Cherry Cheese Tarts are a delightful, bite-sized dessert featuring a creamy cheesecake filling baked over a vanilla wafer crust and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Originating from classic American home baking traditions, this recipe became especially popular in the mid-20th century when simple, elegant desserts were in demand for potlucks and family gatherings. The combination of smooth cream cheese, sweet cherries, and a crisp cookie base creates a timeless treat that's loved for its flavor and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 eggs (large )
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 12 vanilla wafers (one per muffin cup)
- cherry pie filling (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Muffin Tins
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Place 1 vanilla wafer in the bottom of each muffin cup.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the vanilla wafers, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the centers are set.
Step 4: Cool and Top
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Top each tart with a spoonful of cherry pie filling before serving.
Tips
- Use paper muffin liners for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- For a firmer cheesecake texture, chill well for several hours before serving.
- Substitute lemon curd, blueberry, or strawberry topping instead of cherry.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for brightness.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version (texture will be slightly softer).
- Swap vanilla wafers with graham cracker crumbs pressed into the muffin cups.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for presentation.
- Make mini bites in a mini-muffin tin and shorten baking time.
- Add a tiny dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.6mg
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