Cherry baskets with cream cheese

Cherry and cream cheese tartlets: a sweet and refined delicacy

Who doesn’t love a dessert that combines the crispy texture of puff pastry with the fresh and juicy flavor of cherries? Cherry and cream cheese tartlets are a perfect choice for any occasion, from summer parties to festive meals. This recipe is not only simple but also an opportunity to let your creativity flow in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 12 tartlets

Ingredients

- Puff pastry: 500 g (preferably high quality)
- Cherries: 300 g (pitted, fresh or frozen)
- Sweet cottage cheese: 300 g (make sure it is well drained)
- Eggs: 2 pieces (preferably at room temperature)
- Brown sugar: 50 g (you can also use white sugar, but brown adds a caramel note)
- Baking spices: a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, for added flavor (I recommend the Kotany brand, but you can use others)

A short story

This recipe for cherry and cream cheese tartlets has its roots in culinary traditions that value seasonal fruits and fresh cheeses. Cherries, a symbol of summer, add a touch of freshness to the dessert, while the cream cheese provides a velvety texture that balances the crispness of the pastry. It is a dessert that invites enjoyment, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Preparing the tartlets

1. Thawing the pastry: Start by thawing the puff pastry in the refrigerator. This will make it easier to work with, ensuring an even texture that is easy to shape.

2. Rolling out the pastry: On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour and roll out the puff pastry with a rolling pin. The goal is to obtain an even sheet about 5 mm thick.

3. Cutting the pastry: Use a pastry cutter or a knife to cut rectangles from the pastry. Make sure the dimensions are large enough to cover the muffin tins. You will keep 6 rectangles to create the tartlet tops.

4. Forming the tartlets: Place the pastry rectangles into the muffin tins, gently pressing to fit the shape.

5. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the two eggs and brown sugar. Make sure the mixture becomes a smooth paste without lumps. This step is essential for achieving a fine cream.

6. Adding the filling: Evenly distribute the cream cheese in each tartlet, leaving a little space for cherries.

7. Preparing the cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them. If using frozen cherries, ensure they are thawed and well-drained. Place the cherries on top of the cream cheese.

8. Adding the tops: Use the six reserved pastry rectangles to create the tops. Place them over the tartlets, sealing the edges with the cream cheese to form a nest.

9. Brushing with egg yolk: Beat an egg and brush the tartlet tops to achieve a golden and shiny crust when baked. You can sprinkle a little brown sugar and baking spices on top for added flavor.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tartlets in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until golden and crispy.

11. Cooling: After removing them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before taking them out of the tins.

Serving and variations

These tartlets are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them plain or with a vanilla sauce, vanilla ice cream, or even a chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.

If you want to experiment, you can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. You can also add a little vanilla extract to the cream cheese to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, and while puff pastry is higher in calories, it provides a superb texture that perfectly complements this dessert. A serving of tartlets contains about 250 kcal, but calories may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with different seasonal fruits. Raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches are excellent alternatives.

2. How can I store the tartlets?
They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. I recommend reheating them slightly in the oven before serving to restore the crispy texture.

3. Is freezing possible?
Yes, the tartlets can be frozen before baking. Place them in the freezer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to prepare them, let them thaw in the refrigerator and then bake according to the instructions.

I wish you good luck and enjoy making these cherry and cream cheese tartlets! Each bite will be an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of summer. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones to bring smiles and unforgettable moments!

The puff pastry is left to thaw in the refrigerator. It is rolled out on a floured work surface, cut into rectangles with a rolling pin or knife, and then placed in muffin tins. About 6 rectangles are kept to make the tops for the baskets. The cottage cheese is mixed vigorously with the two eggs and brown sugar until homogenized. The cheese cream is placed in the cubes formed from the pastry. The cherries are pitted and placed over the cheese cream. The baskets are covered with tops, brushed with egg yolk, sprinkled with a little brown sugar, and seasoned with baking spices from Kotany. The baskets are baked in a preheated oven for about 40 minutes at 200 degrees. Simply aromatic and tasty. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Puff pastry approx. 500 g, cherries approx. 300 g, sweet cottage cheese approx. 300 g, 2 eggs, brown sugar 50 g, Kotany spices for pastries and desserts (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)