Puff Pastry Berries and Cream Tarts Recipe

The Dreamiest Berries and Cream Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

Sweet summer memories dance through these delightful puff pastry berries and cream tarts that promise pure deliciousness.

Crisp golden pastry cradles a cloud-like cream filling bursting with fresh seasonal berries.

Delicate layers melt in your mouth, creating an irresistible dessert experience.

Elegant yet simple, these tarts look like they came straight from a bakery window.

Mixing vibrant strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries creates a colorful canvas of natural sweetness.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make these tarts perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quiet afternoon treats.

Whip up these charming little desserts and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy.

Why Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts Feel Like A Fancy Treat

  • Create an Impressive Dessert: Craft a stunning tart that looks like it came straight from a fancy bakery, with minimal professional baking skills required.
  • Customize with Seasonal Berries: Select fresh, vibrant berries that match the current season, making each tart a unique culinary canvas for your creativity.
  • Delight Guests with Minimal Effort: Prepare an elegant dessert that appears sophisticated but comes together quickly, perfect for entertaining or surprising loved ones.
  • Balance Sweet and Tangy Flavors: Combine creamy, smooth filling with bright, macerated berries that create a harmonious taste experience in every delightful bite.

What You Need For Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: A delicate, buttery dough that creates a light and flaky foundation for the tarts.
Cream Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and tangy base for the creamy filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious texture and helps create a smooth, whipped consistency.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cream filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic notes.
Berry Topping:
  • Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries: Fresh berries that add vibrant color, natural sweetness, and juicy texture to the tarts.
  • Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and helps intensify the berry flavors.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the berry mixture and prevents browning.
Finishing Touch:
  • Beaten Egg: Used to create a golden, glossy finish on the pastry edges.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate, sweet dusting that enhances the tarts' presentation.

How To Create Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set your oven to roast at 400°F, creating the perfect warm environment for your delicate pastry.

Step 2: Shape Pastry Foundations

Carefully unroll the delicate puff pastry and slice it into six equal rectangular shapes. Create elegant tart bases by gently scoring a smaller inner rectangle on each piece, leaving a beautiful raised border around the edges.

Step 3: Create Golden Borders

Whisk an egg until smooth and tenderly brush the pastry borders. This magical touch will transform your tarts into golden-brown masterpieces during baking.

Step 4: Bake Pastry Shells

Slide the prepared pastry into the preheated oven. Watch as they puff up and turn a rich, gorgeous golden brown in 15-18 minutes. Once done, remove and let them cool completely.

Step 5: Whip Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a silky, cloud-like mixture that’s smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Prepare Berry Medley

In a separate bowl, gather your colorful berries:
  • Sliced strawberries
  • Whole blueberries
  • Delicate raspberries

Drizzle with honey and a splash of lemon juice, allowing the berries to mingle and develop intensely sweet and tangy flavors.

Step 7: Assemble Tart Masterpieces

Once the pastry shells have cooled, spread the dreamy cream filling evenly across each base. Artfully arrange the macerated berries on top, creating a stunning visual feast.

Step 8: Final Elegant Touch

Just before serving, dust the completed tarts with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar, adding a touch of sophisticated sweetness to your culinary creation.

Tips To Make Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts Better

  • Chill Pastry for Perfection: Refrigerate puff pastry for 10-15 minutes before cutting to ensure crisp, defined edges and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Create a barrier by gently pricking the inner rectangle with a fork before baking to stop excess moisture from making the base wet.
  • Stabilize Cream Filling: Use cold cream cheese and chill mixing bowl beforehand to achieve a firmer, more stable whipped cream that holds its shape better.
  • Choose Fresh Berries Wisely: Select ripe, firm berries and pat them dry to prevent excess liquid from making the tart base soggy and maintain vibrant fruit flavor.
  • Make Ahead with Ease: Prepare pastry shells and cream filling separately up to 24 hours in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain crisp texture and fresh taste.

Twists You Can Try With Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts

  • Chocolate Cream Fusion: Replace cream cheese with melted dark chocolate and fold into whipped cream for a rich, decadent chocolate variation.
  • Tropical Paradise: Swap berries with diced mango, pineapple, and passion fruit, adding a splash of coconut cream to the filling for a vibrant tropical version.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers and crushed pistachios over the cream filling, creating a delightful textural contrast with the smooth cream and fresh berries.
  • Lavender Honey Elegance: Infuse the cream filling with dried lavender and use local honey instead of lemon juice for a sophisticated, aromatic tart experience.

Perfect Matches For Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the sweet and tangy berry flavors, cutting through the richness of the cream filling.
  • Enhance with Herbal Tea: Brew a delicate chamomile or lavender tea that echoes the dessert's floral notes and provides a soothing counterpoint to the tart's sweetness.
  • Match with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a chilled, slightly sweet sparkling rosé that mirrors the berry composition and adds a celebratory touch to the elegant dessert.
  • Complement with Fresh Mint Spritzer: Create a light, refreshing mint-infused sparkling water that cleanses the palate and highlights the tart's delicate cream and fruit flavors.

Keep Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts Fresh Longer

  • Store completed tarts in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the pastry crisp and cream filling fresh.
  • Keep pastry shells, cream filling, and macerated berries separately in sealed containers to maintain their individual textures, mixing just before serving.
  • Wrap the cream filling tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to a freezer-safe container, storing for up to 3 weeks, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
  • Store unfilled pastry shells in a cool, dry place inside an airtight container for up to 24 hours, preventing moisture from making them soggy.

Common Questions On Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts

  • What are puff pastry berries and cream tarts?

A delightful dessert featuring golden, flaky pastry shells filled with creamy cheese mixture and topped with fresh, macerated berries, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

  • Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?

Fresh berries are recommended for the best taste and texture, but if using frozen berries, thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture from making the tart soggy.

  • How do I know when the pastry is perfectly baked?

The puff pastry should be golden brown, puffed up, and have a crisp texture. The edges will look slightly raised and have a rich, amber color when properly baked.

  • Is this dessert suitable for make-ahead preparation?

You can prepare the pastry shells and cream filling in advance, storing them separately.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Puff Pastry Berries and Cream Tarts Recipe

Puff Pastry Berries and Cream Tarts Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-38 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Puff Pastry Berries and Cream Tarts invite sweet indulgence with buttery layers and fresh seasonal berries. Elegant French-inspired pastries deliver a perfect balance of crisp pastry, silky cream, and juicy fruit that will charm dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Ingredients:

  • 1 pack puff pastry sheets
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Cream Filling:

  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Fruit Topping:

  • 2 cups (300 g) mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 6 equal rectangular shapes, creating individual tart bases.
  3. Gently score a smaller inner rectangle within each pastry piece, leaving a 1/2-inch border to create a raised edge.
  4. Brush the pastry borders with beaten egg, ensuring a golden finish during baking.
  5. Bake the pastry shells for 15-18 minutes until they puff up and turn a rich golden brown, then remove and cool completely.
  6. Whip cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
  7. Gently fold the cream mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a silky filling.
  8. Slice larger berries like strawberries and combine with blueberries and raspberries in a separate bowl.
  9. Drizzle honey and lemon juice over the mixed berries, allowing them to macerate and develop intense flavors.
  10. Once pastry shells are cooled, spread the cream filling evenly across each tart base.
  11. Artfully arrange the macerated berries on top of the cream filling.
  12. Dust the completed tarts with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Prep pastry bases ahead of time and store in an airtight container to save time during assembly.
  • Chill cream cheese mixture briefly before piping for a firmer, more stable filling texture.
  • Choose ripe, seasonal berries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in the tart.
  • Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this dessert suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star