Are you craving a delicious dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This cream cheese fruit tart recipe is the perfect answer for your next gathering or a delightful treat for yourself. It's a stunning centerpiece, bursting with fresh fruit and a creamy, tangy filling that will leave everyone wanting more. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick and delicious homemade dessert. Get ready to impress with this stunning and flavorful creation!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Topping:
- 2 cups assorted fresh fruit (berries, kiwi, peaches, etc.), sliced
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
- Blind bake: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat cream cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assembling the Tart:
- Spread the filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Arrange the fruit: Arrange the sliced fruit beautifully on top of the cream cheese filling. Get creative with the arrangement!
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the tart for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust, use half butter and half shortening.
- You can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of fruit. Seasonal fruits always make a delicious tart!
- A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch.
- For a more intense flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary greatly depending on the type and quantity of fruit used. This is an estimate using average values for the ingredients listed:
- Calories: Approximately 350-450
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Sugar: 20-30g
- Protein: 5-7g
This easy and healthy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion. It's a delicious dish you can easily make at home! Enjoy this delightful cream cheese fruit tart!