Sweet Cherry Cheesecake Tartlets are a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the vibrant flavor of fresh cherries. Perfect for any occasion, these tartlets are easy to prepare and are sure to impress your family and friends. With a buttery crust and a luscious filling, they make for an irresistible dessert that’s both elegant and satisfying. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create these delicious Sweet Cherry Cheesecake Tartlets.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tartlet Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a tartlet pan or muffin tin to form small crusts.
- Bake the Crust: Place the crusts in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Prepare the Cherry Topping: In a small bowl, combine the pitted and halved cherries with cornstarch and lemon juice. Toss until the cherries are well coated.
- Assemble the Tartlets: Spoon the cheesecake filling into the cooled tartlet crusts, filling them about 3/4 full. Top each tartlet with the cherry mixture.
- Bake the Tartlets: Return the tartlets to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the cherries are bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, remove the tartlets from the pan. Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream if desired.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the tartlets.
How do I store leftover tartlets?
Store any leftover Sweet Cherry Cheesecake Tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill and bake.
What other fruits can I use for the topping?
Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Each will give a different flavor profile to your tartlets.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.