Description
Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts
Delight your guests with these tarts, featuring a creamy filling and sweet-tart cherries. A perfect dessert for sharing!
Ingredients:
1 pack phyllo dough, cut into 12 squares
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup cherry compote
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer phyllo squares in muffin tins, brushing with melted butter between layers. Bake for 8 minutes and cool.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Fill phyllo cups with the mixture.
Top with cherry compote and chill before serving.
#TartPerfection
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect tarts every time. First, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for at least an hour. Thaw the phyllo dough according to package instructions, keeping it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully unroll the phyllo sheets and cut them into 12 equal squares, roughly 4×4 inches. Working with one square at a time, gently place it into a standard muffin tin cavity. Lightly brush it with melted butter. Add a second square, offsetting the corners, and brush again. Repeat with a third square. This creates a sturdy, flaky cup. Bake the empty cups for 8 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Let them cool completely in the pan before removing.
While the cups cool, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Once the phyllo cups are at room temperature, carefully spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each, filling them about 3/4 full. Generously top each tart with a spoonful of cherry compote. For best results, refrigerate the assembled tarts for at least one hour to allow the filling to firm up.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant tarts are versatile. Serve them as a light dessert after a formal dinner or as part of a brunch spread. For a festive touch, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of dark chocolate, or a fresh mint leaf. Pair them with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling, or a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness.
How-to Summary
In brief: Thaw and layer phyllo dough squares in a muffin tin with butter. Pre-bake until golden. Cool. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Fill the cooled cups. Top with cherry compote and chill before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tarts ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the tarts up to one day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Add any powdered sugar garnish just before serving.
What can I use instead of cherry compote? Any thick fruit preserve or pie filling works well, such as blueberry, raspberry, or lemon curd for a different flavor profile.
My phyllo dough ripped. What should I do? Don’t worry. Phyllo is delicate. Just layer it as is; the butter and multiple layers will hide minor tears. The key is to work quickly and keep unused sheets covered.
Can I use frozen cherries? For the compote, frozen cherries are excellent. Simmer them with a little sugar and cornstarch until thickened to create a quick homemade compote.
How do I store leftovers? Keep tarts refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Note that the phyllo will gradually soften from the filling’s moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese: This leads to a lumpy filling. Ensure it is fully softened.
- Overfilling the phyllo cups: Fill only 3/4 full to prevent the filling from spilling over the delicate edges.
- Brushing phyllo with too much butter: A light, even coat is sufficient. Soggy dough results from over-brushing.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling sets the filling, making the tarts neater to eat and enhancing the flavor.
- Adding hot compote to the filling: Always ensure your compote is cool to prevent melting the cream cheese.
Conclusion
These Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts are a stunning yet surprisingly simple dessert. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressive treat that balances flaky, buttery pastry with rich, creamy filling and vibrant fruit. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to earn you compliments and requests for the recipe. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!