Pomegranate Cream Cheese Tartlets
When it comes to holiday entertaining, few recipes balance simplicity and elegance as perfectly as Pomegranate Cream Cheese Tartlets. These bite-sized treats are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them ideal for everything from cozy family gatherings to glamorous holiday parties.
With their flaky, golden pastry base, luscious cream cheese filling, and sparkling ruby-red pomegranate seeds, these tartlets are a celebration of color, texture, and flavor. Each bite is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet, with bursts of freshness from the fruit.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile — equally at home as a savory appetizer with herbs and spices, or as a lightly sweetened dessert option. That adaptability makes it a must-have in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless but impressive – Uses simple ingredients yet looks stunning.
- Perfect holiday aesthetic – The red pomegranate seeds on white cream cheese against golden pastry practically scream festive.
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble components ahead of time and put them together just before serving.
- Balanced flavor – Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy all in one bite.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed) or 12 mini tart shells
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional for sweeter version)
- 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate arils
- 1 tbsp chopped pistachios (optional garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If using puff pastry, cut into 12 small rounds and press into a mini muffin tin to form shells.
- Bake pastry shells for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add honey, vanilla, and powdered sugar (if using). Mix until fluffy.
- Spoon or pipe cream cheese mixture into cooled tart shells.
- Top each tartlet with pomegranate seeds.
- Garnish with pistachios and mint leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.
Tips for Success
- Chill before serving: Refrigerating the tartlets for 15 minutes helps the cream cheese filling firm up, making them easier to handle.
- Don’t overload with seeds: A small spoonful of pomegranate arils per tartlet looks elegant and prevents spilling.
- Flavor variations: Swap honey for maple syrup, add cinnamon to the filling, or try mascarpone instead of cream cheese.
Pomegranate Cream Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If using puff pastry, cut into 12 small rounds and press into a mini muffin tin to form shells.
- Bake pastry shells for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add honey, vanilla, and powdered sugar (if using). Mix until fluffy.
- Spoon or pipe cream cheese mixture into cooled tart shells.
- Top each tartlet with pomegranate seeds.
- Garnish with pistachios and mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately, or refrigerate up to 4 hours.
Notes
Variations to Try
- Savory Spin: Mix cream cheese with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, then top with pomegranate.
- Nutty Crunch: Add candied pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a dessert version, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the tartlets.
Serving Ideas
- Serve on a white platter with extra pomegranate seeds scattered for a festive effect.
- Pair with sparkling wine, champagne, or a festive holiday punch.
- Include them on a charcuterie board as a sweet-salty accent.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Storage: Store assembled tartlets in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Make-ahead: Prepare pastry shells and cream cheese filling separately a day in advance; assemble just before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Pomegranate Cream Cheese Tartlets are more than just appetizers — they’re a statement piece for your holiday table. With minimal effort, you’ll have guests thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. Their jewel-like appearance, creamy texture, and festive colors make them a recipe you’ll come back to year after year.
