Zesty Key Lime Delight Tarts
Indulge in these delightful Zesty Key Lime Delight Tarts, a refreshing dessert that combines tangy key lime flavors with creamy cheesecake goodness. Adapted from a recipe by Paula Deen, these mini tarts feature a crispy base made from Key Lime Cooler cookies and are topped with a fluffy, whipped cream crown. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a bright, citrusy treat, these tarts are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The blend of key lime juice and zest gives these tarts a vibrant flair, while the cream cheese filling adds a luxurious texture. Each bite is a burst of flavor, bringing the essence of Florida’s famous key lime pie into a fun, bite-sized treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Key Lime Cooler cookies
24 (whole)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
egg
1 (beaten)
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
key lime juice
2 tablespoons (fresh)
key lime zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
whipped cream
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Line two 12-cup mini muffin tins with paper liners and lightly spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Place one Key Lime Cooler cookie in the bottom of each cup, flat side down, creating the tart base.
4
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, egg, sugar, key lime juice, and key lime zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Carefully fill each cup to the top with the cream cheese mixture, using a spoon or piping bag for precision.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the filling is set.
7
Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
Once the tarts are completely cool, generously top each with whipped cream, using a pastry bag with a star tip for a decorative finish.
9
Serve these zesty delights chilled for the best flavor experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Key Lime Delight Tarts?
They are a refreshing mini dessert that combines tangy key lime flavors with a creamy cheesecake filling on a crispy cookie base.
Whose recipe served as the inspiration for these tarts?
These mini tarts are adapted from a recipe by Paula Deen.
What is used for the base of the tarts?
The base is made from whole Key Lime Cooler cookies.
How many tarts does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 24 mini tarts, utilizing 24 Key Lime Cooler cookies and two 12-cup mini muffin tins.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the mini muffin tins?
Line the tins with paper liners and lightly spray them with cooking spray to prevent the tarts from sticking.
Do I need to crush the cookies for the crust?
No, you place one whole Key Lime Cooler cookie in the bottom of each muffin cup, flat side down.
What ingredients are in the cheesecake filling?
The filling consists of softened cream cheese, one egg, granulated sugar, key lime juice, and key lime zest.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of fresh key lime juice for the best flavor.
How much key lime zest is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of freshly grated key lime zest.
How long should the tarts bake?
Bake the tarts for 10 minutes, or until the filling is set.
How do I ensure the filling is smooth?
Beat the softened cream cheese, egg, sugar, juice, and zest together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
What is the best way to fill the muffin cups?
You can use a spoon or a piping bag to carefully fill each cup to the top with the cream cheese mixture.
How long should the tarts cool in the tin?
Allow the tarts to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before moving them.
What should I do after the initial cooling period?
Transfer the tarts to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the topping.
When should the whipped cream be added?
Wait until the tarts are completely cool before topping them with whipped cream.
How can I make the whipped cream look professional?
Use a pastry bag with a star tip to create a decorative crown of whipped cream on each tart.
Should these tarts be served cold?
Yes, for the best flavor experience, serve these tarts chilled.
Are these tarts suitable for summer events?
Yes, their bright citrus flavor and refreshing texture make them a perfect summertime treat.
How much sugar is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Is the egg used whole or just the yolk?
The recipe uses one whole egg, beaten, for the filling.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 ingredients: Key Lime Cooler cookies, cream cheese, egg, sugar, key lime juice, key lime zest, and whipped cream.
Can I use regular limes if I can't find key limes?
While key limes provide a specific tartness, regular limes can be used as a substitute if key limes are unavailable.
What is the texture of the tart base?
The base is crispy, thanks to the Key Lime Cooler cookie.
How should the cookies be oriented in the pan?
Place them flat side down to create a stable base for the cream cheese mixture.
Do I need to make the whipped cream from scratch?
The recipe lists whipped cream 'to taste,' so you can use homemade or store-bought depending on your preference.
What is the main flavor profile of this dessert?
The profile is vibrant and citrusy with a luxurious, creamy finish.
Is this a difficult recipe for beginners?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe due to the simple assembly and short baking time.
Why is the cream cheese softened before mixing?
Softening the cream cheese allows it to blend easily with the egg and sugar, preventing lumps in the tart filling.