Jack'S Tarts
Delicious, bite-sized tarts with creamy filling and sweet apricot preserves, perfect for entertaining, parties, or a delightful treat with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have cream cheese and butter at room temperature.
- Mix cream cheese, margarine, flour, and salt until well combined and form into 1-inch balls.
- Press a thumb into the center of each ball to create a hole.
- Fill each hole with apricot preserves.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth dough, make sure the cream cheese and margarine are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have apricot preserves, try using raspberry or peach preserves instead for a different flavor. Additionally, adding a pinch of vanilla extract can enhance the overall taste. For a more indulgent touch, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These tarts are perfect for a tea party or as a sweet treat alongside your morning coffee. Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They pair beautifully with Lemon Pecan Fruit Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Jack's Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it may make the tarts soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jack'S Tarts contains roughly 597 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh when you're ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer, you can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter, which will give a richer flavor to the tarts. Just remember to let it soften to room temperature like the margarine for easy mixing.
How do I know when the tarts are done baking?
The tarts are done when they turn a light golden brown color. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. You can also check the edges; they should be firm to the touch.
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).