar
- ½ cup Butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 Eggs
Topping
- 1 can Cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of each muffin liner to form the crust.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Fill each muffin liner with the cream cheese mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set. Let cool completely.
- Top each tart with cherry pie filling. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Value
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