Description
This Berry Puff Pastry Tart is a delightful patriotic dessert featuring a flaky puff pastry base topped with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese layer and fresh, vibrant berries arranged in an eye-catching flag pattern. Perfect for celebrations or a refreshing summer treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 8 1/2 oz puff pastry sheet (thawed according to package instructions)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- 3/4 cup blueberries
- 2 cups raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pastry: While the puff pastry is thawing, preheat your oven to 400ËšF. Roll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface such as parchment or Silpat into a 10×12-inch rectangle to create an even thickness.
- Score the Border: Transfer the rolled dough with the parchment paper onto a baking sheet. Using a pizza cutter or knife, score a line 1/2 inch from the edges all around the dough, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will allow the border to puff up separately creating a raised edge after baking.
- Dock the Base: With a fork, gently pierce the inner area of the pastry within the scored border to prevent excessive puffing during baking. Avoid docking the border itself to maintain its lift.
- Bake the Pastry: Place the prepared baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature before adding the topping.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract at high speed for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and whipped.
- Assemble the Tart: Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the cooled puff pastry center, spreading it evenly while keeping the raised border clean to enhance presentation.
- Add the Berries: Arrange the blueberries and raspberries over the cream cheese in a flag-like pattern to create a patriotic look. Optionally, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. The tart is best enjoyed within a day to keep the berries fresh and vibrant.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Scoring the border without cutting through allows for a neat puffed edge.
- Docking the inside pastry prevents unwanted bubbling and maintains an even surface.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer flavor.
- Use fresh and ripe berries for the best taste and appearance.
- This tart should be served chilled but can be brought to room temperature before eating if preferred.
- If you don’t want to dust with powdered sugar, a light glaze of apricot jam can provide shine and extra sweetness.
