Name: Strawberry Tart Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1-2 tablespoons ice water; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; 1/4 cup strawberry jam; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful as it is delicious, the Strawberry Tart is everything you could wish for. With its buttery, crisp crust layered beneath a cloud of sweet, vanilla-infused cream cheese, crowned by a glossy mosaic of fresh strawberries, each bite is summertime perfection. Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply embracing berry season, the Strawberry Tart brings the wow factor without requiring hours in the kitchen. This recipe captures the juicy essence of ripe strawberries and pairs it with a creamy filling and golden crust—truly a treat everyone will remember!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Strawberry Tart is that it uses simple, fresh ingredients you might already have on hand. Each element adds its own unmistakable charm—think crispiness from the crust, silky richness from the filling, and that unbeatable fresh strawberry flavor on top.

All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the crust, giving you that classic tart bite.
Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the base without overpowering the berries.
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The secret to a tender, flaky crust—work fast to keep it cold!
Ice water: Helps the dough come together without making it tough.
Cream cheese, softened: Makes a luscious, tangy-sweet filling that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla extract: Amp up the flavor in your creamy base.
Fresh strawberries, hulled and halved: Nothing says summer like ripe strawberries—they make this tart sing!
Strawberry jam: Brushed on for a glistening finish and extra layer of berry flavor.
Lemon juice: Brings a zesty brightness that lifts the entire tart.

How to Make Strawberry Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a food processor or a large mixing bowl, blend the flour and granulated sugar. Next, add your cold, cubed butter, and pulse (or cut in with a pastry cutter) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just holds together. Shape it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic, and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to ensure an extra flaky crust.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface and carefully press it into your 9-inch tart pan. Trim any overhanging edges and prick the base all over with a fork (this helps prevent bubbling). Bake for 20–22 minutes, until the crust turns golden and crisp. Set aside to cool completely—this is crucial so the filling stays creamy and doesn’t melt!

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the crust cools, prepare your dreamy filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and airy. This will become your irresistible sweet-tangy cloud for the strawberries to nestle into.

Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Tart

Once the crust is fully cool, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the base, using an offset spatula or back of a spoon for a smooth finish. Arrange your fresh strawberry halves artfully on top, creating a circular or spiral pattern for that classic strawberry tart look.

Step 5: Glaze and Chill

In a small saucepan, gently heat the strawberry jam with lemon juice until it’s thin and smooth. Using a pastry brush, lightly glaze the strawberries, giving them a gorgeous shine and extra berry punch. Chill the tart for at least an hour before serving to let everything set and for the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Tart

Garnishes

Dress up each slice of Strawberry Tart with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few tiny mint leaves, or even a dollop of lightly whipped cream. These little touches add elegance and enhance both the look and taste.

Side Dishes

This tart shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm white chocolate sauce. If you’re serving it at brunch, try it alongside fresh fruit salad or lemony iced tea for a vibrant, refreshing menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual mini tarts are irresistibly charming for parties and showers. For family style, present the Strawberry Tart whole on your favorite cake stand, or cut it into dainty fingers for a dessert platter. Layer with extra berries or edible flowers for an unforgettable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover the tart tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; the crust may soften a bit, but the flavors remain fantastic.

Freezing

Freezing the fully assembled Strawberry Tart isn’t ideal, as the fresh berries can become watery and the crust may lose its crispness. However, you can freeze the unfilled, baked crust for up to one month. Thaw fully at room temperature before filling and topping.

Reheating

This tart is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve stored the crust separately and want to restore a little crunch, pop it in a low oven (300°F) for 5–7 minutes before assembling, but never heat the tart with the filling and strawberries together.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this tart?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for both flavor and appearance, but in a pinch, thawed and drained frozen strawberries can be used. Just pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from softening the tart.

Can I make the crust in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to two days ahead or bake the crust a day in advance. Just keep it tightly wrapped until you’re ready to fill.

Is there a way to make the tart gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour in the crust. The filling and topping are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your jam for hidden gluten sources if needed.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone makes a lovely, richer substitute, or try a thick Greek yogurt for a tangier filling. Each will lend a slightly different—but equally delicious—character to your Strawberry Tart.

Can I use other fruits?

This tart is endlessly versatile! Try mixed berries, peaches, or even kiwi for a colorful twist. Just swap the fruit and jam glaze to complement your new topping.

Final Thoughts

I can never resist the simple elegance and burst-of-summer flavor that a homemade Strawberry Tart brings to the table. If you’re a strawberry lover or just want a dessert that feels special with minimal effort, give this recipe a try—you’ll fall head over heels for every beautiful, berry-studded bite!

Strawberry Tart Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delightful Strawberry Tart is a perfect summer dessert with a buttery crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry topping. It’s a beautiful and delicious treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1–2 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 cup strawberry jam
1 teaspoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prepare the crust: Combine flour and sugar, then mix in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until the dough forms. Chill, roll out, and press into a tart pan.
Bake the crust: Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cooled crust.
Prepare the topping: Warm jam with lemon juice, then arrange strawberries on the tart. Brush with the jam mixture and chill before serving.