Skip to Content

Cherry Cheesecake Tarts With Vanilla Wafers

Looking for a dessert that will make your mouth water? Look no further than these cherry cheesecake tarts! These tarts are made with vanilla wafers and cherry pie filling, and they are absolutely delicious. This recipe is perfect for parties or special occasions, and it is sure to impress your guests. If you are looking for a tasty dessert that is easy to make, then this recipe is for you!

What is a cheesecake?

Cheesecake is a type of cake that is made with cream cheese and eggs. It is typically baked in a pie crust, and it can be mixed or topped with various flavors such as cherry or blueberry. Cheesecake is often served as a dessert, but it can also be eaten as a snack or breakfast food. Some people even like to eat cheesecake for dinner!

What is the difference between a pie and a tart?

A tart is often described as a pie without a top crust, but there is a difference between tart crusts and pie crusts. The classic tart crust has a mouthfeel more like shortbread, and it’s got a little sweetness to it. Pie crust is more buttery with a flakier texture.

Is a cheesecake a tart?

Classifying cheesecake is a long-standing debate in the baking world. It has cake in the name, but it’s not a cake. It uses eggs for leavening like a torte, and it sits on a cookie-crumb textured crust like a tart. There’s one thing everyone does agree on – cheesecakes are delicious!

More about cherries

The cherry is a type of fruit that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a small, dark red fruit that is filled with seeds. Cherries are often eaten fresh, but they can also be used for cooking.

The history of the cherry tree is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Central Asia or China. Cherries were first introduced to Europe by the Roman Empire, and they were later introduced to North America by colonists in the 1600s.

two cherries joined at the stem

The cherry tree is a deciduous tree that grows to a height of about 25 feet. It has small leaves and white flowers that bloom in the spring. The cherry tree typically produces fruit from June to August, so this is the best time to get them from your local farmers market!

Cherries are often used in pies and tarts, and they can also be used in smoothies and other drinks. They are also used in various dishes such as chicken dishes, salmon dishes, and pork dishes. We even have a delicious dark cherry compote recipe! Cherries are a versatile fruit that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Fun Facts About Nilla Wafers

Nilla wafers were first created by the National Biscuit Company, which was later renamed Nabisco. The company was founded in 1898, and it was one of the largest food companies in the United States. Nabisco was known for making a variety of biscuits and cookies, including Oreos and Chips Ahoy!

Nilla wafers were first marketed as a vanilla-flavored alternative to traditional biscuits. They became popular very quickly, and they are now one of the most popular biscuit brands in the world.

Ingredients

  • 2 – 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 box Nilla wafers
  • 1 – 21 oz. can cherry pie filling
cherry cheesecake tarts with vanilla wafers ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. 
  2. Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer until fluffy.
  3. Add sugar and vanilla, beat until well mixed.
  4. In a small bowl, beat the two eggs.
  5. Slowly pour the beaten eggs while mixing, continuing until creamy and beaten well.
  6. Line a cupcake pan with paper cupcake liners.
  7. Place a vanilla wafer flat side down into each cup. 
  8. Fill each liner ¾ full with the cream cheese mixture.
  9. Bake for 22 minutes, until set.
  10. Let cool to room temperature.
  11. Spoon pie filling on top and serve.
cream cheese in a bowl
Begin with the cheesecake in a bowl
fluffed cream cheese
Make it fluffy by beating with a hand mixer
fluffed cream cheese in a bowl with sugar and vanilla
Add the sugar and vanilla
cheesecake mix with egg
Add the first egg and beat well.
creamy cheesecake mixture with second egg
Notice how light and creamy it gets as you add each ingredient!
vanilla wafers in cupcake liners for cherry cheesecake tarts with vanilla wafers
Vanilla wafers go flat side down!
cheesecake mixture in red cupcake liners
3/4 full is justright to leave room for the topping!
baked filling cherry cheesecake tarts with vanilla wafers

Cooking Tips

Cheesecake will puff up while baking and then shrink to form a concave surface that holds the pie filling.

cherry cheesecake tarts with vanilla wafers on a wooden tray
Add the cherry pie filling on top!

Serving

Garnish with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or a chocolate drizzle.

Pairs with:

  • Black or orange muscat
  • Riesling
  • Fruit-flavored beer
  • Coffee

Storage Instructions

Keep refrigerated up to three days in an airtight container. Lasts up to three months in the freezer.

You May Also Like These Cheesecake Tarts With Vanilla Wafers

More recipes with vanilla wafers

Enjoy!

Bragging Rights

We would love to see what you did with this recipe!

Comment below or share your photo @flavorportal / #flavorportal

closeup individual cherry cheesecake tart next to fresh cherries on a plate

Cherry Cheesecake Tarts With Vanilla Wafers

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 - 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 box Nilla wafers
  • 1 - 21 oz. can cherry pie filling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. 
  2. Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer until fluffy.
  3. Add sugar and vanilla, beat until well mixed.
  4. In a small bowl, beat the two eggs.
  5. Slowly pour the beaten eggs while mixing, continuing until creamy and beaten well.
  6. Line a cupcake pan with paper cupcake liners.
  7. Place a vanilla wafer flat side down into each cup. 
  8. Fill each liner ¾ full with the cream cheese mixture.
  9. Bake for 22 minutes, until set.
  10. Let cool to room temperature.
  11. Spoon pie filling on top and serve.
Skip to Recipe