These simple-to-make rustic cherry cream cheese tarts are downright irresistible and while they’re perfect for pretty much any occasion – they’re extra perfect for Valentine’s Day.

The tarts have a creamy cheesecake filling with a tart cherry topping. And with their short list of ingredients and simple preparation, they’re sure to become one of your all-time favorite desserts.

Ingredients for Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts

• 12 vanilla wafers
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 can cherry pie filling

How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F and line 12 muffin cups with aluminum foil liners. Place a vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cup and set the pan aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.

1. Next, spoon or scoop the cream cheese mixture mixture evenly into each muffin cup, filling them 2/3 full.
2. Then, pop those little beauties into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until they’re set on the top and just starting to turn golden brown around the edges. They’ll still have some jiggle.

1. Once the tarts are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
2. After they’re cool, add the finishing touch – a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of each tart. Again, spread the pie filling out equally among all the tarts (I try to use it all, but you don’t have to).

1. Finally, pop your tarts into the fridge to chill for a bit (about an hour to be exact). This final chilling is crucial, it allows the tarts to firm up a bit and the flavors really blend together.

Why These Tarts Are So Good

Now that your tarts are ready to rock and roll, let’s talk about why they’re so dang good. First off, the combination of creamy cheesecake filling and tangy cherry topping is pretty much a match made in dessert heaven.

And let’s not forget about their small, individualized size. They’re just perfect for sharing and transporting. There’s nothing better than a grab-and-go cherry cheesecake, am I right?

More Fun Ways to Top the Tarts

While cherry pie filling is a classic topping for these cream cheese tarts, you can certainly get creative and try out different toppings to add some variety. Here are a few delicious ideas:

• Mixed Berry Compote: Cook together a combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until they break down into a thick, syrupy compote. Spoon this fruity mixture over your cream cheese tarts for a burst of berry flavor.
• Lemon Curd: Tangy and refreshing, lemon curd adds a zesty contrast to the creamy filling of the tarts. Simply spoon a dollop of lemon curd over each tart and garnish with a twist of lemon zest.

• Chocolate Ganache: Indulge your sweet tooth by drizzling rich and decadent chocolate ganache over the top of your cream cheese tarts. You can even sprinkle some chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top for added texture and crunch.
• Fresh Fruit Slices: For a lighter option, top your tarts with slices of fresh fruit such as strawberries, kiwi, or peaches. Not only does this add a colorful touch to your dessert, but it also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy filling.
• Caramel Sauce: Elevate your cream cheese tarts with a generous drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. The sweet and buttery flavor of the caramel complements the richness of the cream cheese beautifully.

The Best Way to Store the Tarts

Now, let’s address the important question – how do you keep these tarts fresh and delicious? Easy. Just pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Take one (or two) out as needed. Though, let’s be honest, they probably won’t be around that long, haha.

So, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself (or someone you love), these simple, but also fancy cherry cream cheese tarts are 100% sure to steal your heart. Give them a try and let me know what you think. Happy Valentine’s Day, loves!