This Timeless Fruit Tart is a showstopper that combines a buttery crust with a creamy, sweet filling, and a vibrant array of fresh fruits. Perfect for any occasion, it's as visually appealing as it is delicious, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
All-purpose flour forms the base of our crust, creating a structure that's both sturdy and tender. Unsalted butter is key for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. We use granulated sugar in the crust for a hint of sweetness, and vanilla extract for its warm, comforting flavor.
The cream cheese gives our filling its smooth, luxurious texture, sweetened just right with confectioners' sugar. A touch of almond extract adds a subtle, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dessert.
The stars on top are fresh fruits: juicy strawberries, sweet-tart blueberries, and refreshing kiwi. We finish with a glaze made from apricot preserves and water, which adds shine and a luscious hint of apricot flavor.
This fruit tart pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve it with a glass of chilled sparkling wine or a fruity iced tea.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready when your crust is. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mix is light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Gradually add the flour to this buttery mixture, mixing until you have a smooth dough. It might feel a bit crumbly at first, but it will come together as you press it into your pan. Use a 12-inch pizza or tart pan, pressing the dough evenly across the bottom to form your crust.
Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until it turns a lovely golden hue. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. Once it's done, let it cool completely—this is crucial for ensuring the cream cheese layer sets properly.
While the crust cools, prepare the filling. Beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and almond extract together in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Next, arrange your fruits. You can get creative here, but a simple pattern of overlapping strawberry slices, clusters of blueberries, and slices of kiwi usually works beautifully. Finally, gently heat the apricot preserves with a tablespoon of water in a small saucepan. Stir until smooth, then brush this glaze over the fruit to give it a glossy finish.
Refrigerate the tart for at least an hour to let it set properly before serving. This wait is the hardest part, but it's worth it!
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