How to Make Japanese Hokkaido Cheese Tarts

Japanese Hokkaido Cheese Tarts have taken the dessert world by storm with their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, cheesy flavor. Originating from Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, these tarts have become a global sensation, loved for their delicate balance of sweet and savory. In this blog post, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make these delicious treats at home. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, our detailed instructions and tips will help you create perfect Hokkaido Cheese Tarts every time.

What Are Hokkaido Cheese Tarts?

Hokkaido Cheese Tarts are a popular Japanese dessert known for their unique combination of a crunchy tart shell and a soft, creamy cheese filling. The filling is usually made from a blend of cream cheese, mascarpone, and Hokkaido milk, which is renowned for its high quality and rich flavor. These tarts are typically served warm, allowing the cheese filling to remain gooey and luscious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:

• For the tart shell:
  • 150g all-purpose flour
  • 75g unsalted butter (cold and diced)
  • 50g icing sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1-2 tablespoons cold water
• For the cheese filling:
  • 200g cream cheese
  • 50g mascarpone cheese
  • 50g Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 50g caster sugar
  • 20g cornstarch
  • 100ml Hokkaido milk (or whole milk)
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hokkaido Cheese Tarts

1. Preparing the Tart Shell

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. You’ll need all-purpose flour, icing sugar, cold diced butter, an egg yolk, and some cold water. Ensuring that your butter is cold is crucial, as it will help create that flaky texture we all love in a tart shell.

Step 2: Pulse to Perfection

Using a food processor makes this process a breeze. Combine the all-purpose flour and icing sugar in the processor. The icing sugar adds a subtle sweetness and helps achieve a tender crust. Add the cold, diced butter to the mix and pulse until the texture resembles breadcrumbs. The goal here is to evenly distribute the butter without melting it, which helps in achieving a flaky crust.

Step 3: Bringing the Dough Together

Now, add the egg yolk and a splash of cold water. Pulse the mixture again, just until the dough starts to clump together. You don’t want to over-process it, as that can lead to a tough crust. The dough should just start to form, signaling that it’s time to move on to the next step.

Step 4: Knead and Chill

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it briefly, just until it becomes smooth and cohesive. This step is crucial to ensure that your tart shell has the perfect texture. Once you’re satisfied with the dough’s consistency, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making it easier to roll out later.

2. Baking the Tart Shells

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 180°C (350°F). This is crucial as you want your oven to be at the right temperature when your tart shells go in. Next, take your chilled dough out of the fridge. It’s important that the dough is cold because this helps it maintain its shape during baking.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about a 3mm thickness. This thickness ensures a delicate balance between sturdiness and flakiness. Use a circular cutter to create circles that fit perfectly into your tart tins. Don’t worry if the shapes aren’t perfect; the dough is forgiving.

Step 3: Press and Trim

Gently press each dough circle into your tart tins. Make sure the dough is snug against the sides and bottom, and use a knife to trim away any excess. This will help your tarts look neat and uniform once baked.

Step 4: Chill and Prick

Before baking, prick the base of each tart shell with a fork. This step, known as “docking,” prevents the dough from puffing up during baking. Then, place the prepared shells in the fridge for another 15 minutes. This helps the dough retain its shape and prevents shrinkage.

Step 5: Line and Weight

Once chilled, line each tart shell with a piece of parchment paper. Fill the shells with baking weights or dried beans to keep the dough from rising. This is a crucial step in blind baking, which helps achieve an even, flat base.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your tart shells in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the weights and parchment paper. Return the shells to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden hue. This second bake without weights ensures the bottom is fully cooked and crisp.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, let your tart shells cool completely before filling them. This cooling step is vital as it prevents any filling from melting or causing sogginess.

3. Making the Cheese Filling

Step 1: Mixing the Cheeses

Begin by placing the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat these ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well combined. The goal is to eliminate any lumps, ensuring a silky texture in the final product.

Step 2: Incorporating Dry Ingredients

Next, add the caster sugar and cornstarch to the cheese mixture. Continue to mix until these dry ingredients are fully integrated. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling, while the sugar adds the necessary sweetness.

Step 3: Adding Liquids

Slowly pour in the Hokkaido milk, allowing it to blend thoroughly into the mixture. Follow this by adding the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual process helps to maintain a smooth consistency and prevents the mixture from curdling.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This step is essential for adding depth to the flavor profile, making each bite of the tart both aromatic and delicious.

4. Filling and Baking the Tarts

Step 1: Preheat for Perfection

First things first, set your oven to a toasty 220°C (428°F). This temperature is crucial as it helps create the perfect environment for your cheese filling to set properly while maintaining its creamy texture. A well-preheated oven ensures that your tarts cook evenly, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Filling the Tart Shells Like a Pro

Once your tart shells have cooled, it’s time to fill them with the luscious cheese mixture. Spoon the mixture into each shell, being careful to fill them about three-quarters full. This allows for a gentle rise in the filling without spilling over the edges, giving your tarts a clean, professional look.

Step 3: Time to Bake

Place your filled tart shells on a baking tray and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as the goal is to have the filling set around the edges while remaining slightly wobbly in the center. This slight wobble is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that Hokkaido cheese tarts are famous for.

Tips for Perfect Hokkaido Cheese Tarts

To achieve the perfect Hokkaido Cheese Tarts, keep these tips in mind:

• Use quality ingredients, especially for the cheeses and milk. The richness of the Hokkaido milk plays a crucial role in the tart’s flavor.
• Ensure your butter is cold when making the tart shell to create a flaky texture.
• Don’t overbake the filling. It should be just set with a slight wobble in the center.

Why Are Hokkaido Cheese Tarts So Popular?

Hokkaido Cheese Tarts have gained a worldwide following due to their irresistible flavor and texture. The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy elements creates a unique dessert experience. Additionally, the high-quality ingredients, especially the milk from Hokkaido, contribute to their rich taste. These tarts are often enjoyed as a warm treat, making them a comforting and indulgent dessert choice.

The Nutritional Value of Hokkaido Cheese Tarts

While Hokkaido Cheese Tarts are a delightful treat, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation due to their rich ingredients. On average, one tart contains approximately 250-300 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat and carbohydrates. However, they also provide a good amount of calcium and protein, thanks to the cheese and milk. Consider balancing your diet by pairing these tarts with lighter meals or enjoying them as an occasional indulgence.

Conclusion

Making Japanese Hokkaido Cheese Tarts at home can be a rewarding culinary adventure. By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to create these delicious tarts with confidence. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, be precise with measurements, and enjoy the process of baking. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or savoring them as a personal treat, Hokkaido Cheese Tarts are sure to impress with their delightful flavor and texture. Happy baking!