If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that blends creamy richness with the bold flavors and colors of the season’s best produce, the Fruit Tart Recipe is your new go-to. With a buttery homemade crust, velvety cream cheese filling, and dazzling jewel-like fruit, this tart is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or just want to treat yourself, this Fruit Tart Recipe guarantees rave reviews every single time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of this Fruit Tart Recipe matters; nothing fussy here, but each ingredient brings something special to the table. From crisp crust to lush filling and vibrant fruit, you’ll love how straightforward (yet truly magical) these ingredients become when they come together.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The backbone of your delicious tart base, yielding a light and crisp crust.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): Crucial for that rich, flaky bite – keep it cold for the best texture!
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a delicate sweetness to the crust and helps keep it meltingly tender.
- Cold water (1–2 tablespoons): Just enough to bring the dough together while keeping everything tender.
- Cream cheese, softened (1 package, 8 oz): Creates the smooth and creamy base that makes every bite so luscious.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the filling and brings out the subtle tang of the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with warm, fragrant undertones.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Whipped and folded in to give the filling extra lightness and a dreamy mouthfeel.
- Apricot jam (1/4 cup): The secret to a beautiful, glossy finish on the fruit – plus a subtle fruity tang.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Helps loosen the jam for the perfect brushable glaze.
- Assorted fresh fruit: Think strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, and mandarins – choose your favorites and slice as needed for vibrant color and flavor!
How to Make Fruit Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and cold cubed butter. Pulse or use a pastry cutter until the texture looks like coarse crumbs. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Gently press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan, making sure the base and edges are even. Prick the crust with a fork (this keeps it from puffing up). Bake for 15–18 minutes, until it’s set and lightly golden. Set aside to cool to room temperature – patience pays off here!
Step 2: Make the Heavenly Filling
While the crust cools, grab a mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is ultra-smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. With gentle hands, fold the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture – this gives your filling a mousse-like fluffiness that is oh-so-satisfying.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Once your crust has cooled, pile in the cream cheese filling and use an offset spatula or spoon to spread it evenly. Here comes the fun part: artfully arrange your fresh fruit on top. You can go for circles, rainbows, or a casual scatter – there’s no wrong way! The more vibrant and varied your fruit, the prettier (and tastier) your tart will be.
Step 4: Glaze to Perfection
In a small saucepan, warm up the apricot jam with a tablespoon of water. Stir until it’s melted into a smooth glaze, then strain if you want it extra silky. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the glaze over the fruit. This step makes everything glossy and gives your fruit that irresistible, bakery-style sheen.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Place your finished tart in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the filling set and the flavors to mingle even more. When it’s time to serve, simply lift the tart from the pan and slice into wedges – your masterpiece is ready to wow!
How to Serve Fruit Tart Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some finely grated lemon zest, a handful of fresh mint leaves, or even a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. These simple touches complement both the fruit and the creamy filling, taking this Fruit Tart Recipe over the top in flavor and appearance.
Side Dishes
If you want to go all out, pair your Fruit Tart Recipe with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a lighter accompaniment, a refreshing glass of iced tea or a mellow herbal infusion rounds out your dessert beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up? Try making individual mini tarts for a party or mix up the fruit based on the season – think figs and pears in autumn, or tropical mango and pineapple in summer! You can even serve the tart pre-sliced on a rustic wooden board for a casual yet stunning dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Fruit Tart Recipe with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days, though the crust is crispiest on day one. Enjoy cold, straight from the fridge for a refreshing snack!
Freezing
If you need to get ahead, you can easily freeze the baked tart crust (without the filling) for up to a month – just wrap well. The assembled tart doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruit and creamy filling, but making the parts ahead streamlines prep for future gatherings.
Reheating
If you’ve chilled the tart and find the crust a bit too firm, let your slice sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. There’s no need to bake or microwave; a gentle rest brings back the best texture and lets the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought crust for this Fruit Tart Recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade crust gives you maximum flavor, a good-quality store-bought tart shell is a fantastic time saver and works beautifully with the cream cheese filling and fruit topping.
What types of fruit work best in this Fruit Tart Recipe?
Choose a mix of firm, colorful fruits like berries, kiwi, and citrus that hold their shape after slicing. Soft fruits can work, but use them sparingly to avoid excess moisture on the tart.
Is there a way to make this tart gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend at a 1:1 ratio for the crust. The filling and fruit are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch.
Can I make the Fruit Tart Recipe ahead of time?
You bet! The crust and filling can be made a day ahead. Wait to add the fresh fruit and glaze until just before serving for the prettiest results.
How do I prevent the fruit from turning soggy?
Glazing the fruit and using firmer varieties helps shield it from moisture, but assembling the tart close to serving time is key for ultimate freshness and a crisp bite.
Final Thoughts
This Fruit Tart Recipe is pure joy in dessert form, bursting with color, flavor, and creamy goodness. Why not give it a try and treat your friends and family — or just yourself! — to a slice of sunshine? You’ll love every single bite.
Print
Fruit Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this exquisite Fruit Tart recipe. A buttery crust filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with a vibrant array of fresh fruits, this dessert is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
- Assorted fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, and mandarin oranges), sliced as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter until crumbly. Add water to form dough. Press into tart pan and bake.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip cream and fold into cream cheese mixture. Spread into cooled crust.
- Assemble the Tart: Arrange fresh fruit on top of the filling.
- Glaze the Tart: Heat apricot jam and water, brush over the fruit.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tart before serving.
Notes
- You can make the crust a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped topping.
- The fruit topping can be adjusted seasonally.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
