Go Back
As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, summer brings a delightful array of fresh fruits that can elevate any dessert. The season is synonymous with light, refreshing treats that not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also celebrate the vibrant flavors of juicy berries, succulent peaches, and zesty citrus. Among the myriad of summer desserts, mini summer fruit tarts stand out as a perfect choice for gatherings, picnics, or simply indulging at home. These charming little pastries encapsulate the essence of summer in every bite, offering a delightful combination of flaky crust, creamy filling, and an assortment of colorful fruits.

Mini Summer Fruit Tarts

Indulge in the delightful taste of summer with these mini fruit tarts that are perfect for any occasion! Featuring a flaky crust, creamy filling, and a vibrant mix of fresh seasonal fruits, these tarts offer a refreshing dessert option that's easy to make. Ideal for picnics, BBQs, or a sweet treat at home, this recipe allows for creativity and customization with your favorite fruits. Let the beauty of summer shine through each colorful bite!

Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

1 large egg yolk

2 tablespoons cold water

1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Assorted fresh summer fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, peaches, kiwi)

Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tart Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt to combine. Add the chilled, diced butter and mix it in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture achieves a coarse, crumbly texture, resembling sand.

    Incorporate the Egg Yolk: Add the egg yolk along with the cold water to the flour mixture. Gently mix until the dough starts to come together. If the dough appears too crumbly, you can add a splash more of cold water, one teaspoon at a time.

      Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the pastry become more manageable and flaky when baked.

        Preheat the Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

          Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles that fit your mini tart pans. Carefully press each circle into the pans, ensuring to mold it well against the sides.

            Blind Bake the Tarts: To prevent puffing, prick the bottoms of the tart shells with a fork. Line each shell with a piece of parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment and weights and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are lightly golden. Allow the tart shells to cool completely once baked.

              Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it is well blended and airy.

                Assemble the Tarts: After the tart shells have cooled, fill each one with the delightful cream cheese filling. You can do this either with a piping bag for a neat look or simply use a spoon for a more casual approach.

                  Top with Fresh Fruit: Decoratively arrange an assortment of fresh summer fruits on top of each filled tart. Think colorful combinations like red strawberries, blue blueberries, and yellow peaches for an enticing visual appeal.

                    Garnish and Serve: For an extra pop of color, place a small mint leaf on each tart if desired. To enhance the flavors and textures, chill the tarts in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

                      Prep Time / Total Time / Servings: 30 min | 1 hr + chill | 12 servings