Pineapple Cream Cheese Tartlets are a delightful treat that combines the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you want to impress your guests with a homemade, yet easy-to-make, treat. Here’s how you can make these delicious tartlets:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
For the Topping:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottoms and sides of a mini tartlet pan or into individual muffin tins lined with cupcake liners. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press the crust down firmly.
- Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before adding the filling.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue beating until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as you want it to be light and fluffy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Be sure to fold rather than stir to maintain the airy texture of the filling.
3. Prepare the Pineapple Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine the reserved ¼ cup of pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Stir in the drained pineapple chunks, ensuring they are evenly coated with the thickened pineapple juice mixture.
4. Assemble the Tartlets:
- Once the crusts have cooled completely, spoon the cream cheese filling into each tartlet shell, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Top each tartlet with a generous spoonful of the pineapple topping, making sure each one has an equal amount of fruit and sauce.
- If desired, you can garnish the tartlets with a small sprig of mint or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Place the assembled tartlets in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set and firm.
- When ready to serve, carefully remove the tartlets from the pan or liners and arrange them on a serving platter.
Tips and Variations:
- Crust Alternatives: If you prefer a different type of crust, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even Oreo cookies (with the filling removed).
- Filling Flavor: For a twist, try adding a splash of coconut extract or a tablespoon of finely grated lemon zest to the cream cheese filling to enhance the tropical flavor profile.
- Fruit Options: While pineapple is delicious in this recipe, you can also experiment with other fruits like mango, peaches, or berries. Just adjust the topping ingredients accordingly.
- Make Ahead: These tartlets can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve, making them a convenient option for entertaining.
- Portion Control: If you prefer, you can make a single large tart instead of individual tartlets. Simply press the crust into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan and proceed with the filling and topping as directed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy and Convenient: With no need for complex techniques or baking skills, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for Parties: These tartlets are easy to serve and eat, making them a hit at gatherings where you want to offer a bite-sized dessert that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
- Tropical Flavors: The combination of sweet and tangy pineapple with creamy, rich cream cheese creates a dessert that’s refreshing yet indulgent.
- Customizable: Whether you want to experiment with different fruits or crusts, this recipe offers plenty of room for creativity.
Pineapple Cream Cheese Tartlets are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the creamy richness of a whipped cream cheese filling. These tartlets are not only easy to make but also look impressive, making them ideal for entertaining. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic, a holiday party, or just as a special treat for yourself, these tartlets are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and creamy textures that make this dessert a favorite for any occasion.
