Name: Elegant Cherry Pistachio Tartlets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup sugar; ¼ cup melted butter; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 cups cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup cherry jam; ½ cup chopped pistachios; ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

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Elegant Cherry Pistachio Tartlets are a delightful treat that perfectly combine the rich, creamy sweetness of cream cheese with the tartness of cherry jam, all nestled within a crispy graham cracker crust. These mini desserts aren’t just visually appealing; they evoke feelings of nostalgia and celebration with every bite. Whether you’re planning a special gathering or simply looking to indulge in something sweet, these tartlets provide an elegant touch that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Follow this step-by-step recipe to impress your family and friends with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these Elegant Cherry Pistachio Tartlets. First and foremost, the prep is a breeze, which is perfect for busy home cooks. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a masterpiece that looks layered and complex but is incredibly straightforward. They make for an impressive dessert at parties and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, thanks to their eye-catching presentation and delectable flavors. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that combines the sweet, creamy richness of cream cheese with the crunch of pistachios and the juiciness of cherries?

Ingredients

To bring your Elegant Cherry Pistachio Tartlets to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs: These provide a crispy and buttery base.
1⁄4 cup sugar: A touch of sweetness helps elevate the crust.
1⁄4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and binds the crust together beautifully.
1⁄2 cup powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling.
2 cups cream cheese, softened: The star of our tartlets, adding a creamy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
1 cup cherry jam: A luscious layer that adds brightness.
1⁄2 cup chopped pistachios: Offers a delightful crunch and a pop of color.
1⁄2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved: Adds freshness and juicy bites.

Step-by-Step Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or tartlet pans to prevent sticking.

Next, prepare the tartlet crust. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, and ½ cup powdered sugar. Stir the mixture until it resembles wet sand.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of the tartlet pans to create a sturdy crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Once done, set the crusts aside to cool completely.

While the crusts are cooling, make the cream cheese filling by beating together 2 cups of softened cream cheese and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Once the crusts have cooled, spoon the cream cheese mixture into each tartlet. Spread it evenly to fill the crusts generously.

Moving on to the cherry pistachio topping, heat 1 cup of cherry jam in a small saucepan over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the jam becomes slightly warmed and thinned.

Spoon a luscious layer of cherry jam over the cream cheese filling in each tartlet. Top this with halved fresh cherries and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for that necessary crunch.

Finally, refrigerate the tartlets for at least one hour to set before serving. This will help enhance the flavors and firm up the filling for easy serving.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your tartlets further, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest on top just before serving, which adds a beautiful brightness that complements the cherries perfectly. If you’re a fan of alternative toppings, try swapping the pistachios with crushed almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile. For a more decorative finish, drizzle some melted white chocolate or garnish with a sprig of mint.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Elegant Cherry Pistachio Tartlets are exceptionally versatile for serving. They make a delightful dessert for any occasion, from birthday parties to summer gatherings. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination, or serve alongside a refreshing cup of mint tea or herbal tea to balance the sweetness. They can easily be the star attraction at a potluck or a delightful offering at a brunch gathering.

Nutritional Information

Each tartlet typically contains around 230 calories, with the majority stemming from the cream cheese and graham cracker crust. It provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making them a delightful treat rather than an everyday snack. For those mindful of their sugar intake, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling.

Storing Tips & Variations

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3-4 days, keeping their creamy filling and crispy crust intact. For longer storage, consider freezing the tartlets before adding the cherry topping, allowing you to enjoy these treats at a later date. Just thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to dive in! If cherries aren’t in season, fresh strawberries or raspberries can be used as substitutes, providing a delightful twist.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to create these Elegant Cherry Pistachio Tartlets, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try! With their beautiful presentation and tantalizing flavors, these mini desserts are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just because you want something sweet, your taste buds will thank you. Share your experience and let us know how you personalized your tartlets!

FAQs

Can I use different types of nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the pistachios with your favorite nut, such as almonds or walnuts, for a different flavor.
Can I prepare these tartlets ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Just assemble the tartlets and add the cherry topping before serving.
Is there a non-dairy alternative to cream cheese?
Yes, you can use non-dairy cream cheese available in stores as a substitute.
How can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling and use low-sugar cherry jam to help lower the overall sugar content.
Can I use a pre-made tart crust?
Definitely! A pre-made tart crust can save time. Just ensure it’s an appropriate size for the mini tartlets, and proceed with the fillings as per the recipe.

Elegant Cherry Pistachio Tartlets

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delightful mini desserts perfectly blend cream cheese sweetness with tart cherry jam, all in a crispy graham cracker crust.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or tartlet pans.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and powdered sugar until it resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of tartlet pans.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each cooled tartlet crust.
Heat cherry jam in a saucepan on low for 3-5 minutes until slightly warmed.
Spoon warmed cherry jam over the cream cheese filling.
Top with halved fresh cherries and chopped pistachios.
Refrigerate for at least one hour to set before serving.