Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 10 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 (8 oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced; 3 tablespoons strawberry or raspberry preserves; 2 teaspoons water (for glazing)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart Recipe with anyone who will listen because it combines a buttery, tender crust with a luscious cream cheese filling and fresh, juicy strawberries in a way that feels both indulgent and refreshing. It’s one of those desserts that instantly brightens up the table—and my mood! Every time I make it, I’m reminded how perfect it is for celebrations or even a simple treat when I just want to savor something a little special. This tart always manages to impress without any fuss, which is exactly why it holds a special place in my recipe collection.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart Recipe

From the very first bite, what I adore about this Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart Recipe is its balance of flavors and textures. The crust is buttery and crisp, creating the perfect foundation that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tangy filling. Then, topping everything with bright, fresh strawberries adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color that just make the whole tart pop. It’s that harmony of creamy, sweet, and slightly tart that keeps me coming back for more every time.

What makes this recipe stand out to me, besides its deliciousness, is how approachable it is. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, and the steps feel manageable—even if you’re not a seasoned baker. I often bring this tart to family gatherings and brunches because it feels fancy without being intimidating, and people always ask for the recipe. Whether it’s a special holiday, a casual afternoon with friends, or a weekend treat, this tart is one that fits any occasion seamlessly.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white fluted tart pan holds an unbaked dough crust, light beige in color with a slightly uneven surface texture. The dough is pressed into the pan with scalloped edges, which are crimped slightly irregularly. Small holes are poked evenly across the base and sides of the dough to prevent bubbling. A woman's hand is seen in the top right corner holding a small gold fork, pressing its tines into the dough near the pan’s edge. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a few fresh red strawberries and a yellow-striped cloth napkin partly visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this tart has a simple but crucial role, whether it’s building the crust’s texture, adding richness to the filling, or giving that fresh burst from the strawberries. These essentials come together to create a dessert that is as visually stunning as it is tasty.

Tip!

You’ll find all ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.

All-purpose flour: The base of the crust, providing structure and a delicate crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the cream cheese filling just right.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust and balances the sweetness.
Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the crust while keeping it tender.
Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for a light, airy texture in the filling.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling, giving it that iconic creamy, tangy taste.
Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the filling with a subtle citrus zing that complements the strawberries.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the filling.
Fresh strawberries: Hulled and sliced, they are the vibrant, juicy topping that makes this tart unforgettable.
Strawberry or raspberry preserves: Brushed on top for a shiny glaze and an extra boost of fruity sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and kosher salt until well combined. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the dough comes together in a smooth, even mixture.

Step 2: Press the dough evenly into a 10 or 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Make sure to smooth it out and press down firmly. Use a fork to prick the dough all over to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden color. Once done, set it aside to cool completely before filling.

Step 3: While the crust cools, prepare the filling. Using a hand mixer, beat the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until everything is fully combined and fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped cream using a spatula, being careful to keep the mixture light and airy.

Step 5: Spoon the cream cheese filling into the cooled tart crust and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon so it’s even.

Step 6: Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the filling starting from the outer edge and working your way inward in concentric circles until the entire surface is covered beautifully.

Step 7: In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm the strawberry or raspberry preserves with 2 teaspoons of water for about 30 seconds until thin and spreadable. Use a pastry brush to gently glaze the strawberries on the tart. This also gives the tart a gorgeous shine.

Step 8: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours so it can set and chill well before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart Recipe makes about 10 servings, perfect for sharing at a gathering or family dessert. The prep time is around 30 minutes, mostly hands-on mixing and assembling. Baking the crust takes 25 to 30 minutes, and chilling the tart afterward requires at least 2 hours for the flavors to meld and the filling to set nicely. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 3 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish, most of which is hands-off time.

