Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both easy to make and visually stunning? Look no further! This fruit cream cheese tart is the perfect answer. It’s a delightful combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and the sweet burst of fresh, seasonal fruits. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, offering a quick and satisfying homemade dessert experience that will impress your friends and family. Get ready to dive into a world of deliciousness with this simple yet elegant dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
For the Topping:
- 2 cups assorted fresh fruits (berries, kiwi, peaches – your choice!), sliced
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°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 large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assembling the Tart:
- Fill the crust: Pour the cream cheese filling into the cooled tart crust and spread evenly.
- Arrange the fruit: Arrange your sliced fruits beautifully on top of the cream cheese filling. Get creative with the arrangement!
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust, use half butter and half shortening.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of fruit. A combination of berries and stone fruits works particularly well.
- You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of fruit glaze for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- If you don't have a tart pan, you can use a pie plate instead.
- For a vegan option, substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and the heavy cream with coconut cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This delicious fruit cream cheese tart is a perfect example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. It's a great recipe for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Enjoy this healthy and delicious treat!