Cream Cheese-Fruit Tarts
Cream Cheese-Fruit Tarts offer a delightful combination of a tender, buttery crust filled with creamy cheese and topped with fresh, vibrant fruits. Perfect for brunches, parties, or a sweet treat, these colorful tarts are both visually appealing and delicious, appealing to fruit lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix baking mix, 2 tablespoons sugar, margarine, and 1 package of softened cream cheese in a small bowl until dough forms a ball.
- Divide dough into 6 equal pieces.
- Press each piece into ungreased tart pans, 4 1/4 inches in diameter and 1 inch deep, pressing on the bottom and 3/4 up the sides.
- Place tart pans on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown; cool.
- Meanwhile, beat the remaining cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into the cooled tart shells.
- Top with assorted fresh fruits.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of cream cheese and mascarpone. You can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. If you don't have tart pans, muffin tins can work as a substitute. Ensure the dough is not overmixed to keep the tart shells tender. Fresh fruits like figs or peaches work wonderfully in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These cream cheese-fruit tarts are delightful as a light dessert or a sweet brunch treat. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They also make a lovely complement to a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Ida Ceconi'S Vienna Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may release juices, so it's best to add them just before serving if possible. To enjoy them again, serve chilled directly from the fridge, as these tarts are best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese-Fruit Tarts contains roughly 303 calories, with 6g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the tart shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart shells a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just fill them with the cream cheese mixture and fruits before serving to maintain their crispness and freshness.
What fruits work best for these tarts?
Assorted fresh fruits are ideal for these tarts. Berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries add vibrant color and flavor. Sliced peaches, plums, or figs can also enhance the tart with their sweetness. Feel free to mix and match based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
Can I freeze these tarts?
It's best not to freeze the filled tarts, as the cream cheese mixture and fresh fruits do not thaw well. However, you can freeze the unfilled tart shells for up to a month. Just bake them, cool completely, and store in a freezer-safe container until you're ready to fill and serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).