Name: Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fruit Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1/2 cup butter (frozen and grated); 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tsp salt; 6 Tbsp ice water (add a tablespoon at a time); 1 8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature); 2 Tbsp sour cream; 4 Tbsp sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla; 1/2 tsp lemon zest; 1 lb. fresh strawberries (enough to fill tart pans); 1/4 cup red currant jam (can also use apricot or seedless strawberry jam); 2 tsp water

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both beautiful and irresistibly delicious, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fruit Glaze Recipe. I absolutely love how this tart comes together — buttery crust, smooth, tangy cream cheese filling, and a glossy fresh strawberry topping that looks as good as it tastes. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough to make on a relaxed weekend. Trust me, once you make this, your family and friends will be asking for it on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy, tangy filling pairs beautifully with the sweet, fresh strawberries and buttery crust.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients already on hand, and they come together in no time.
Eye-Catching Presentation: That glossy fruit glaze makes the tart sparkle, impressing anyone who sees it.
Versatile and Customizable: You can swap fruit or jams to suit your season or taste preferences.

Two small fruit tarts are placed on white plates with blue floral patterns. Each tart has a golden brown crust as the base layer, followed by a layer of smooth yellow custard that fills the crust evenly. On top, there are seven bright red, shiny round fruits arranged neatly in a circular pattern. The tarts sit on a white marbled surface. Next to the top plate is a golden fork, partly resting on the plate, while a golden fork is also placed to the left of the bottom plate. A white cloth napkin with embroidered edges is placed to the right side, near the top plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work in harmony to create that perfect tart – flaky crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries glazed to perfection. When you shop, pick the freshest strawberries you can find for the best flavor and appearance.

All purpose flour: This forms the base for the tart crust – I like to use unbleached for better texture.
Butter: Frozen and grated butter mixes into the flour easily and creates a flaky crust.
Sugar (for crust and filling): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
Salt: Enhances the flavors in both crust and filling.
Ice water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
Cream cheese: Room temperature is key for smooth filling — no lumps!
Sour cream: Adds subtle tanginess and creaminess to balance the sweetness.
Egg yolk: Binds the filling for a rich texture.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note to the filling.
Lemon zest: Brightens up the filling with fresh citrus flavor.
Fresh strawberries: The star of the show — ripe and juicy berries make all the difference.
Red currant jam: Or apricot or seedless strawberry jam for the glaze — this adds shine and a hint of sweetness to preserve the berry’s freshness.
Water (for glaze): Thins the jam to create that perfect glossy finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fruit Glaze Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve tried a couple of different twists depending on the occasion and the season.

Use other fruits: I sometimes swap fresh blueberries or raspberries for strawberries — it works great and gives a nice color contrast.
Dairy-free filling: I’ve experimented with coconut cream in place of cream cheese and sour cream, and it’s delicious for a dairy-free option.
Gluten-free crust: Using a gluten-free flour blend for the crust keeps all the flavor but makes it accessible for gluten-sensitive friends.
Spiced touch: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the crust or filling gives a warm depth that’s perfect for cooler months.

How to Make Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fruit Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Make the Perfect Crust

Start by grating your frozen butter into the flour, sugar, and salt. This is the trick I discovered that makes the crust flaky and tender without overworking the dough. Mix together gently, then add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling out — this helps it stay firm and bake up crisp.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the dough chills, beat the room-temperature cream cheese and sour cream with sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add the egg yolk, salt, vanilla, and lemon zest. I love this step because the filling is so luscious yet light. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened, or you might get little lumps — I learned this the hard way!

Step 3: Bake the Crust with Filling

Roll out the dough to fit your tart pans and carefully transfer. Pour in the cream cheese filling and spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center — it will finish firming up as it cools.

Step 4: Arrange Strawberries and Glaze

After the tart cools completely, arrange the halved strawberries beautifully on top. I like to start from the outside and work my way inward, overlapping slightly for a pretty pattern. For the glaze, gently heat the jam with water until smooth and brush over the strawberries. This keeps them shiny and fresh-looking — plus, it adds a sweet finish that seals everything together.

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Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fruit Glaze Recipe

Use Frozen, Grated Butter: This keeps the dough flaky and easy to work with – a game changer for buttery crusts.
Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Trust me, cold dough rolls out smoother and bakes up crispier.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It blends better and prevents lumps in your filling.
Glazing While Warm: Apply the fruit glaze shortly after spreading it on, so it sets nicely without soaking into the berries.

How to Serve Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fruit Glaze Recipe

The image shows four small fruit tarts placed on a black wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each tart has three layers: a golden-brown, flaky crust forming the base and edges, a smooth, creamy yellow filling in the middle, and a top layer of seven to eight shiny, red strawberries arranged closely together. The strawberries look fresh and have a glossy coating that makes them glisten under the light. To the right side of the rack, a white linen cloth with lace trim is soft folded, adding a cozy touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal note. Dusting a little powdered sugar over the strawberries right before serving also adds a delicate sweetness and festive look that’s perfect if you’re entertaining.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple, I usually serve this tart on its own or with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a brunch or lighter meal, fresh whipped cream and a cup of tea or coffee work beautifully as accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve made mini versions of this tart for parties using small tart pans, which are adorable for guests and allow everyone to have their own slice. Another fun idea is serving the tart with a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for texture. Presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover strawberry tart tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The glaze helps keep the strawberries looking fresh, but the crust may soften a little with time — still delicious, just a different texture.

Freezing

Freezing this tart isn’t my favorite because the fresh strawberries get watery when thawed. However, you can freeze the baked crust separately and add the filling and fruit fresh when ready to serve – a handy trick if you want to prep some elements in advance.

Reheating

If you want to warm it up slightly, I recommend just a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave — enough to take the chill off but not so much that the filling melts. Serve immediately after reheating for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this tart?

It’s best to use fresh strawberries because frozen ones release a lot of water when thawed, which can make the crust soggy and affect the glaze. If you only have frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly, though the texture and appearance may not be ideal.
How can I make the tart crust without a food processor?

No problem! You can grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture using a box grater and then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix if you prefer, just as long as the butter stays cold and you don’t overwork the dough. This method still yields a flaky crust.
Can I make this tart vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with vegan versions like cashew cream or coconut yogurt, use a plant-based butter for the crust, and replace the egg yolk with a flax egg or cornstarch slurry. The flavor will be deliciously different but just as satisfying.
What’s the best way to get shiny fruit glaze?

Heating a bit of red currant or apricot jam with water until smooth and brushing it over the fruit while still warm is the secret trick. The glaze sets nicely and adds that professional-looking shine that makes this tart pop.
How long does this tart keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container or wrapped well, the tart stays good for up to 3 days. After that, the crust can start to soften, and the strawberries might lose some freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling and Fruit Glaze Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen — and I’m certain it’ll be one of yours too. It’s just one of those recipes that feels special yet is totally doable at home. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, the combination of creamy filling, fresh berries, and shiny glaze hits every note. So grab some strawberries, preheat your oven, and give this recipe a go — I promise you’ll love the way it turns out!