Go Back
–+ servings
Easy Cherry Cheese Tarts with Vanilla Wafer Crust
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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 230 kcal

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
Keyword cherries, easy baking, holiday dessert, mini cheesecake, party dessert, potluck, tartlets, vintage
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!