Irresistible Japanese Cheese Tarts

Name: Japanese Cheese Tarts
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for tart shells).; 8 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (cubed, for tart shells).; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for tart shells and filling).; 1 egg yolk (for tart shells and egg wash).; 1 cup cream cheese (for filling).; 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream (for filling).; 1 tsp cornstarch (for filling).; 1/2 tbsp milk or water (for egg wash).

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Irresistible Japanese Cheese Tarts are a perfect combination of buttery tart shells and creamy, gooey cheese filling. Whether enjoyed warm for a molten center, chilled for a custard-like texture, or frozen for a refreshing twist, these tarts are an ideal dessert for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to impress at your next gathering!

By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:05:43 GMT

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Irresistible Japanese Cheese Tarts combine a buttery, crumbly tart shell with a luscious, creamy cheese filling for a dessert that’s indulgent and versatile. Perfect for any occasion, these tarts can be served warm, chilled, or frozen for different textures and flavors. Whether for a party or a cozy treat, they are sure to delight every dessert lover.

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, for a tender tart shell base.
Unsalted butter: 8 1/2 tbsp, cubed, to create a flaky crust.
Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup, for sweetness in both the tart shells and filling.
Egg yolk: 1, for binding the tart dough.
Cream cheese: 1 cup, softened, for the rich filling.
Heavy whipping cream: 2/3 cup, for a creamy, smooth texture.
Cornstarch: 1 tsp, to help set the filling.
Milk or water: 1/2 tbsp, for mixing with egg yolk for the egg wash.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and cubed butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until the texture resembles crumbs. Add egg yolk and knead gently until the dough is smooth.
Step 2:: Press the dough into 2.6-inch tart molds. Trim the edges neatly and prick the bottoms with a fork. Preheat the oven to 410°F and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before removing from molds.
Step 3:: To make the filling, mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream in three portions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cornstarch until fully combined.
Step 4:: Pipe the filling into the cooled tart shells, smoothing the tops. Freeze the tarts for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Step 5:: Preheat the oven to 410°F. Mix egg yolk with milk or water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the frozen tarts with the egg wash and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 6:: Serve the tarts warm for a gooey center, chilled for a creamy texture, or frozen for a refreshing dessert. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat briefly in the oven to restore warmth for a gooey texture.

Helpful Notes

For a flavor twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy note.
Use a piping bag to fill the tart shells neatly and evenly.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chill the tart dough before pressing into molds to make it easier to handle.
Ensure the tart molds are well-greased or lined for easy removal after baking.

Japanese Cheese Tarts

Delicious Japanese Cheese Tarts with a buttery crust and creamy cheese filling. Enjoy them warm, chilled, or frozen for a delightful treat.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

By: Clare Greco

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Japanese

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cheese tarts)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for tart shells).

02 8 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (cubed, for tart shells).

03 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for tart shells and filling).

04 1 egg yolk (for tart shells and egg wash).

05 1 cup cream cheese (for filling).

06 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream (for filling).

07 1 tsp cornstarch (for filling).

08 1/2 tbsp milk or water (for egg wash).

Instructions

Step 01

Combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter. Mix until the mixture resembles a crumb-like consistency. Add egg yolk and knead into a smooth dough.

Step 02

Press the dough into 2.6-inch tart molds. Trim the edges and prick the bottoms with a fork.

Step 03

Preheat the oven to 410°F. Bake the tart shells for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before removing from the molds.

Step 04

Soften cream cheese at room temperature. Mix with powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 05

Gradually add heavy whipping cream in three portions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cornstarch until fully incorporated.

Step 06

Pipe the cheese filling into the cooled tart shells. Freeze the assembled tarts for 4 hours until firm.

Step 07

Preheat the oven to 410°F. Brush the frozen tarts with an egg wash (egg yolk mixed with milk or water). Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 08

Serve the tarts warm, chilled, or frozen for different textures.

Notes

Irresistible Japanese Cheese Tarts feature buttery tart shells filled with creamy, gooey cheese. Perfect for any occasion!.
Enjoy these tarts warm for a molten center, chilled for a custard-like texture, or frozen for a refreshing treat.