Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fresh Berries Recipe

If you’ve been searching for that perfect summer dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, you’re going to love this Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fresh Berries Recipe. I absolutely love how this tart comes together with a delicate buttery crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and the freshest berries you can find, all topped off with a shiny, sweet glaze that ties it all together. Trust me when I say, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to showstopper for gatherings or just treating yourself.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fresh Berries Recipe plays a key role—from the crust’s crispness to the filling’s richness, and of course, those juicy berries that steal the show. I always recommend picking the freshest strawberries you can find, preferably local or in-season, because they really make all the difference.

• All-purpose flour: The base for our crust, providing structure while keeping it tender.
• Butter (frozen and grated): Freezing and grating butter is a game changer—it keeps the dough cool and ensures that perfect flakiness.
• Sugar (for dough and filling): Balances flavors—just the right amount to sweeten but not overpower.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, especially in the savory crust.
• Ice water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): The star of the filling—smooth and tangy, it adds a lovely richness.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and light tang to the filling, balancing sweetness.
• Egg yolk: Gives the filling a silky texture and adds a bit of richness.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and sweetness that you’ll seriously notice in the filling.
• Lemon zest: Adds brightness and freshness—it really wakes up the flavors.
• Fresh strawberries: The hero ingredient—I always go for ripe, fragrant berries for the best taste.
• Red currant jam (or apricot/seedless strawberry jam): Used for the glaze to give the tart a shiny, professional finish.
• Water: Mixed with the jam for thinning out the glaze.

Variations

While I adore the classic strawberry version, I’ve discovered that this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the berries or add a little twist on the filling to suit your mood or season.

• Mixed Berries: I once made this with a combo of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries—my family went crazy for the colorful variety and flavors.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Using a gluten-free flour blend works well if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions—just keep an eye on the water amount to get the dough just right.
• Lemon or Orange Zest Kick: Adding extra citrus zest gives the filling a fresh zing, especially great for springtime gatherings.
• Dairy-Free Filling: Try swapping cream cheese and sour cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fresh Berries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Perfect Tart Crust

Start by combining the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Now here’s the trick: grate the cold, frozen butter directly into the mix. The small bits stay cold, creating those flaky layers everyone loves. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough barely comes together. Overworking can make it tough, so stop as soon as it holds. Wrap the dough and let it chill for at least 30 minutes — this helps it firm up and makes rolling out a breeze.

Step 2: Bake the Crust Until Golden

Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into your tart pans. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Pop them into the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until you get that beautiful golden color. Pro tip: use pie weights or dried beans during baking to keep your crust flat and prevent shrinking.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

While your crust cools, beat the cream cheese until smooth—no lumps here! Then add in the sour cream, sugar, egg yolk, salt, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix everything until it’s silky and creamy. This filling is what really sets this tart apart with its tangy sweetness and smooth texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust. Now for the best part—arrange your fresh strawberries on top, getting creative with patterns or just piling them on for maximum berry goodness. The more berries, the better in my book.

Step 5: Add the Glaze for a Shiny Finish

Heat the red currant jam with water just until it’s liquidy enough to brush. Gently glaze the top of the berries with a pastry brush—this not only adds a glossy shine but also keeps those berries fresh and juicy longer. Chill the tart for at least an hour before serving so everything sets nicely.

How to Serve Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fresh Berries Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and fresh with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few mint leaves for color and a hint of herbal brightness. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream on the side takes it up a notch—especially for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light glass of sparkling lemonade. I’ve also served it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad when using it as a light dessert after brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or celebrations, I’ve decorated the edges with piped whipped cream rosettes and sprinkled some crushed pistachios on top for a bit of crunch and color contrast. You can also use edible flowers to give your tart a stunning, whimsical look—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, if you have any leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), cover the tart tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. I’ve found it stays fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, but be sure to enjoy it sooner for the best texture.

Freezing

I don’t usually recommend freezing this tart once it’s filled and topped with fresh berries because the texture of the berries changes and the crust can get soggy. However, the crust alone freezes beautifully—just blind bake it, cool completely, then wrap well before freezing.

Reheating

If you decide to reheat a slice of the tart (crust only), pop it in a warm oven for a few minutes to crisp up the edges. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust and the filling—fresh is always best with this dessert!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fresh Berries Recipe holds a special place in my heart—not just because it’s stunning or delicious, but because it’s a recipe I’ve trusted to wow friends and family countless times. The balance of creamy, tangy filling with sweet, juicy berries nestled in a flaky crust feels like the perfect slice of summer. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it, and I can’t wait for you to hear the “wow”s around your table!

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