1 Shares

Brûléed Persimmon Tarts embody the charm of autumn in a single elegant yet approachable dessert. With a crisp oat-and-graham crust as the foundation, these tarts hold a velvety maple cinnamon cream cheese filling that adds warmth and richness. Topped with thin slices of vibrant Fuyu persimmons, the dessert gains natural sweetness and a pop of seasonal color. The final flourish is the brûléed sugar topping, which delivers a caramelized crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and fruity layers beneath. These tarts strike the perfect balance between rustic comfort and refined presentation, making them an excellent choice for holiday dinners, festive spreads, or quiet evenings where a touch of indulgence is welcome.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Graham Oat Crunch:

1 cup (90 g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
6 graham cracker sheets
2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
7 tablespoons (100 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese:

1½ cups (340 g) brick-style cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons dark maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1½ cups (170 g) powdered sugar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Toppings:

Thinly sliced Fuyu persimmons (as needed)
Superfine or granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)

Directions

In a food processor, pulse oats, graham crackers, sugar, and salt until the oats are just broken down but not powdered. Stir in melted butter and press firmly into tart pans to form a crust.
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Blend in maple syrup and cinnamon, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
Once the crust has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it. Arrange persimmon slices on top in an attractive pattern.
Right before serving, sprinkle sugar evenly over the top and use a kitchen torch to brûlée until golden and caramelized. Serve immediately.

Nutrients

Calories: moderate, largely from cream cheese and butter
Fat: primarily from butter and cream cheese, contributing richness
Carbohydrates: from maple syrup, sugars, and graham crackers
Protein: mainly from cream cheese and oats
Fiber: present from rolled oats and persimmons
Vitamins & minerals: persimmons offer vitamins A and C, while cream cheese provides small amounts of calcium

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes these tarts exceptional is their interplay of textures and flavors. The oat-graham crust offers a rustic, homey crunch that feels familiar yet elevated. This base pairs effortlessly with the creamy filling, where the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the spice of cinnamon come together in a velvety, indulgent layer. Then, the fresh persimmons lend a crisp juiciness that lightens the richness, their subtle sweetness enhancing the autumnal notes. The brûléed sugar crust transforms the dessert from simple to spectacular, adding a dramatic crackle that breaks open to reveal the smooth filling beneath. It’s a dessert that doesn’t just taste good but looks impressive, ensuring it becomes the centerpiece of any gathering.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The thoughtful choice of ingredients adds depth and even nutritional perks. Rolled oats provide hearty texture and dietary fiber, ensuring the crust isn’t just delicious but also satisfying. Graham crackers contribute their gentle sweetness and classic flavor, while butter ties everything together in a golden, aromatic base. The cream cheese brings protein and calcium while creating a creamy canvas enriched by maple syrup, which introduces complex caramel undertones along with trace minerals. Cinnamon not only elevates the flavor with spice but is also known for its warming qualities. Fuyu persimmons stand as the star—they are naturally sweet, firm enough to hold their shape, and packed with vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber. Finally, the brûléed sugar topping delivers that unmistakable caramel note, completing the experience without overwhelming the palate.

Cooking Tips

Achieving perfection in these tarts lies in the details. When pulsing the crust ingredients, avoid over-processing, as leaving small oat fragments adds a rustic crunch. Let the crust cool completely before layering on the cream cheese filling, as any residual heat could soften the mixture and cause it to lose stability. Cream cheese should be softened at room temperature before whipping to prevent clumps and ensure a silky-smooth texture. When sweetening the filling, add powdered sugar gradually and taste as you go to find your ideal level of sweetness. Persimmons can be sliced thinly and arranged in overlapping patterns or circular fans to maximize visual impact. During the brûlée step, use a fine, even layer of sugar and keep the flame moving in smooth sweeps to avoid burning any one spot. This careful technique results in a flawless caramelized top that cracks gently under the fork.

Serving Suggestions

These tarts are at their most impressive when served fresh after brûléeing, while the sugar shell still holds its delicate crunch. They make a stunning addition to fall dinner parties or holiday dessert tables, pairing beautifully with coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness. For those who prefer a softer pairing, herbal teas or warm spiced drinks like chai enhance the autumnal flavors. To add another dimension, consider serving the tarts with a scoop of vanilla gelato or cinnamon ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast that guests will love. They also fit seamlessly into brunch menus, offering a sweet yet refined touch alongside savory dishes. Preparing the crust and cream cheese filling a day in advance makes entertaining easier—simply assemble the persimmons and brûlée topping right before serving for the freshest taste and texture. While leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, the sugar shell will soften over time, so they are best enjoyed on the same day they are prepared.

Conclusion

Brûléed Persimmon Tarts are the epitome of autumn indulgence, capturing the season’s warmth and richness in a dessert that feels both refined and approachable. With their hearty oat-graham crust, silky maple cinnamon cream cheese filling, crisp slices of vibrant persimmons, and the irresistible crackle of caramelized sugar, these tarts combine beauty, flavor, and texture in one unforgettable dish. They celebrate seasonal fruit in a way that feels inventive without being intimidating, making them accessible to home bakers who want to impress without fuss. Whether you prepare them for festive gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or a sophisticated brunch, these tarts leave a lasting impression with their harmonious blend of rustic comfort and elegant flair. They are more than just a dessert—they are a seasonal experience that encapsulates the essence of fall in every bite.

Pin1