It might be hard to believe but Winter is coming to an end which means S P R I N G is around the corner. With Spring, there are various associations that can be made with the season such as, fresh fruits, flowers, rain, color changes, and warmer weather!
In the inspiration and excitement of Spring, I wanted to share a recipe for a light & delicious, fresh-tasting tart. The crust for this tart is a sugar cookie similar taste and texture. The filling is light and airy with the freshness of the fruits atop. This is the perfect dessert for a lunch or picnic.
Fun fact: Making a tart requires a specific tart pan. It is not the same thing as a pie pan! Also for the crust you will need a food processor.
The great thing about making a tart is you’re able to be as creative as you want to be with the choice of fruits and design! For my fruit tart, I wanted to go with a flower by using cut strawberries for petals. Also slices of banana and whole blueberries for the inner texture of a flower. Of course, you are able to choose your favorite fruits and theme- so have fun with this recipe!
Ingredients: What will you need?
4 components & ONLY 8 ingredients!
tart crust:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Sprinkle of salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, chopped into pieces)
filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (not whipped cream)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
your choice of fruit topping:
This component is completely up to you! I used sliced strawberries, bananas, and whole blueberries!
& Glaze:
apricot jam + water
Tools: food processor, spatula, measuring cups/spoons, whisk/stand mixer/hand mixer, knife to slice fruits/butter, & tart pan
This recipe makes about 8 slices.
What are the steps to making this fresh, fruity tart?
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. The crust takes only minutes to make! Take your food processor. Put in the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse these dry ingredients until incorporated.
2. Add the pieces of cut butter into the food processor. Pulse until the butter is incorporated into the dry ingredients. While the ingredients of the crust are coming together, oil your tart pan. 
3. The crust is complete! Using your fingers, take the crust dough and form it into the tart pan. Try to make it as even as possible on & around the pan.
4. Bake for 10-13 minutes. Depending on how thick or thin your crust is, the time can vary. It will be done baking when the crust appears golden. While waiting for the crust to bake, you can start making the tart filling. Place your cream cheese, whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla into a bowl. Mixing this will take about three to five minutes. At first it will appear milk-like, keep mixing until it looks similar to whipped cream.
5. When your crust is finished baking, let it cool down. While the crust is cooling, you can refrigerate the filling. Start to slice your fruits of choice. If you use bananas, it is better to cut it last since it can brown easily. 
6. After slicing your fruits, the pie is almost ready to form. First we have to make the glaze that will be needed after the tart is formed. Place about three spoons of the apricot jam in a pan over the stove. Add one or two spoons of water. The glaze is complete when it looks similar to a juice.
7. Once the tart crust is cooled, fruits are sliced, filling is ready, and glaze is complete- you are ready to form your fruit tart! Using a rubber spatula, add your filling.
8. Once your finished filling your tart crust, next are the fruits! Feel free to be creative with this in your design/theme!
9. Once your fruits are placed, use a spoon or brush to apply your glaze. The glaze is going to be applied over the fruits.
10. Serve now or refrigerate to serve for later in the day! Either way, enjoy a tart that we can assume is nutritious- I mean look at all those fruits (+ cream)!
