Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets Recipe

If there were ever a dessert that checks all the boxes for cozy flavors, individual charm, and serious crowd-pleasing potential, it’s Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets. Imagine silky pumpkin filling swirled with cream cheese and fragrant spices, all tucked inside perfectly crisp mini tart shells—then finished with a swirl of whipped cream and a hit of nutty crunch. These little treats are endlessly inviting, whether you’re watching the leaves fall or need a whimsical party bite that will dazzle your friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make these Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets, but every ingredient truly matters. Each brings its own magic—whether it’s richness, sweetness, spice, or texture—to guarantee your tartlets are as deliciously memorable as they are good-looking.

• Pie Dough: Keeps things simple but delicious—a flaky foundation for the creamy filling! You can use a store-bought sheet or a homemade favorite.
• Egg: Brushed over the pastry before baking, it’s the secret to a golden, shiny tart shell.
• Cream Cheese: Brings the filling its signature tang and luscious texture, so be sure to let it soften first.
• Pumpkin Purée: Adds pure autumn flavor, moisture, and beautiful orange color—use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix.
• Brown Sugar: Offers up rich, molasses-y sweetness that beautifully complements the spices and pumpkin.
• Maple Syrup: Just a touch gives nuanced sweetness and a whisper of cozy maple flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is what makes these tartlets unmistakably “pumpkin spice.”
• Cinnamon: An extra boost of warmth, layering even more autumn goodness into every bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the filling with soft, sweet aroma—don’t skip it!
• Whipped Cream: The crowning touch for each tartlet, adding lightness and drama.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg Sprinkle: For an extra pop of spice and color on top.
• Crushed Pecans (optional): This finishing addition brings crunch and a nutty depth, making every tartlet extra special.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells

Let’s start with the base for our Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets! Roll out your pie dough and use a round cutter to make circles that’ll fit neatly into mini muffin or tart pans. Gently press each one in, then brush the surface with a bit of beaten egg—that’s how you get that irresistible golden glow once they’re baked. After a quick stint in a hot oven, you’ll have the perfect crispy, flaky home for our luscious filling. Let them cool completely before moving on (trust me, it’s worth the wait).

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Pumpkin Filling

Time to bring all the autumn warmth front and center. Grab a mixing bowl and beat together your cream cheese (softened is key!), pumpkin purée, brown sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. You want everything super smooth, creamy, and fully blended so that every scoop is bursting with flavor. The filling should be light and fluffy by the end, ready to pile into your tart shells.

Step 3: Fill the Tart Shells

Once those shells are cool, fill them generously with your pumpkin spice cream cheese mixture. You can spoon the filling in for a rustic look or pipe it in for pretty swirls—whatever makes you happy. Either way, get ready for the aroma of pumpkin spice to make your kitchen feel like autumn bliss.

Step 4: Decorate with Toppings

No tartlet is complete without a little festive flair! Add a cloud of whipped cream atop each Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlet, then dust with cinnamon or nutmeg for extra coziness. If you love a bit of crunch, don’t forget the crushed pecans. Every topping is like a tiny celebration perched atop your tartlets.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate your finished tartlets for at least one hour before serving. This helps the filling set to the perfect, creamy consistency and lets all the flavors meld. They’ll be easy to lift from the pans and even easier to devour!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets

Garnishes

A swirl of whipped cream always feels right, but why stop there? For a picture-perfect finish, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a snow of freshly grated nutmeg, and maybe a few crushed pecans on top of each Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlet. The combination delivers not only color and crunch but also extra layers of flavor that make these tartlets unforgettable.

Side Dishes

These Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets love good company! Pair them with fresh apple slices, a bowl of juicy berries, or an autumn-inspired fruit salad for a light, refreshing counterpoint. For a cozier vibe, serve alongside mugs of spiced chai or hot apple cider—your guests will swoon.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the usual dessert tray: arrange your tartlets on rustic wood boards, nestle each in a cupcake wrapper for easy grabbing, or set them on a pretty cake stand surrounded by edible flowers. At a holiday party, try serving them “tasting style” with mini forks, or offer a DIY toppings bar so guests can customize their own Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets. The possibilities for fun presentation are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets? Simply cover them tightly and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days, making them perfect for prepping ahead or sneaking as a midnight snack. Keep toppings like whipped cream and nuts separate until just before serving so everything stays fresh.

Freezing

Want to stash some autumn joy away for later? You can freeze the filled tartlets (without toppings) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once firm. Freeze for up to 2 months—for best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before topping and serving.

Reheating

These tartlets are best enjoyed chilled, but if you love your pies a touch warm, you can take the chill off by letting them rest at room temp for 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving once topped—they’ll lose their delicate structure and that cloud-like whipped cream. Serve and enjoy straight from the fridge for the dreamiest texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pie dough can elevate your Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets even more. Just roll it out as directed and proceed with the recipe—bonus points for that extra love and buttery flavor.

What if I don’t have mini tart pans?

No worries at all. A mini muffin tin works perfectly for shaping the tart shells, and the results are just as adorable (and delicious). Just make sure to grease the cups well so they release easily.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the pie dough for your favorite gluten-free pastry dough or even use gluten-free cookie crusts. The filling is already naturally gluten-free, so everyone can get in on the pumpkin spice magic.

Can I prepare them in advance for parties?

Yes, these Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets are perfect for making ahead. You can prep the tart shells and filling a day or two before, assemble the day of your event, and add toppings just before serving for ultimate freshness.

What other toppings work well?

Try caramel drizzle, candied ginger, shaved chocolate, or even a little orange zest to change up the flavor profile. The base is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorite toppings!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a little seasonal sparkle to your dessert table, Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Tartlets are the answer. They’re beguilingly easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to win over anyone who loves the flavors of fall. Give them a go and watch these little beauties disappear!

Print