Lemon Cheese Tart Recipe

My mom loved anything lemon. When I came across this lemon cheese tart recipe she had already passed away but I know she would have loved these. Lately, I have found myself craving lemon.  I don’t know why but I hope it ends soon.  If not I will be as big as a house:) because I have been making this lemon cheese tart recipe at least once a week.  They will satisfy my lemon craving for about that long.

I’m telling on myself but when I heard the word “Cheese Tart” visions of cheddar cheese dumped into a pastry flashed through my mind.  I thought no way.  It didn’t sound good to me.  But I forgot that cream cheese is cheese and I love cheesecake. Pretty cheesy, right?:)

I usually associate lemon with spring or summer.  I guess the bright yellow reminds me of spring and the tart refreshing taste reminds me of summer.  How about you?

But…..I did make this lemon cheese tart recipe for our family Thanksgiving dinner. My son-in-law also happens to like lemon and I wanted to make something different, rather than the usual pumpkin pie. ( we did have that too!)

 

What Is A Tart And How Is It Different Than A Pie?

A tart is a baked dish consisting of a filling over a pastry base with an open top, not covered with pastry. Wikipedia

A tart has a pastry bottom that is firm, has straight sides, and a thick filling with no pastry on top. Where a pie, on the other hand, has a softer pastry bottom with the sides sloped, a looser filling, and pastry on top. A tart is free-standing, where a pie is contained in a pie plate.

 

The Crust

I have trouble making homemade crust, and I am all for easy.  There is nothing wrong with that, in my book. You can go the easy way and still make something taste spectacular.

I use a premade roll-up pie crust, but I will include the crust recipe. I made the crust, but I have to tell you the truth.  I preferred the premade crust. But that’s just me. You may prefer this crust recipe. It’s all in the taste.

Crust Recipe For Lemon Cheese Tart Recipe

• 2 1/2 cups pastry flour
• 1 cup shortening
• 8 oz cream cheese
• pinch of salt

Mix like a pie dough. Roll out and cut with a 3-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter and place in a regular-size muffin/cupcake pan.

 

Pre-made Pie Crust For Lemon Cheese Tart Recipe

I let the premade roll-up pie crust sit on the counter for about 10 min.  It is easier to unroll this way.  After unrolling, I use a rolling pin and roll it a few times to make it just a little thinner. This step is optional. I find that I prefer a little thinner crust.  Cut with a 3-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter. Then, place it in your regular-size cupcake/muffin pan.

With the extra pieces of dough, just re-roll and cut. I got 8 altogether. You will need 2 to 3 premade roll-up crusts, depending on how thin/thick you roll them out. Just make sure you don’t roll them out too thin. If you choose not to roll the crust at all, you may need 3-4.

 

Filling For Lemon Cheese Tart Recipe

• 16 oz cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar(confectioners sugar)
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Mix all ingredients until smooth. I mix mine in a stand mixer.  Makes it so much easier.

You will also need a can of lemon pie filling*

Put a teaspoon of the lemon pie filling in the tart then add the cream cheese filling on top. (about a tablespoon) Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until golden brown. (About 35 minutes)

*I have used a package of lemon pudding/pie filling.

This one is great!

 

Final Thoughts on The Lemon Cheese Tart Recipe

Don’t really care for lemon?  I’ve got good news! You can substitute the lemon pie filling with any pie filling of your choice. Cherry or even strawberry would be great.  I did try blueberry pie filling(another favorite) but I didn’t like the way they turned out. But I will try it again:)

This lemon cheese tart recipe would be great to take to get-togethers. No need for silverware or even a plate. Just grab and go. Which makes it pretty handy with kids. It seems they are always on the go.

They are easy to make, which is great. When the craving for lemon hits, I can have them made in about an hour.

I hope that you enjoyed this lemon cheese tart recipe and that you give it a try. Please leave me a comment below.

And As Always

Keep On Baking!

Taianne

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