🥧 Mini Pumpkin Cheese Tarts – Bite‑Size Sweet Appetizer for Thanksgiving
Delight your guests with these mini pumpkin cheese tarts, the perfect combination of creamy cheese filling, warm pumpkin spice, and buttery tart shell. These bite-size treats are ideal for a sweet appetizer, offering a perfect balance of flavors that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. The addition of a dusting of cinnamon and a drizzle of caramel adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, making them a must-have for your Thanksgiving gathering. Save this pin for a festive, easy-to-make sweet starter that will leave your guests in awe!
Ingredients
- 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- Cinnamon for dusting
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out small squares, about 3 inches per side.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Step 4: Add the pumpkin puree to the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth.
- Step 5: Spoon a small amount of the pumpkin cheese mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Step 6: Fold the other half of the pastry square over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
- Step 7: Brush the tops of the tarts with the beaten egg and cut a small slash in the top of each tart to allow steam to escape.
- Step 8: Place the tarts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 9: Allow the tarts to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. Dust with cinnamon and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick and Easy
This recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and easy sweet appetizer.
💰 Affordable
The ingredients for this recipe are affordable and easily accessible, making it a great option for a budget-friendly sweet appetizer.
👥 Perfect for Crowds
These mini pumpkin cheese tarts are perfect for serving to a crowd, as they are easy to make in large quantities and can be customized with different toppings.
🌟 Delicious and Festive
The combination of creamy cheese filling, warm pumpkin spice, and buttery tart shell makes these tarts a delicious and festive addition to any gathering.
Recipe Card
Mini Pumpkin Cheese Tarts Recipe
Sweet and savory, these bite-size tarts are perfect for a Thanksgiving appetizer.
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- - 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- - 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- - 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- - 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- - 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- - 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree
- - 1 large egg, beaten
- - 1 tablespoon of milk
- - Cinnamon for dusting
- - Caramel sauce for drizzling
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
💡 Make sure to leave enough space between each tart to allow for even cooking.
Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out small squares, about 3 inches per side.
💡 Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the squares.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
💡 Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Ingredient Notes
Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is a critical ingredient in this recipe, providing a buttery and flaky crust for the tarts. Make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions.
Substitutions: You can use homemade puff pastry or substitute with a similar frozen pastry dough.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds a tangy and creamy texture to the filling. Soften it to room temperature before using.
Substitutions: You can use neufchâtel or mascarpone cheese as a substitute.
Pro Tips
📝 Tip 1: Use Fresh Ingredients
Make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the pumpkin puree and cream cheese.
📊 Tip 2: Measure Accurately
Accurately measure the ingredients to ensure the filling is smooth and the pastry is flaky.
🕒 Tip 3: Plan Ahead
Plan ahead and prepare the ingredients in advance to save time during the assembly process.
💡 Tip 4: Get Creative
Get creative with the toppings and fillings to make the tarts unique and personalized.
Variations and Customizations
Mini Chocolate Tarts
Replace the pumpkin puree with melted chocolate and add some chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Mini Fruit Tarts
Replace the pumpkin puree with a mixture of fresh berries and add some honey for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus
- Mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette
- Soup, such as creamy tomato or butternut squash
🍹 Drink Pairings:
Apple cider, sparkling wine, or a dry martini
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the filling and pastry in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerator Storage
Store the assembled tarts in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Freezer Storage
Store the assembled tarts in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat the tarts in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warm and flaky.
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
Q: The pastry is too flaky and falls apart.
A: Make sure to thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions and handle it gently to avoid breaking.
Q: The filling is too runny.
A: Add a little more cream cheese or reduce the amount of pumpkin puree to achieve the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
These mini pumpkin cheese tarts are a delicious and easy-to-make sweet appetizer perfect for your next gathering. With their flaky pastry crust, creamy cheese filling, and warm pumpkin spice, they are sure to impress your guests. Save this pin for a festive and easy-to-make sweet starter that will become a new favorite!
Happy baking and enjoy your mini pumpkin cheese tarts!
