More crust. That's what you get with a mini cream cheese tart vs. a cheesecake slice.
So I guess this isn't for crust shunners. But I put this question to you. How can you shun a sugar cookie crust? Especially a sugar cookie crust cradling a creamy filling?
To each their own. Though I hope you make this recipe and embrace crusts. At least sugar cookie crusts.
Cream Cheese Tarts
Text and Photo by Jac Kyles Baker
Makes 4 tarts
Ingredients
For the tart shells:
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup all purpose flour
For the filling:
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream, drained*
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 TB cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation
Prepare tart shells:
Combine butter, sugar, salt together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on MED HIGH (70% power) in 20 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until butter is melted and sugar begins to dissolve. Set aside to cool.
Add cooled butter sugar mixture to flour. Combine to form a crumbly dough.
Press dough into cupcake liners or parchment paper in small bowls, cups or ramekins.
Arrange 4 cups on the outside of the microwave turntable.* Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Crusts will be firm; but not browned.
Repeat with remaining crusts. Set aside to cool.
Make filling:
Beat cream cheese until smooth.
Stir sour cream, cornstarch and sugar together.
Beat half of sour cream mixture into cream cheese. Mix well. Add the rest of sour cream mixture to cream cheese and beat until light and creamy.
Fill cooled crusts with 2 TB of filling. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Cook's Notes
*To drain sour cream:
Layer two paper towels in a bowl. Add measured amount of sour cream into center. Gather the ends of the paper towels and tie together with a rubber band or twist tie.
Cover and refrigerate, preferably overnight. The towels will absorb the liquid. Sour cream will have a thick consistency.
I do this for a firmer filling and to use less cornstarch.
**Rearrange tarts halfway through cooking time if not using a microwave with a turntable.