Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 250g all-purpose flour
• 50g icing sugar
• 125g cold butter, cubed
• 1 medium egg

For the Filling:

• 250g cream cheese
• 50ml whipping cream
• 30g butter, melted
• 75g caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 100g yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and icing sugar. Stir them together until well blended.
2. Add the Butter:
   Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This creates the crumbly texture needed for the base.
3. Add the Egg:
   Crack the egg into the bowl and mix it into the dough using your hands or a spatula. Continue mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water, but be careful not to add too much.
4. Chill the Dough:
   Roll the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it to firm up, making it easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring it’s fully heated before placing the tart crust inside.
2. Roll the Dough:
   Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 3-4 mm thickness. Carefully press the dough into a tart tin, trimming off any excess edges.
3. Blind Bake the Crust:
   Poke the base of the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking. To blind bake, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with baking weights or dried beans. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Cool the Crust:
   Remove the crust from the oven and set it aside to cool completely. This ensures that the cream cheese filling doesn’t get too runny when poured into the crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Cream Cheese:
   In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer or a whisk until smooth and free of lumps.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   To the cream cheese, add the whipping cream, melted butter, caster sugar, and cornstarch. Continue to beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Incorporate the Flavorings:
   Stir in the yogurt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. The yogurt adds a lovely tang, while the lemon juice enhances the overall flavor profile with a fresh, citrusy note. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Tart

1. Pour the Filling into the Crust:
   Once the crust has cooled completely, pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared tart shell. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer of filling.
2. Bake the Tart:
   Place the tart in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling sets and slightly jiggles in the center. You want the tart to firm up without overbaking, so be careful not to let it crack.
3. Cool and Chill:
   Once the tart is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to fully set and develop its creamy texture.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy:
   After the tart has chilled and set, slice it into wedges and serve. Enjoy the creamy, smooth filling paired with the crisp, buttery crust. This cheesecake tart is delightful on its own, or you can garnish it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of fruit sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (including cooling and chilling)

Servings: 8-10 slices

Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per slice (depending on size)

Why This Recipe is Timeless

The Creamy Cheesecake Tart is a timeless recipe for several reasons. First, it combines two beloved elements: the rich, velvety texture of cream cheese and the delicate, crumbly texture of a perfectly baked tart crust. Cheesecake has been a favorite dessert for centuries, loved for its smooth texture and its ability to be flavored in countless ways, but when combined with the crispness of a tart shell, it takes the traditional dessert to a whole new level.

Moreover, this recipe’s versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties. It also lends itself to customization—whether you choose to top it with fresh fruit, drizzling it with caramel, or simply enjoying it plain, the tart provides a perfect base for a variety of flavor combinations.

The balance of textures is another reason why this recipe remains timeless. The crisp, buttery crust provides the perfect contrast to the smooth, creamy filling, making every bite a delightful experience. Additionally, the subtle flavor of vanilla and lemon juice in the filling is not overpowering but adds just the right amount of zest and freshness.

Finally, this cheesecake tart is a relatively easy dessert to prepare. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create a decadent dessert without much fuss, making it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Sugar: 20 g

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheesecake tart ahead of time?
Yes, this tart can be made up to 2 days in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator after it has cooled and set. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, making it even more delicious!

2. Can I use a store-bought crust?
If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use a store-bought tart crust. Just be sure to blind bake it as instructed in the recipe to ensure it stays crisp under the filling.

3. Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Absolutely! You can customize the filling by adding fruit purees (like raspberry or mango), spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg), or even chocolate. Just make sure any added liquid is accounted for to maintain the right consistency.

4. Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, this cheesecake tart can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesecake Tart

1. Chill the Dough Well:
   Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps it retain its shape and prevents shrinking during baking. Don’t skip this step!
2. Don’t Overbake:
   When baking the filling, keep an eye on the tart to ensure it doesn’t overbake. It should set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
3. Add a Topping for Extra Flair:
   Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of fruit syrup make excellent toppings for this tart and can elevate its presentation.
4. Serve Chilled:
   For the best texture and flavor, serve the tart