Christmas Cherry Tarts
Sweet cherry-topped tartlets with creamy filling and crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for festive gatherings or a delightful holiday treat for guests and family alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease two 1 3/4-inch tartlet or small cupcake pans.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press a rounded teaspoonful into each cup.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, egg, and sugar until well blended.
- Fill each prepared tartlet with the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
- When ready to serve, run a thin knife around each tart and lift out of the pan.
- Top each tart with a cherry from the can.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies. If you prefer a sweeter tart, consider adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. To save time, use store-bought tart shells instead of making your own crust. These tarts can be made ahead of time, making them a great addition to holiday gatherings alongside other easy and quick dessert options.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Cherry Tarts are delightful on their own but can also be paired with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. For a festive touch, serve alongside a hot beverage like spiced cider or coffee. They make an excellent dessert option for holiday parties, complementing other treats like the Triple Layer Cookie Bar.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crisp, avoid stacking the tarts. If you need to reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to warm slightly. They can also be served chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cherry Tarts contains roughly 813 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 84g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used, but you'll need to prepare them by pitting and possibly sweetening them to taste. Consider making a quick cherry compote by cooking fresh cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch for a delicious topping.
Can I make these tarts in advance?
Yes, these tarts can be made a day ahead of time. Just ensure they are well-chilled before serving, and add the cherry topping right before serving to keep the crust fresh and crispy.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. However, this may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).