The moment these little tarts come out of the oven, the kitchen fills with a warm buttery aroma mixed with sweet pineapple and savory cheese, and let me tell you, it is impossible not to smile. These tarts are the kind of treat that feels festive without being complicated, playful yet comforting, and perfect for sharing with people you love. Trust me, you’re going to love this from the very first bite.
Why These Tarts Always Steal the Spotlight
There is something irresistible about the balance here, flaky pastry that melts in your mouth, a bright and jammy pineapple center, and a gentle savory note from cheddar that keeps everything interesting. It is the kind of bake that looks impressive on the table but feels friendly and familiar once you taste it.
A Little Story Behind This Beloved Treat
These tarts are especially popular during festive seasons in many Southeast Asian homes, where pineapple symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Adding cheese is a modern twist that has taken this classic in a new direction, blending old traditions with new flavors in the most delicious way possible.
Reasons You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Versatile: These tarts work beautifully for celebrations, afternoon tea, or even as a homemade gift wrapped in a simple box.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and accessible, which means you can make a generous batch without stretching your budget.
Quick and Easy: Once the dough is ready, everything comes together smoothly and bakes in a short time.
Customizable: You can adjust the cheese level or sweetness to suit your personal taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet and savory together always win hearts, especially with kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough and filling can be prepared in advance to save time later.
Great for Leftovers: If any survive, they stay delicious for days when stored properly.
Pro Baker Tips From My Kitchen
A great tart is all about balance, and a few small details make a big difference.
- Chill the dough briefly before shaping to keep the pastry tender.
- Grate the cheddar finely so it melts evenly without overpowering the filling.
- Use a light hand when filling so the tarts bake evenly and stay neat.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Want Ready
Mixing bowl: For bringing the dough together smoothly.
Tart molds or mini muffin tray: To give the tarts their classic shape.
Oven: Preheated properly for even baking and golden results.
Cooling rack: Helps the pastry stay crisp as it cools.
Ingredients You Will Need For These Tarts
These ingredients work together like a little team, each one playing its part to create that perfect bite.
- All-purpose flour: 250 g, forms the base of the tender pastry.
- Unsalted butter: 150 g, cold and cubed, for a rich and flaky texture.
- Powdered sugar: 60 g, adds gentle sweetness to the dough.
- Egg yolk: 1 large, binds the dough and adds richness.
- Pineapple jam: 200 g, thick and smooth, for the sweet filling.
- Cheddar cheese: 100 g, finely grated, brings a savory contrast.
Easy Ingredient Swaps If Needed
All-purpose flour: Can be replaced with a gluten free baking blend if required.
Cheddar cheese: Mild mozzarella works if you prefer a softer flavor.
Pineapple jam: Homemade pineapple filling can be used for a fresher taste.
The Ingredients That Really Make This Shine
Pineapple jam: This is the heart of the tart, sweet, tangy, and sticky in the best way.
Cheddar cheese: It adds depth and keeps the sweetness from becoming too heavy.
Let’s Bake These Together Step by Step
Now let’s dive into the fun part and bring everything together.
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to 170°C and prepare your tart molds or tray.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour until it looks like fine crumbs, then mix in powdered sugar and egg yolk until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease the molds to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Dish: Press small portions of dough into the molds, add a small spoon of pineapple jam, and top with grated cheddar cheese.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 18 minutes until the pastry is lightly golden and the cheese has melted.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let the tarts cool slightly before unmolding.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, both are wonderful.
Texture and Flavor You Can Expect
The first bite gives you a tender, crumbly pastry, followed by the bright sweetness of pineapple, and then a gentle savory finish from the cheese. The contrast is what makes these so addictive, soft yet crisp, sweet yet balanced.
Helpful Tips to Get Perfect Results
- Use cold butter to keep the pastry light.
- Do not overfill the tarts to avoid spillover.
- Let them cool slightly so they hold their shape.
What to Avoid for Best Results
- Overworking the dough, which can make it tough.
- Using watery jam, which can affect baking.
- Baking at too high a temperature, which may brown them too quickly.
Nutrition Facts At a Glance
Servings: 20 tarts
Calories per serving: 120
Note: These values are approximate.
Preparation Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it chilled. Baked tarts store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be frozen and gently reheated in the oven.
Serving Ideas to Make Them Extra Special
Serve these with hot tea or coffee, or arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit for a festive spread.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Crumble leftover tarts over vanilla ice cream or use them as a sweet topping for yogurt.
Extra Tips From Experience
Always taste your jam before using it, a good balance of sweet and tangy makes all the difference.
Make Them Look Bakery-Worthy
Arrange the tarts neatly and let the golden tops shine, sometimes simple presentation is the most beautiful.
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Mix a little cream cheese with the pineapple filling.
- Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra melt.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make these without cheese?
Yes, they will still be delicious, just sweeter.
2. Can I use homemade pineapple filling?
Absolutely, just make sure it is thick.
3. Do these need refrigeration?
Not if consumed within a few days.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap it well and freeze for up to a month.
5. How do I keep them crisp?
Store them in an airtight container once fully cooled.
6. Can kids help make these?
Yes, shaping the dough is fun and easy.
7. What cheese works best?
A mild cheddar gives the best balance.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales up easily.
9. Why did my tarts spread?
The dough may have been too warm.
10. Are these good for gifting?
They are perfect for sharing and gifting.
Conclusion
These tarts are one of those bakes that feel joyful from start to finish. Sweet, savory, and wonderfully comforting, they are worth every bite and every minute spent making them. Let me tell you, once you try them, they will become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Cheddar Cheese Pineapple Tarts
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 20 tarts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery mini tarts filled with sweet pineapple jam and topped with savory melted cheddar cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 250 g
- Unsalted butter: 150 g
- Powdered sugar: 60 g
- Egg yolk: 1 large
- Pineapple jam: 200 g
- Cheddar cheese: 100 g, finely grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170°C and prepare tart molds or a mini muffin tray.
- In a mixing bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Add the powdered sugar and egg yolk, then gently mix until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly grease the molds and press small portions of dough evenly into each mold.
- Spoon a small amount of pineapple jam into the center of each tart.
- Top with finely grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 18 minutes until the pastry is lightly golden and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then unmold and serve.
Notes
- Use thick pineapple jam to prevent overflow during baking.
- Finely grate the cheese for even melting.
- Allow tarts to cool before storing to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg