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
Scale
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.
