I’ve been fairly quiet around here lately (like, the last 7 months or so), but for good reason.
I’m pregnant! 37 weeks to be exact, with baby set to arrive end of June (or any day now according to the doctor).
The first trimester was plagued with nausea, fatigue and too many food aversions to mention. The second trimester saw a craving for mandarin oranges, all things citrus, and all the carbs (hello wagon wheel pasta)! The third trimester started off promising – I liked food again! Then came the nausea (again), and the backaches, and standing around in the kitchen really lost it’s appeal. I’ve been leaning heavily on bagged salads (seriously cannot get enough salad these days) and other quick, easy meals.
I always pictured pregnancy to be full of cravings. For me, for the most part, it was the complete opposite. I didn’t want to eat most foods, and definitely did not want to handle raw meat, especially chicken. Citrus, however, was something I was devouring like never before. Around Christmas, I went through several boxes of mandarin oranges on my own, and had a serious hankering for anything sour. This citrus craving had me reminiscing about a recipe for lemon tarts made with cream cheese my Nana used to make when we were kids. I knew I had the recipe somewhere, but could never find it.
Then, while we were clearing out our office to make room for the nursery, I was flipping through some old cookbooks and out fell a yellowed piece of notebook paper. To my absolute surprise, it was my Nana’s recipe for lemon tarts! The recipe is basic, and I had everything on hand other than tart shells, so I made a point to pick some up on my next grocery run so I could make a batch.
Oh man, these tarts are just as I remember them! The tender, flaky tart shells (store-bought, because I ain’t got time for homemade these days), and a lemony filling that’s like a super soft cheesecake. So. Darn. Good. I jazzed them up with a little extra lemon and some fresh fruit garnish for good measure. Plus, some cute white sprinkles, because….sprinkles!
These little devils worked wonders to feed my nostalgic citrus craving, and I can’t wait to make a batch with my little kiddo once she’s old enough!
Nana’s Lemon Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 150 ml sweetened condensed milk*
- 2 ½ tbsp lemon juice**
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 18 mini tart shells
- Fresh blueberries and strawberries for garnish optional
Instructions
- Blind bake the tart shells according to packaged directions and set aside to cool. We have to blind bake the shells becuase the filling does not need to be baked.
- Whisk together cream cheese, condensed milk, lemon juice and vanilla until smooth.
- Fill tart shells with the lemon filling and top with fresh fruit.
- Chill for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken up.
Nutritional calculation was provided by WP Recipe Maker and is an estimation only. For special diets or medical issues please use your preferred calculator
Notes
Citrus was high on my cravings list too, except for me it was pineapple. Could not get enough pineapple, pineapple for days! In fact, I was that crazy 8 month pregnant lady on the subway who always had at least three pineapples in her shopping bag. I love how easy this recipe looks and I think it would be perfect for a spring or summer baby shower. Enjoy the last few weeks, you’ll get to meet her soon. 😉
One of my baby apps reminded me that she’s 2 weeks and 6 days away from arriving, which is exciting and terrifying at the same time.
Aw, this post made me smile so much! I’m glad you’re doing well and finding the time to cook. I craved a lot of sour too, with one of my kids and then major spice and peppers after they were born. So weird. I can’t wait for baby H and I’m so excited for you!
Thanks Bernice, we can’t wait to meet her!
Congrats on the baby girl! She’ll love making these cute little tarts with you. Plus a recipe from grandma is always the best!
I’m a big citrus fan myself and lemon has to be my all-time favorite. I hear these tarts from Georgia calling my name. As soon as I pick up some tart shells these will be in my mouth. 🙂
I love anything with lemon and cream cheese and these tarts were absolutely spectacular! I enjoyed every single bit, they were so easy to make as well!
These little tarts are beautiful! I love how you shared the handwritten recipe! Those are my favorite!
Love this! Old tried and true recipes from our relatives are always the best! Especially when we find them completely by accident like that!
Cream cheese tarts are some of my absolute favourite desserts ever. Every time I see them being sold, I will most likely be buying them!! This looks so perfect, I am definitely going to be giving this a go this weekend. Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Congratulation, best wishes and prayers to you on the arrival of your bundle of joy! The magnificent lemon tarts were such a delightful treat! A recipe from grandma is the best! 🙂
These look so delicate and delicious! Nothing tops a lemon tart for summer…these creamy gems are my favorite. Thank you for the beautiful recipe!
I didn’t know something so cute and delicious could be so simple to make! My whole family loved them, thank you! 🙂
Oh yeah!!! Congratulations on the baby girl! These lemon tarts are a perfectly delicious way to celebrate! I LOVE the handwritten recipe. So precious! Thank you so much for sharing!