Cream Cheese Tart

Cream Cheese Tart

Serves 8 480 kcal per serving Prep 20 min Cook 50 min

Ingredients

  • 250g Flour
  • 125g Butter
  • 1 Egg (dough)
  • 3 Eggs (filling)
  • Pinch Salt
  • 300g Сream Сheese
  • 100ml Milk
  • 100g Parmesan Cheese
  • 350g Plum tomatoes
  • 3tbsp White Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • Topping Basil

Instructions

  1. Start by making the crust. In a bowl, combine the flour, butter, egg, and a pinch of salt. Knead briefly to form a smooth dough. Press the dough evenly into a tart tin, covering the base and sides. Place the tin in the refrigerator to chill.
  2. While the crust is chilling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, stir the cream cheese and milk until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
  3. Remove the crust from the refrigerator and prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up. Pour the filling into the crust and smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for about 25 minutes. After half the baking time, cover the tart loosely with aluminium foil to prevent over-browning.
  4. Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes. In a small pan, heat the olive oil with the white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Pour the warm dressing over the sliced tomatoes and mix gently.
  5. Once the tart is baked, spoon the tomato slices over the top, avoiding excess liquid. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm or slightly cooled.

Tips

  • Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before blending to avoid any lumps in the filling.
  • Blind bake the tart shell first to ensure a crisp, golden base that won’t go soggy under the filling.
  • Cool the tart slowly to prevent cracks from forming on the surface of the cream cheese layer.

Variations

  • Lemon Zest: Add the juice and zest of two lemons for a bright, refreshing citrus tart.
  • Fruit Topped: Arrange fresh glazed strawberries or raspberries on top after the tart has set.

Storage

Keep the tart refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. It is best served chilled directly from the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

  • Dust lightly with powdered sugar and serve with a side of blueberry compote.
  • Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine like a Riesling or Sauternes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between this and a cheesecake?

A tart is generally thinner and has a pastry crust (shortcrust), whereas a cheesecake is deeper and usually has a biscuit/graham cracker base.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

It is not recommended, as the tart may not set as firmly and will lack the characteristic rich, creamy texture.

How do I know when it's done baking?

The edges should be slightly puffed and set, but the center should still have a gentle jiggle.

instructions_source: editorial-classic