How To Make Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts (Baked Lava Cheese Tarts Recipe)

Ayako Kidokoro
by Ayako Kidokoro
3 min read
How To Make Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts (Baked Lava Cheese Tarts Recipe)-Japanese Taste
BakingCheeseCrowd PleaserDessertKid-friendlyMake AheadParty FoodPotluck-friendlyVegetarian

"Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts" – ever heard of them?

They're a culinary delight originating from Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido. Resembling egg tarts with their size and golden-brown crust, they offer a heavenly blend of buttery, flaky crust and rich, creamy cheese filling.

These tarts trace their roots to Sapporo, Hokkaido, with LeTao, a pastry company founded in 1996, often credited with their creation. Initially a spin-off from their classic cheesecake, Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts gained fame, with Kinotoya, another renowned bakery from Hokkaido, further popularizing them, especially for their in-store baking. Both of these are definitely worth checking out if you visit Hokkaido. If you can't visit Hokkaido anytime soon, then you can make these delicious Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts at home.

While simple ingredients like cream cheese and heavy cream are used, the process requires some patience due to cooling times. For freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Whether freshly baked or chilled, they're a treat. Freshly baked, they boast a soft cheese dough texture, gradually turning fluffy with time. Chilled, they adopt a mousse-like consistency, with the crust softening alongside the cheese dough. Try out both variations and let us know in the comments which was your favorite!