Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe

 

Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe – A Delightfully Creamy, Easy-to-Make Dessert

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s elegant, creamy, and surprisingly simple to make, look no further than these Cream Cheese Tarts. With a buttery crust and a smooth, tangy-sweet filling, these mini tarts are everything you love about cheesecake — but lighter, quicker, and irresistibly bite-sized.

Perfect for parties, holidays, or an afternoon treat with coffee, these tarts never fail to impress.

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🧁 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cream Cheese Tarts strike the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. The crust gives a delightful crunch, while the filling melts in your mouth with every bite. And unlike full-sized cheesecakes, they bake quickly and cool faster — meaning dessert is ready in no time!

Plus, you can top them with anything: berries, chocolate drizzle, caramel, or even lemon zest for a bright twist.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• Fruit jam or pie filling

• Whipped cream or chocolate drizzle

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or lightly grease it.

2. Make the Crust

In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each liner and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon.
Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat again until fully combined and silky.

4. Fill and Bake

Spoon the filling evenly over the pre-baked crusts, filling each cup about ¾ full.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the centers are just set (they may jiggle slightly — that’s okay).

5. Cool and Chill

Let the tarts cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps them set and gives that perfect creamy texture.

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🍓 Serving Ideas

• Classic: Top with a spoonful of cherry or strawberry pie filling.

• Elegant: Add a swirl of lemon curd and a fresh raspberry.

• Decadent: Drizzle with melted chocolate or salted caramel.

• Simple: Dust with powdered sugar for a minimalist finish.

These tarts are versatile, portable, and always a hit — whether you’re serving them at a party or sneaking one as a midnight treat!

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💡 Tips for Perfect Tarts

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your filling.

• Don’t overbake — they should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out.

• Chill before serving for the best texture and flavor.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

These Cream Cheese Tarts are proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create a show-stopping dessert. They’re creamy, sweet, and beautifully customizable — the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether topped with fruit, chocolate, or simply enjoyed plain, these little treats will always earn rave reviews.

So go ahead — preheat that oven and whip up a batch. You’ll fall in love with how easy (and delicious) they are!