Easy Puff Pastry Strawberry Tarts Recipe: Sweet Treats in a Snap

Sweet summer memories dance through this delightful puff pastry strawberry tarts creation that will brighten any afternoon.

Crisp layers of buttery pastry cradle luscious ruby-red berries in a simple yet elegant dessert.

Pastry chefs and home bakers alike can master this delectable treat with minimal effort.

Delicate golden edges and vibrant fruit make these tarts a stunning centerpiece for gatherings.

Strawberries burst with natural sweetness, complementing the flaky, rich pastry base perfectly.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feel both comforting and sophisticated.

Whip up these irresistible tarts and watch smiles bloom around your table.

What Makes Puff Pastry Strawberry Tarts So Irresistible

• Craft a Quick Dessert: Simple puff pastry tarts deliver restaurant-quality elegance without complex baking skills, perfect for home cooks seeking impressive results.
• Create Versatile Sweet Treats: These strawberry tarts adapt beautifully for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or elegant dessert settings with minimal preparation required.
• Celebrate Fresh Seasonal Ingredients: Showcasing ripe strawberries and delicate pastry, this recipe transforms basic components into a stunning culinary experience that highlights natural fruit flavors.
• Enjoy Minimal Kitchen Effort: Requiring just a few standard ingredients and straightforward techniques, these tarts transform everyday baking into a delightful, stress-free cooking adventure that looks professionally prepared.

What You’ll Need for Easy Puff Pastry Strawberry Tarts

• Puff Pastry Sheet: A delicate, layered dough that creates a light and flaky foundation for the tarts.

• Cream Cheese: A smooth, rich base that provides a creamy texture to the tart.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky filling consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavors.
• Heavy Cream: Lightens the cream cheese mixture and adds a luxurious, airy texture.

• Fresh Strawberries: Bright, juicy fruit that adds a fresh and vibrant layer to the tarts.
• Egg: Used for brushing the pastry edges to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
• Strawberry Jam: Provides an extra burst of fruity sweetness when drizzled on top.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the presentation.

How to Assemble and Bake These Gorgeous Little Tarts

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F, getting ready for some pastry magic.

Step 2: Unwrap Pastry Sheets

Take your puff pastry out and let it hangout at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Gently unfold the sheet and slice it into 4-6 cute rectangular pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 3: Create Pastry Border

With a delicate touch, score a light border around each pastry rectangle. This little trick will help your edges rise and create a beautiful frame for your tarts.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 5: Fluff Up the Filling

Pour in heavy cream and fold gently. Keep mixing until the filling becomes light and airy, with a consistent, cloud-like texture.

Step 6: Spread the Goodness

Dollop the cream cheese mixture inside the scored borders of each pastry rectangle. Leave those edges clear for a clean, professional look.

Step 7: Strawberry Styling

Slice fresh strawberries into thin, elegant pieces. Arrange them artfully across the cream cheese layer, creating a beautiful fruity landscape.

Step 8: Egg Wash Magic

Grab a beaten egg and brush it along the exposed pastry edges. This will give your tarts a gorgeous golden glow when baked.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tarts into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the pastry transforms into a rich, golden brown and puffs up beautifully.

Step 10: Final Fruity Touch

Pull the tarts out and let them cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle warm strawberry jam over the top for an extra punch of sweet, fruity flavor.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Optional but recommended: Sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Smart Tips for Crisp, Juicy Strawberry Tarts

• Perfect Pastry Handling: Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for exactly 10 minutes to prevent cracking and ensure smooth cutting.
• Cream Cheese Magic: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for ultra-smooth mixing without lumps, creating a silky filling texture.
• Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, firm strawberries and slice thinly for even distribution and beautiful visual presentation on the tarts.
• Golden Crust Secret: Brush pastry edges with beaten egg for a professional-looking, glossy golden-brown finish that screams bakery-quality.
• Cooling Technique: Allow tarts to cool slightly before adding jam to prevent soggy pastry and maintain the crisp, flaky texture.

Strawberry Tart Flavor Ideas Worth Exploring

• Tropical Paradise Tart: Replace strawberries with diced mango, passion fruit, and kiwi for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that transports you to a sunny beach.
• Chocolate Berry Sensation: Mix cocoa powder into the cream cheese filling, top with mixed berries like raspberries and blackberries for a rich, decadent version.
• Lavender Honey Elegance: Infuse the cream cheese mixture with lavender extract, drizzle local honey over the finished tart, and garnish with edible lavender buds for a sophisticated touch.
• Citrus Sunrise Variation: Add orange zest to the cream cheese filling, top with blood orange segments and candied orange peel for a bright, zesty alternative.

What to Enjoy Alongside These Sweet Little Tarts

• Pair Crisp Rosé Wine: Light, fruity rosé complements the sweet strawberry and creamy filling, cutting through the richness with refreshing acidity.
• Serve Champagne Cocktail: Sparkling wine with a hint of strawberry liqueur enhances the dessert's delicate flavors, creating an elegant pairing.
• Craft Lavender Lemonade: Subtle herbal notes of lavender blend beautifully with the strawberry's sweetness, offering a non-alcoholic refreshing option.
• Match Vanilla Bean Gelato: Creamy, smooth gelato provides a cool contrast to the warm, flaky pastry, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

Best Ways to Store Puff Pastry Strawberry Tarts

• Store completed tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap each tart separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 1-2 weeks, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
• Keep unbaked assembled tarts covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before baking to prevent pastry from becoming soggy.
• Store unused cream cheese filling in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, allowing quick preparation of future tart batches.

Strawberry Tart FAQs You’ll Want to Know

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Frozen strawberries will release too much moisture and make the pastry soggy. Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best texture and flavor.

• How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Score the pastry edges, don’t overfill with cream cheese mixture, and ensure strawberries are thinly sliced to prevent excess moisture. Pat strawberries dry before placing them on the tart.

• Is it necessary to use cream cheese for the filling?

Cream cheese provides a rich, tangy base that complements the strawberries. While you could substitute with mascarpone or ricotta, cream cheese offers the best balance of flavor and texture.

• Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Prepare the tarts just before serving for the crispiest pastry.

Easy Puff Pastry Strawberry Tarts Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40-43 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet strawberry “Pastry Bliss” delivers delicate French-inspired elegance with buttery layers and fresh fruit. Summer desserts welcome crisp pastry shells filled with luscious cream and ripe strawberries that you’ll crave after the first delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam

Dairy and Sweeteners:

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish and Extras:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
2. Thaw the puff pastry sheet at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then carefully unfold and cut into 4-6 equal rectangular portions using a sharp knife.
3. Create a shallow border around each pastry rectangle by gently scoring a 1/2-inch perimeter with a knife, ensuring the edges will rise and create a delicate frame.
4. Whisk the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious filling.
5. Gently fold in the heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture, blending until light and airy with a consistent texture.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly within the scored borders of each pastry rectangle, leaving the edges clear for a pristine presentation.
7. Slice fresh strawberries into thin, uniform pieces and arrange them artfully over the cream cheese layer.
8. Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to ensure a golden, glossy finish during baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the pastry turns a rich, golden brown and becomes delightfully puffy.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle warm strawberry jam over the tarts for an extra burst of fruity sweetness.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving.

Notes

• Ensure puff pastry is completely thawed but still cool for optimal flakiness and easy handling.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free filling that spreads effortlessly across the pastry.
• Slice strawberries thinly and uniformly to create an elegant, professional-looking presentation that bakes evenly.
• For gluten-free option, substitute puff pastry with a gluten-free alternative or almond flour-based pastry to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg