Description
These Cream Cheese Tarts combine flaky puff pastry with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese filling topped with fresh strawberry slices, baked to golden perfection and lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (Pepperidge Farm® brand recommended)
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 10 oz fresh strawberries, sliced
Other
- 1 small egg, beaten, for brushing
- Powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth to create a creamy base for the tarts.
- Mix Ingredients: Add sugar and vanilla extract into the beaten cream cheese and mix thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out the sheet of puff pastry and cut it into 8 equal rectangles, which will serve as the tart bases.
- Brush Edges: Using the beaten egg, brush the edges of each puff pastry rectangle; this helps achieve a golden color and a nice crust finish when baked.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the center of each puff pastry rectangle, then arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Bake: Place the assembled tarts on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove tarts from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the tarts with powdered sugar if desired for a touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- Be careful not to overfill the tarts to prevent spilling during baking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free version.
- Use fresh, firm strawberries to maintain their shape after baking.
- The beaten egg wash contributes to the glossy, golden finish on the pastry edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American