Pat'S Fruit Tart
A colorful fruit tart featuring a cookie crust, creamy filling, and fresh assorted fruits, perfect for light desserts and gatherings with a sweet, fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the Pillsbury refrigerated sugar Slice and Bake cookies.
- Line a 14-inch pizza pan or 2 small quiche pans with the sliced cookie dough, overlapping slightly.
- Bake at 275°F for 12 minutes until golden.
- Allow the cookie crust to cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
- Arrange assorted fruit on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Warm orange marmalade and brush it over the fruit to glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese. You can also swap the orange marmalade with apricot or raspberry preserves for a different flavor. If you don't have sugar cookie dough, homemade shortbread can be a great substitute. Be sure to let the cookie crust cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent it from melting.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit tart makes a delightful dessert for gatherings or special occasions, pairing beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it alongside a light salad, such as Fresh Pea Salad, for a refreshing meal. Consider garnishing with mint leaves for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit tart in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It is best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. If you need to reheat the crust, do so gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid sogginess, but it's generally recommended to serve it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pat'S Fruit Tart contains roughly 337 calories, with 3g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
While fresh fruit is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen fruit in a pinch. Just be aware that frozen fruit may release more moisture, so pat it dry before arranging on the tart to avoid a soggy crust.
How can I make this tart gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this fruit tart, use gluten-free sugar cookie dough available at most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can prepare a crust using almond flour or gluten-free flour blends to achieve a similar texture. Just ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What other toppings can I add to the fruit tart?
Feel free to get creative with the toppings! You can add nuts like sliced almonds or walnuts for crunch, or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the fruit for an indulgent twist. Consider adding a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a tropical flair, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
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).