tarta de queso
/ˌtaɾta de ˈkeso/
The English phrase "cheese cake" is translated into Spanish as tarta de queso.
The term refers to a sweet dessert cake made primarily with soft cheese.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tarta (cake), de (of) and queso (cheese).
Which one should you use?
While tarta de queso is a standard way to describe the dessert, pastel de queso is also used in many Latin American countries. Additionally, in many Spanish-speaking culinary contexts, the English loanword cheesecake is frequently used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, pastel de queso is used instead of tarta de queso.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtaɾta de ˈkeso/
Did you know?
- In Spain, a traditional tarta de queso is often served without a crust and features a distinctive scorched or 'burnt' top, unlike the pale surface of the American version.
- While pastel de queso is common in Latin America, the word pastel can also refer to a savory meat pie in certain regions, potentially causing confusion if the context of 'sweet' is missing.
- The word tarta shares the same French origin as the English word 'tart', meaning it is a direct linguistic cousin to the English dessert.
Examples in context
- ¡Me encanta la tarta de queso de este lugar!I love the cheesecake from this place!
- ¿Has probado el pastel de queso en el restaurante nuevo?Have you tried the cheesecake at the new restaurant?
- Me encanta la tarta de queso de este café.I love the cheesecake from this cafe.
- ¿Quieres probar un poco de mi tarta de queso?Do you want to try some of my cheesecake?
- La tarta de queso es el postre favorito de Ana.Cheesecake is Ana's favorite dessert.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are at a bakery.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿qué quieres comer de postre?Daniel, what do you want to eat for dessert?
- DanielMe gustaría probar la tarta de queso.I would like to try the cheese cake.
- ElenaEs mi favorita, es muy cremosa.It is my favorite, it is very creamy.
- DanielEntonces pidamos dos trozos, por favor.Then let's order two pieces, please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tarta de queso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, queso, tarta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
