Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Tarts
These Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Tarts are a cherished holiday tradition in my family, evoking warm memories of festive gatherings. The rich, velvety chocolate filling strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, reminiscent of a fudgy brownie. Encased in a flaky and buttery cream cheese pastry crust, each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With the added crunch of walnut or pecan toppers, these delightful mini-tarts are sure to impress your guests, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday cookie tray or any special occasion.
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 lb (softened)
cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
flour
1 cup (all-purpose)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (for melting)
milk
1 tablespoon (dairy)
sugar
1/3 cup (granulated)
butter
1 tablespoon (for chocolate filling)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
egg
1 (well beaten)
walnut halves or pecans
30 (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and cream cheese. Mix until the mixture is creamy.
3
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4
Grease a mini-muffin tin lightly and press each dough ball into the bottom and up the sides of each cup to form a mini crust. Set aside.
5
In a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips over simmering water, stirring gently.
6
Once melted, stir in the milk, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
7
Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat and gently fold in the well-beaten egg, mixing until fully incorporated.
8
Pour about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate filling into each crust. Top with a walnut half or pecan on each.
9
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden.
10
Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Tarts?
These are bite-sized mini-tarts featuring a fudgy chocolate filling inside a flaky, buttery cream cheese pastry crust, often topped with walnuts or pecans.
How many tarts does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 30 mini-tarts.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese pastry crust?
The crust is made using 1/4 lb of softened butter, 3 ounces of softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
How do I make the dough for the tart shells?
Mix the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy, then gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms.
How should I shape the dough balls?
Roll the dough into small balls that are approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, grease a mini-muffin tin lightly before pressing the dough into the cups.
How do I form the crust in the mini-muffin tin?
Press each 1-inch dough ball into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to form a mini crust.
What type of chocolate is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
What is the best way to melt the chocolate?
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring gently until smooth.
What ingredients are added to the melted chocolate?
Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the milk, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
When should I add the egg to the chocolate mixture?
Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat first, then gently fold in the well-beaten egg.
How much chocolate filling goes into each tart shell?
Pour about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate filling into each prepared crust.
What toppings are suggested for these tarts?
Top each tart with either a walnut half or a pecan before placing them in the oven.
How long should the tarts bake?
Bake the tarts for 20-25 minutes.
How can I tell when the tarts are finished baking?
The tarts are done when the filling is set and the pastry crust is lightly golden.
Should the tarts be cooled in the pan?
Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What is the texture of the chocolate filling?
The filling is rich and velvety, with a consistency similar to a fudgy brownie.
Is the cream cheese used in the filling or the crust?
In this recipe, the cream cheese is used exclusively to create the pastry crust.
What kind of sugar is required for the filling?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How much milk is needed for the chocolate mixture?
You will need 1 tablespoon of dairy milk.
Are these tarts suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, they are described as a cherished holiday tradition and are perfect for cookie trays or special occasions.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
This recipe requires one well-beaten egg for the filling.
What type of flour should I use for the dough?
All-purpose flour is the recommended type for the cream cheese crust.
How much butter is needed in total?
You need 1/4 lb of butter for the crust and an additional 1 tablespoon for the chocolate filling.
What makes the crust 'melt-in-your-mouth'?
The combination of softened butter and cream cheese in the dough creates a flaky and indulgent texture.
Can I use different types of nuts for the topping?
Yes, you can use either walnut halves or pecans as the crunchy topper.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
How many total ingredients are involved in the recipe?
There are 10 distinct ingredients used to make these tarts.