Cheese and orange caramel tarts

Cheese Cups with Orange Caramel

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 cups

If you're looking for a quick and delicious recipe, cheese cups with orange caramel are the perfect choice. This elegant dessert combines the creamy texture of cheese with the intense sweetness of orange caramel, offering a refined taste that will impress any guest. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg white

For the filling:
- 300 g cottage cheese (or mascarpone cheese for a creamier texture)
- 50 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange

For the orange caramel:
- 150 g sugar
- 60 ml fresh orange juice
- 30 g butter

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the soft butter, powdered sugar, and egg white. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture. Ensure that the butter is well incorporated to avoid lumps.

2. Forming the cups: Divide the dough into three equal parts. Using a spoon, take a portion of the dough and place it in the tart molds (preferably silicone or greased with butter). Gently press the dough to evenly cover the bottom and sides of the mold. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

3. Baking the dough: Bake the cups in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden. Let them cool in the molds for a few minutes, then carefully remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese (or mascarpone) with the sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Use a mixer to achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture.

5. Preparing the orange caramel: In a pan, add the sugar and let it melt over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden. Add the orange juice and butter, stirring until the caramel becomes smooth. Be careful, this process requires a little patience, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.

6. Assembling the cups: Fill each cup with the cheese mixture and generously pour the orange caramel on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Useful tips:
- You can use goat cheese for a more intense flavor, or ricotta cheese for a lighter texture.
- For a more exotic taste, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum to the filling.
- The cups can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge, while the caramel can be made a few hours before serving, keeping it at room temperature.

Serving suggestion: Serve the cheese cups with orange caramel alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for a contrast of temperatures and textures that will enhance your dessert.

These cups are not only a quick and simple dessert to prepare but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of refinement to any occasion. Enjoy!