Amish Cheese and Cranberry Tartlets

Amish Cheese and Cranberry Tartlets

A festive and unique dessert that pairs the creamy tanginess of Amish cheese with the sweetness of cranberries.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: Makes 12 tartlets

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup shredded Amish sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)

For the Tartlet Shells:

• 12 pre-made mini tart shells or phyllo cups (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cranberries
• Mint leaves
• A drizzle of honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking your tart shells. (Skip if using pre-baked shells.)

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
   • Fold in the shredded Amish sharp cheddar cheese and vanilla extract. Mix well.

3. Fill the Tart Shells:

   • Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture into each tart shell, filling about 3/4 of the way.

4. Add Cranberry Sauce:

   • Top each tartlet with a dollop of cranberry sauce (about 1 teaspoon).

5. Bake (Optional):

   • If the tart shells need to be baked, place the filled tartlets on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the shells are golden and the cheese filling is slightly set.

6. Cool and Garnish:

   • Let the tartlets cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cranberries, a drizzle of honey, or a small mint leaf for a festive touch.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • These tartlets are best served slightly warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Substitute cranberry sauce with apricot jam or raspberry preserves for a different flavor twist.
• Make ahead: The filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.