How to Serve This Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart Recipe

A round tart with a golden-brown crust in a metal tart pan, filled with one thick layer of smooth, creamy white filling spread evenly across the top. The surface of the filling has soft, swirled textures. In the background, there are a few fresh red strawberries and a white and yellow striped cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this tart, I like to keep things simple so the flavors truly shine. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a little crunch. For an elegant touch, I occasionally add a few fresh mint leaves to brighten each slice visually and flavor-wise.

This tart looks stunning on any dessert table, especially when presented on a pretty cake stand or a rustic wooden board. I usually slice it into ten wedges, since the tart is rich and satisfying, and I find smaller pieces work nicely to give everyone a taste without feeling too heavy.

For drinks, I love serving it alongside a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a fruity white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the berries beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade or iced green tea with a mint garnish pairs perfectly, keeping the experience fresh and refreshing. This tart really shines at brunches, spring parties, or even holiday dinners, and I prefer it served chilled straight from the fridge to keep the filling nice and firm.

Variations

I love adapting this Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart Recipe in a few ways depending on the season and what I have on hand. For example, I sometimes swap the fresh strawberries for blueberries or a mixed berry combination, which changes the flavor profile but keeps that fresh fruit vibe alive. Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top right before serving is a pretty optional touch that adds subtle sweetness and a classic look.

If you have dietary restrictions, I’ve tried making a gluten-free version by using almond flour blended with a little gluten-free flour blend for the crust, which gives it a slightly nutty, tender texture. Vegan versions are possible too—using vegan cream cheese and coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks can create a deliciously creamy filling with similar richness.

For cooking methods, while I always bake the crust, I’ve experimented with using a store-bought tart shell to save time on busy days, though I do miss the fresh buttery flavor. The filling and topping remain the same, so you still get that indulgent, creamy goodness combined with the fresh strawberries. Feel free to make this recipe your own and get creative—it’s so forgiving and adaptable!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart Recipe, store them in an airtight container or cover the tart pan tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. I keep mine in the refrigerator, and it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The filling and fruit hold up beautifully for that time, just make sure to eat it fairly soon for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing this tart because the fresh strawberries and cream cheese filling don’t freeze well—the texture can get watery or grainy after thawing. However, if you want to freeze it, I suggest freezing just the unbaked crust dough or baking the crust and then freezing it separately, without the filling or topping. When ready to enjoy, thaw fully and add fresh filling and strawberries for the best experience.

Reheating

This tart is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can let a refrigerated slice sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving it, as that can ruin the delicate cream cheese filling’s texture and make the crust soggy. Trust me, it tastes just as delicious and refreshing served cool.

FAQs

Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! The crust can be baked a day or two in advance and stored wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Just fill and assemble the tart on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste and best texture.

What’s the best way to pick strawberries for this tart?

Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid overly soft or mushy berries as they won’t hold their shape well when sliced on the tart. Fresh, ripe berries will give the tart its signature juicy burst of flavor.

Can I use a different jam for the glaze?

Yes! While strawberry or raspberry preserves are classic, apricot jam also works beautifully as it gives a lovely shine without overpowering the strawberry flavor. Just warm the preserves with a little water to brush over the top and create that glossy finish.

Is it possible to make this tart vegan?

Yes, you can substitute vegan cream cheese and coconut cream whipped until stiff in place of dairy cream cheese and heavy cream. For the crust, use a vegan butter substitute. It’s a delightful alternative though slightly different in texture and flavor.

How should I slice and serve the tart?

Use a sharp knife to cut the tart into even wedges, wiping the knife clean between slices for neat edges. I recommend slicing it into 10 pieces, which balances portion size and richness, making it perfect for sharing without overwhelming anyone.

Conclusion

I truly hope you’ll give this Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that feels both special and effortlessly doable. It’s a personal favorite of mine for good reason—the combination of creamy filling, buttery crust, and fresh strawberries is pure bliss every time. Making and sharing this tart is like wrapping your day in a little edible piece of happiness, and I can’t wait for you to experience that joy too.