If you want to create a dessert that feels like a sunny afternoon in every bite, you have to try this Strawberry Tart Recipe. It combines a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious cream cheese filling and the freshest strawberries glazed to a shiny finish. This strawberry tart is an irresistible treat that’s both elegant and approachable, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself on a warm day. The balance of textures and flavors makes this tart a true showstopper, and once you taste it, I guarantee it will become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Tart Recipe starts with a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that contribute to the perfect blend of taste, texture, and visual appeal. Each element plays its part, from the crisp crust and creamy filling to the vibrant strawberries that crown the tart.
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base for a tender, flaky crust that holds the filling beautifully.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and contributes to the crust’s delicate crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering any of them.
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to that irresistible buttery flakiness in the crust.
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: Creates a velvety, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor.
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved: The star ingredient for that juicy, vibrant fruit topping.
- ¼ cup apricot jam or strawberry jelly: Used to glaze the strawberries for a shiny, professional finish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps thin the glaze for easy brushing over the fruit.
How to Make Strawberry Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt, then add the cold butter. Pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this ensures a flaky texture. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing just until the dough clumps together. Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing, and freeze for 10 minutes before baking. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until it turns a beautiful light golden brown. Let the crust cool completely to achieve that perfect crispness.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
While the crust cools, grab a medium bowl and beat the softened cream cheese together with granulated sugar and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or whisk. Whip it until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable—this luscious filling will bring a delightful tangy richness to your tart that complements the fresh strawberries.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Evenly spread that dreamy cream cheese filling over the cooled tart shell. Now comes the fun part: arranging the strawberries. Take your hulled and halved strawberries and place them in a circular pattern on top. This effort pays off visually and makes every bite a burst of fresh fruit flavor.
Step 4: Glaze and Chill
To get that glossy, bakery-worthy finish, warm the apricot jam or strawberry jelly with water over low heat until melted and smooth. Brush this glaze gently over the strawberries, which not only adds shine but also enhances their natural sweetness and helps preserve their vibrant color. Finally, chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Strawberry Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or a few edible flowers for a pop of color and a refreshing touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving also gives the tart an elegant, delicate look that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This strawberry tart pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party, cut the tart into small bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy, elegant finger food. Alternatively, you can serve individual portions in mini tart pans or glass jars layered with extra whipped cream to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the fresh tart, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The tart will stay fresh for up to two days, but keep in mind that the crust may lose some of its crispness over time.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruit topping and cream cheese filling, freezing is not recommended for this tart. Freezing can cause the strawberries to become mushy and the filling texture to change. For best results, enjoy the tart fresh or within a couple of days.
Reheating
This tart is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Bringing it to room temperature before serving helps unlock the full flavor, but avoid warming it as this can soften the crust and alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Tart Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for their texture and sweetness, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the tart soggy.
Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency, as gluten-free flours can behave differently.
Can I make this tart dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free butter substitute to make the crust. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
By baking the crust until it’s golden and allowing it to cool completely before adding the filling, you create a sturdy base that resists sogginess. The glaze also helps seal in the moisture from the strawberries.
What’s the best way to choose strawberries for the tart?
Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid berries that are mushy or have dark spots, as they will not hold up well as a topping. Freshness is key for the best flavor and appearance.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Tart Recipe is such a rewarding experience because every slice bursts with freshness, creaminess, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet and delightful, this tart is guaranteed to charm anyone lucky enough to indulge. Give it a go, share it with loved ones, and watch it quickly become a beloved recipe in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Strawberry Tart features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese layer, topped with fresh, juicy strawberries glazed to perfection. A perfect French-inspired summer dessert that’s both visually stunning and delicious.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
For the filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ¼ cup apricot jam or strawberry jelly (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just comes together.
- Shape and chill: Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent puffing during baking. Place the tart pan in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up the dough before baking.
- Bake the crust: Place the tart shell in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the filling.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble the tart: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled tart crust, smoothing out the surface carefully.
- Prepare the topping: Arrange the hulled and halved fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling in a circular decorative pattern.
- Make the glaze and finish: In a small saucepan, gently warm the apricot jam or strawberry jelly with 1 tablespoon of water over low heat until melted and smooth. Use a pastry brush to coat the strawberries with this glaze, giving them a shiny and appetizing finish.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled tart for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
Notes
- This tart is best enjoyed the same day it’s made for peak freshness and optimal texture.
- For a lighter or tangier filling, try substituting the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
- If apricot jam is unavailable, strawberry jelly can be used as an alternative for glazing.
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding filling to prevent melting or sogginess.
