Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts: the Easiest Recipe for a Delicious Treat Ready in Minutes!

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Tarts with Puff Pastry are the perfect solution to your dessert dilemmas. They're light and flaky on the outside, with a smooth strawberry and cream cheese filling on the inside.  The tarts are delicious and are ideal for any occasion—a light dessert to finish off a dinner party, a satisfying afternoon snack, or even a decadent breakfast treat.  Did we mention they’re great for picnics too? The best part?  They come together in a flash and you only need a handful of ingredients: store-bought puff pastry, cream cheese, and of course, fresh strawberries. The tarts are baked until golden and puffy and can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature.

What are Strawberry Cream Cheese Tarts with Puff Pastry?

Strawberry cream cheese tarts with puff pastry are a delightful and easy dessert that combines sweet, creamy richness with a flaky, buttery crust. While the exact origin of this specific dessert is a mystery, its components boast a fascinating history:

Puff pastry has a surprisingly long lineage.  Evidence suggests similar pastries existed in ancient civilizations, but its mastery is often credited to French chefs in the 16th and 17th centuries. Their meticulous folding and chilling technique created the ideal base for our modern tarts.

Cream cheese, despite its seemingly simple nature, has a more recent origin story. Developed in the late 19th century by American dairy workers in New York, it quickly gained popularity for its smooth, spreadable texture, becoming a perfect partner for sweet and savory dishes.

Vibrant red strawberries add a burst of sweetness and color. While enjoyed for centuries, widespread strawberry cultivation is relatively recent. Europe saw a surge in strawberry popularity in the 14th century, likely due to improved trade routes. Interestingly, the bright red fruit we know and love today is actually a hybrid of two wild species!

Tips

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling without any lumps.
• The pastry should be completely thawed so it’s pliable enough to roll out but still cold. The best is to leave it to thaw overnight in the fridge instead of leaving it on the kitchen counter at room temperature.  If the pastry is too warm, it won’t puff enough. Cold puff pastry rises higher and creates those beautiful flaky layers.
• Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries. They'll be sweeter, and juicier, and add a burst of flavor to your tarts. Gently pat them dry to prevent a soggy crust.
• Brush the exposed puff pastry edges with egg wash for a golden brown crust.
• Resist the urge to overfill your tarts with cream cheese. Too much filling can ooze out and prevent the puff pastry from rising properly.
• Want to add an extra touch? Mix some milk with icing sugar until you get a thick, pourable consistency. Once the pastries are cool, drizzle this sweet glaze on top for a decadent finish!

How Can I Customize the Strawberry Cream Cheese Tarts?   

There are many ways to add your own twist to these tarts:

Add a pinch of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of complexity. Zest a lemon or orange for a touch of citrusy brightness that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. For a decadent touch, drizzle your cooled tarts with melted chocolate or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

No, when thawed they release a lot of moisture and will make the pastry soggy.

Do I Have To Blind Bake The Puff Pastry?

No, it's not essential, but it can help prevent a soggy bottom crust.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese?

Yes, ricotta cheese or mascarpone can be substituted for cream cheese, but they might have a slightly different texture.

How to Store Strawberry Cream Cheese Tarts

Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the crust will soften slightly over time.

How To Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Tarts With Puff Pastry

Unfold the pastry and cut it into squares.

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Brush some egg wash around the borders.

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center square of each pastry.

Place the strawberries on top of the cream cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the tarts.

Ready to serve!