Rose Cheesecake Tart

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rose Cheesecake Tart brings together the rich and smooth cream cheese filling with the refreshing, vibrant flavors of mangoes and plums. The shortbread crust adds a buttery crunch that complements the creamy filling perfectly. The fruit topping is arranged in a beautiful, rose-like pattern, giving this tart a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for special occasions. With its balanced sweetness and tanginess, it’s a dessert that everyone will love!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• 9 ounces shortbread cookies
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 1 (¼-ounce) package unflavored gelatin
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the rose topping:

• 3 medium firm-ripe mangoes
• 2 red or black plums
• 3 tablespoons honey

Directions

For the crust:

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the shortbread cookies into fine crumbs. Add the kosher salt and melted butter, then pulse until everything is combined.
2. Press into the tart pan: Transfer the mixture into a tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the crust evenly.
3. Bake: Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

For the filling:

1. Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, dissolve the unflavored gelatin in ¼ cup of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and kosher salt, and continue mixing until the filling is smooth and well combined.
3. Incorporate the gelatin: Melt the bloomed gelatin over low heat or in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Stir it into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
4. Chill the filling: Pour the cream cheese filling into the cooled shortbread crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, then refrigerate the tart for at least 4 hours, or until the filling has set completely.

For the rose topping:

1. Prepare the fruit: Peel the mangoes and slice them into thin strips. Cut the plums in half, remove the pit, and slice them into thin wedges.
2. Arrange the fruit: Starting from the outside edge of the tart, arrange the mango slices in a circular pattern, overlapping them slightly to form the outer petals of the “rose.” Continue arranging the plums in the center, making smaller circles as you move inward to mimic the shape of a rose.
3. Drizzle with honey: Once the fruit is arranged, drizzle the 3 tablespoons of honey evenly over the fruit to give it a glossy finish and enhance the sweetness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Chill time: 4 hours (minimum)
• Total time: 4.5 hours (including chilling)

Storage/Reheating

Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit topping may start to soften over time, so it’s best to serve the tart within a day or two of making it. Do not freeze the tart, as the texture of the filling and fruit will change upon thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fruit for the topping?

Yes! You can use other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just be sure to cut them into thin slices to maintain the “rose” pattern.

2. Can I make this tart without gelatin?

Gelatin helps the filling set, but if you prefer a vegetarian alternative, you can use agar-agar as a substitute. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct ratio.

3. Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the crust a day in advance. Just store it in the tart pan at room temperature or cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it.

4. Can I use a different crust?

If you prefer a different flavor, you can use a graham cracker crust or a nut-based crust. Just be sure to adjust the baking time according to the type of crust you choose.

5. How do I slice the tart cleanly?

To get clean slices, dip your knife in warm water before cutting each slice, wiping it dry between cuts. This will help prevent the creamy filling from sticking to the knife.

6. Can I use a pre-made shortbread crust?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made shortbread or graham cracker crust. Just be sure to follow the package directions for baking, if necessary.

7. Can I freeze this cheesecake tart?

It’s not recommended to freeze the whole tart, as the texture of the fruit and filling may change when thawed. However, you can freeze the crust and filling separately and assemble the tart after thawing.

8. Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese or sour cream, but the texture may be slightly less rich than with the full-fat versions.

9. Can I skip the orange zest?

Yes, the orange zest adds a nice citrus flavor to the filling, but you can omit it if you prefer a simpler flavor. You can also try substituting it with lemon zest or vanilla extract.

10. How can I make the tart more stable for transport?

To make it easier to transport, ensure that the tart is fully chilled and set before moving it. You can also use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easier removal.

Conclusion

This Rose Cheesecake Tart is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines a rich cream cheese filling, a buttery shortbread crust, and a stunning fruit topping. The combination of mangoes and plums arranged in a rose pattern creates an elegant presentation, while the tangy cheesecake filling balances out the sweetness of the fruit. Perfect for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this tart is a showstopper that’s sure to leave everyone impressed. Enjoy!

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