Easy Cherry Tarts
Creamy cherry filling pairs with vanilla wafers and cream cheese for delightful mini tarts, perfect for parties or a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 24 vanilla wafers in baking cups to serve as the tart crusts.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and lemon extract together.
- Gradually add the egg mixture to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the wafers in the baking cups.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until set.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Top each tart with cherry pie filling before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese. You can substitute the lemon extract with fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor. If cherry pie filling isn't available, fresh or frozen cherries sweetened with sugar can make a delicious alternative. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing, and beat until smooth to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry tarts are perfect for a dessert spread at gatherings or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also work well alongside a fresh fruit salad like Nellie'S Carrot Salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cherry tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cherry Tarts contains roughly 151 calories, with 2g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).
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 a different kind of fruit filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like blueberry or peach. Just ensure the filling is thick enough to hold up on top of the tarts. You can also use fresh fruits if you prefer a healthier option, but be sure to sweeten them slightly if they are tart.
How can I make these tarts ahead of time?
You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and fill the wafers in advance. Assemble the tarts and refrigerate them without the cherry topping for up to 24 hours. Just add the cherry pie filling right before serving to keep the tarts looking fresh and appealing.
What can I do if the tarts puff up while baking?
If the tarts puff up during baking, it’s usually due to the eggs expanding. Simply remove them from the oven when they are set but not overly puffed. They will settle as they cool. Ensure you mix the egg mixture gently to avoid too much air incorporation, which can lead to this issue.
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).