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Strawberry Cheesecake Tarts With Vanilla Wafers

Looking for an easy dessert that will wow your guests? These strawberry cheesecake tarts are sure to do the trick! Made with delicious vanilla wafers and creamy cheesecake filling, these tarts are simple to make and absolutely irresistible. Serve them at your next party or gathering and watch them disappear in no time!

strawberry cheesecake tarts with vanilla wafers on a wooden platter

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 strawberries

The history of strawberries is a rich and textured one, dating back to ancient Rome. The Romans originally used the strawberry as a medicine, but they eventually discovered that the fruit could be eaten and enjoyed.

three fresh ripe strawberries and one green strawberry hanging from a strawberry plant

Today, strawberries are a popular ingredient in many dishes, both sweet and savory. They are used in everything from ice cream to salads, and their sweet flavor and juicy texture make them a favorite among diners of all ages. We have curated over a hundred recipes for fresh strawberries!

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 strawberry pie filling
strawberry 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 strawberry cheesecake tarts with vanilla wafers
Vanilla wafers go flat side down.
strawberry cheesecake tarts with vanilla wafers mixture in cups
3/4 full is justright to leave room for the topping!
baked strawberry cheesecake tarts with vanilla wafers
The curved surface holds the pie filling!

Cooking Tips

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

strawberry cheesecake tarts with vanilla wafers on a wooden platter
Add the pie filling on top and they are ready to eat!

Serving

Garnish with whipped cream and a slice of fresh strawberry, a mint leaf 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.

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Enjoy!

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closeup of strawberry cheesecake tart with vanilla wafer on a plate with fresh strawberries

Strawberry Cheesecake Tarts With Vanilla Wafers

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 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 strawberry 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 strawberry pie filling on top and serve.

Notes

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

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