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Easy Puff Pastry Strawberry Tarts with Cream Cheese

puff pastry strawberry tarts - featured image
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A quick and easy dessert featuring flaky puff pastry topped with a creamy honey-vanilla cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries. Perfect for last-minute treats or elegant gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8 oz / 225 g), thawed but kept cold
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk or mix until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut into 6 equal squares (about 4×4 inches each). If pastry feels warm, chill for 5 minutes.
  4. Lightly score about ½ inch inside the edge of each square, being careful not to cut through.
  5. Place puff pastry squares on the baking sheet. Spread about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture inside the scored border of each square.
  6. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling. Sprinkle lemon zest over the berries.
  7. Brush the outer edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until puff pastry is golden brown and filling is set. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
  9. Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

Keep puff pastry and cream cheese mixture cold to ensure flakiness. Use firm strawberries to avoid sogginess. Score edges without cutting through to help puff pastry rise properly. Egg wash gives a golden shine; milk or cream can be substituted but with less color. Reheat leftovers in oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: puff pastry, strawberry tarts, cream cheese, easy dessert, quick baking, homemade dessert, honey, vanilla, fresh strawberries

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-puff-pastry-strawberry-tarts-with-cream-cheese-recipe-for-perfect-homemade-dessert/