Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Tart Shell
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until just combined and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and a pinch of salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a flat disk.
- Press the dough evenly into a 13¾ × 4½ × 1-inch rectangular tart pan with a removable base, ensuring the edges are neat and even. Chill the tart shell until firm.
- Line the chilled shell with parchment paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment and weights. Prick the base lightly with a fork and return to the oven for 20–25 minutes more, until lightly golden. Allow the tart shell to cool completely.
Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, combine the lime juice and mint leaves. Using the end of a wooden spoon, gently muddle the mint by pressing and twisting to release its oils. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the mint solids and reserving the infused lime juice.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in the mint-infused lime juice, lime zest, and rum, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Pour the filling into the cooled tart shell and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the center is just set.
- Allow the tart to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until fully chilled and firm.
- To serve, finish with softly whipped cream and garnish with fresh mint leaves and delicate slices of lime for a bright, elegant presentation.
Notes
- Shortcut Option: A refrigerated pie crust works perfectly well if you’d like to save time. Simply fit it into your tart pan and proceed with the recipe.
- Mint Alternative: In place of fresh mint, you may use ¼–½ teaspoon of mint extract. While this simplifies the process, the filling will lose the subtle natural tint that muddled mint provides.
