Tokyo’s Famous Molten Cheese Tarts are a delightful treat that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. With their buttery, crumbly tart shells and irresistibly creamy, molten cheese filling, these tarts offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Inspired by the iconic Japanese pastry shops, this recipe allows you to recreate the magic of these luxurious tarts in your own kitchen. Whether served warm with a molten center or chilled for a firmer texture, these tarts are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
For the Tart Shell:
- 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 50g (1.75 oz) powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 200g (7 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch of salt
For the Cheese Filling:
- 150g (5 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 100g (3.5 oz) mascarpone cheese
- 50g (1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- 100ml (3.5 fl oz) heavy cream
- 50g (1.75 oz) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tart Shells
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
- Add the egg yolk and mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough and cut circles to fit tart molds.
- Press the dough into the tart molds and trim the edges. Poke holes in the base with a fork.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Let them cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the heavy cream, egg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag for easy filling.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Pipe the cheese filling into the baked tart shells, filling them to the brim.
- Place the filled tarts on a baking tray and bake for 10–12 minutes until the tops are slightly golden and molten.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the tarts cool for 10 minutes before serving. They can be served warm for a molten center or chilled for a firmer texture.
- Enjoy Tokyo’s famous molten cheese tarts with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the tart dough helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for good-quality cream cheese and Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the tarts while baking to retain the creamy, molten center.
- Reheat for Gooeyness: If serving later, warm the tarts in an oven at 150°C (300°F) for a few minutes to regain the molten texture.
- Customize Flavors: Add a touch of lemon zest or a drizzle of honey for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Tokyo’s Molten Cheese Tarts are more than just a dessert—they are an experience of indulgence and sophistication. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can master this recipe and bring a piece of Tokyo’s culinary artistry to your home. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a solo treat, these tarts will leave a lasting impression on everyone who tastes them. So go ahead and bake these dreamy tarts, and let their creamy, cheesy goodness brighten your day.