Grandma’s Tarts

Tarts are an easy dessert that always look impressive. They are so versatile and delicious!

Growing up, my grandma always made these mini cheesecake tarts for special occasions. They are a dessert my cousins and I always request whenever my grandma asks to bring something.

They are small and easy to pop into your mouth, which makes them the perfect candidate for accidentally eating way more than planned.

Over the years, I have learned to make them and experimented with different fillings.

1. Beat the egg.
2. Cream together the butter, sugar, and almond extract.
3. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix in the remaining ingredients.
4. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and add to muffin tins.
5. Gently press the balls into the sides and bottom of the tins to shape them.
6. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
7. Allow the crusts to cool.
8. Carefully, using a butter knife, remove them from the tin before filling them.

The classic tart my grandma always made was Cheesecake Tarts with a cherry on top! If you are like me and don’t like cherries, they are easy to pick off and don’t ruin the tart one bit. You could also add a different fruit to top it off.

1. Combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar until they are well blended.
2. Fold in half of a carton of Cool Whip and mix until the mixture becomes creamy.

Fill the tarts approximately 2/3 full with this creamy mixture. Place a cherry on top of each tart.

If you are not a fan of cheesecake or just want a different filling for a special occasion, here are some other filling ideas.

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the pudding and milk for about 30 seconds, until they are well mixed.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to beat until everything is thoroughly combined.
3. Spoon this mixture into the tarts.
4. Place the tarts in the refrigerator to chill.

1. After your tarts are done baking, but before allowing them to cool, place a Hershey’s Kiss on top of each one.
2. Return your tart pan to the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until the Hershey’s Kiss has melted.
3. Allow the tarts to cool and then carefully remove them from the pan.
4. Add a small amount of marshmallow cream on top of each tart and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.

If you are feeling fancy, you can use a torch to toast the top of the marshmallow cream. This creates an easy and mess-free s’more treat. Enjoy!

Fill your tart with the cream cheese filling, vanilla pudding, or this yummy custard.  Top with your favorite fruits! I personally like a variety to add color. 

You could also make your tarts in a regular muffin tin to make them larger for this recipe.

You can add a dollop of any pudding flavor you would like.  Add a slice of banana and some vanilla pudding. Boom.  Now you have a mini banana cream pie! 

Feeling chocolate? Help your kids mix up some chocolate pudding and add a dollop to your tart.

Any pie filling would be delicious filling these tarts! I personally love lemon and lime pies! This creamy lemon pie filling would make these tarts taste like sunshine! 

These are easy desserts to make and a perfect one to make with the kids! Let them mix, dump, and fill. Kids of all ages will enjoy helping make this treat!