Strawberries and Cream Tart

Name: Strawberries and Cream Tart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 egg yolk; 2-3 tablespoons cold water; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Ending Recipes

I absolutely love making a Strawberries and Cream Tart! This dessert combines flaky pastry crust with a luscious cream filling and fresh strawberries, making it perfect for any gathering. I appreciate how the tart balances sweetness and freshness, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Whenever I serve it, I’m met with smiles and compliments, and I can’t help but feel proud of creating something so delightful. There's something special about making this tart that makes everyone feel cared for and indulged.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-04T18:38:27.691Z

When I first tried making a Strawberries and Cream Tart, I was amazed at how simple yet elegant it turned out. The buttery crust complements the creamy filling beautifully, and topping it with freshly sliced strawberries adds brightness and color. I used a mix of cream cheese and whipped cream for the filling, which created a delightful texture that’s not too heavy but still rich enough to satisfy.

One key tip I learned is to let the tart chill sufficiently before serving. This helps the filling set properly, resulting in cleaner slices. It’s a great dessert for special occasions or just for treating myself on a weekend!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A blend of rich, creamy flavors paired with vibrant strawberries
Flaky crust that perfectly balances the smooth filling
Impressive presentation that’s easy to make at home

Perfecting the Crust

The crust is a critical element of the Strawberries and Cream Tart, providing a textural contrast to the creamy filling. When mixing the flour, powdered sugar, and butter, aim for a consistency resembling coarse crumbs—this indicates that the butter is well incorporated. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, incorporate additional cold water, a teaspoon at a time. This method ensures the crust remains flaky after baking.

After rolling out the dough, don’t skip pricking the bottom of the tart crust. This step is crucial as it prevents air bubbles from forming during baking, which can lead to an uneven surface. Bake until the crust is golden brown, and keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning. A perfectly baked crust should have a light golden hue around the edges and smell fragrant.

Crafting the Cream Filling

Achieving a smooth and velvety cream filling starts with ensuring your cream cheese is fully softened. Take it out of the refrigerator about an hour before you start to make the filling. This step prevents lumps in the mixture. When blending the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, use a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it's creamy and free of lumps.

When whipping the heavy cream, it’s essential to use a large, cold bowl and cold beaters to achieve stiff peaks easily. This process generally takes 3-5 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Be careful not to over-whip the cream, which can lead to a grainy texture; stop mixing once you see peaks that hold their shape. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the lightness of the filling.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once the tart is assembled, refrigerate it for at least one hour to allow the filling to set and meld with the flavors of the crust and strawberries. This chilling time enhances the tart's overall texture and ensures cleaner slices when serving. If you’re aiming for a more intense strawberry flavor, consider sprinkling the fresh strawberries with a little sugar before topping the tart to draw out their juices.

For make-ahead options, you can prepare the crust and filling separately a day in advance. Store the crust in an airtight container at room temperature and keep the cream filling in the refrigerator. Assemble the tart on the day you plan to serve it to maintain the freshness of the strawberries and cream. The tart is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the crust can become soggy over time.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your tart:

Crust

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons cold water

Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start assembling the tart!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious tart:

Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Add chilled butter and mix until crumbly. Incorporate the egg yolk and add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until combined.

Assemble the Tart

Spread the cream filling evenly over the cooled tart crust. Top with sliced strawberries, arranging them in a decorative pattern. If desired, brush the strawberries with warmed strawberry jam for a glossy finish.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the tart for at least one hour before serving to set the filling. Slice and enjoy your delicious Strawberries and Cream Tart!

Now, enjoy every bite of this delightful tart!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating a splash of lemon juice into the cream filling or adding a pinch of salt to the crust for depth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you or someone you’re serving has a dairy intolerance, you can substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative, and the heavy whipping cream can be replaced with coconut cream for a similar texture and flavor profile. These swaps will still keep your tart creamy while accommodating various dietary needs.

For a healthier tart, consider using whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for the crust. This change adds a nutty flavor and more nutrition, although you may need to adjust the quantity of added water since whole wheat flour tends to absorb more moisture.

Variations to Try

Experimenting with the fruit topping can lead to delicious variations. While strawberry is the star, combining it with raspberries or blueberries can add a unique twist in flavor and color. Just be mindful of the sweetness; adjust the sugar in the filling if using sweeter fruits.

Another enjoyable variation is to infuse the cream filling with additional flavors. Try stirring in a tablespoon of lemon zest for a citrusy brightness or adding a splash of almond extract in place of vanilla for a different aromatic experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling in advance and assemble the tart on the day you plan to serve it.

→ What can I use instead of strawberries?

You can substitute the strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of fruits.

→ Is there a non-dairy option for the filling?

Absolutely! You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream cheese substitute for a vegan version.

→ How long will the tart last in the fridge?

The tart is best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator.