If you’re craving a delightful dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious, the Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Tart with Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. This tart marries the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the luscious creaminess of a tangy Schmand-based filling and bursts of sweet, fresh strawberries. Finished with a glossy cake glaze, this recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it a perfect go-to for impressing friends or satisfying your own sweet tooth without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this recipe are a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing its part to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The fresh strawberries add vibrant color and natural sweetness, while the Schmand cream offers a smooth, tangy contrast to the crisp puff pastry.
- Puff pastry (approx. 275g): Provides a buttery, flaky base that’s light yet sturdy enough to hold the cream and fruit.
- Fresh strawberries (500 g): Choose ripe and firm strawberries for juicy sweetness and the best color.
- Schmand (200 g): This creamy, slightly tangy sour cream is key for that cheesecake-like filling; crème fraîche is a great substitute if needed.
- Sugar (100 g): Sweetens the cream and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- Vanilla sugar (1 packet): Adds a warm, aromatic note to the cream, enhancing its richness.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the cream and elevates the strawberry flavor with a fresh zing.
- Clear cake glaze (1 packet): Gives the tart a shiny finish while sealing in freshness and flavor.
- Water (250 ml): Used to prepare the glaze, ensuring it sets perfectly over the fruit.
How to Make Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Tart with Cream Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pastry
Begin by heating your oven to 200°C (390°F) to get it nice and hot. Roll out the puff pastry onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, which stops sticking and makes cleanup easy. Use a fork to prick the surface of the pastry gently; this prevents unwanted bubbles while baking, ensuring a smooth, even crust.
Step 2: Bake the Pastry
Pop your prepared pastry into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it turns a perfect golden brown. That flaky, crisp foundation is key to balancing the creamy and fruity layers that follow. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely, so the cream won’t melt when spread on top.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries
While the pastry cools, wash 500 grams of fresh strawberries carefully. Remove the stems and slice the berries in halves to create beautiful, bite-sized pieces perfect for arranging decoratively on your tart. Their bright red color will make your tart pop visually.
Step 4: Make the Schmand Cream
In a mixing bowl, combine the 200 grams of Schmand with 100 grams of sugar, one packet of vanilla sugar, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. This creamy filling is refreshingly tangy yet sweet, offering the cheesecake-like texture that makes the Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Tart with Cream Recipe so irresistibly good.
Step 5: Assemble the Tart
With the pastry cool, spread the Schmand cream evenly over the entire surface. Then, arrange the sliced strawberries on top in an attractive pattern—whether neat rows or a rustic scattering, both look fantastic and inviting.
Step 6: Add the Glossy Finish
Prepare the clear cake glaze according to the packet instructions, usually by mixing with 250 milliliters of water and heating while stirring until it thickens. Carefully drizzle the glaze over the strawberries starting from the center and working outwards, creating a shiny, protective coating that locks in freshness and flavor.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This final step gives the tart its signature glossy sheen and a beautiful finish that will impress at first sight and with every bite.
How to Serve Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Tart with Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle some fresh mint leaves over the top for a pop of green and a refreshing aroma, or dust with a little powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch. A dollop of whipped cream on the side complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
This tart shines beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of lemon sorbet. For a more substantial dessert experience, serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the tart into small, star-shaped pieces using cookie cutters for a fun party platter, or serve individual portions in small glass dishes layered with extra cream and chopped strawberries. You can even add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover tart in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The tart is best eaten within two days to enjoy the puff pastry’s crispness and the fresh strawberry texture at their highest quality.
Freezing
Because of the fresh strawberries and creamy topping, freezing this tart isn’t recommended as it can affect texture and flavor. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store refrigerated for a short time instead.
Reheating
If you prefer your puff pastry warm, you can briefly warm individual slices in a low oven for a few minutes before serving, but avoid reheating the entire tart to preserve the freshness of the cream and fruit topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Tart with Cream Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are ideal because they hold their shape and texture better. Using frozen berries might make the tart watery as they thaw, but if frozen is your only option, make sure to drain and pat them dry before using.
What can I substitute for Schmand in the recipe?
Crème fraîche is the best substitute for Schmand as their textures and flavors are quite similar. You could also try sour cream, but it may be a bit tangier and thinner.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free puff pastry in place of the traditional one. Just make sure to check the package cooking instructions as they might vary slightly.
Can I prepare the tart ahead of time?
You can prepare the tart up to the glazing step a few hours in advance and place it in the fridge. Add the glaze and strawberries just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
How do I ensure the puff pastry doesn’t get soggy?
Allow the puff pastry to cool completely before adding the cream. Also, the cake glaze acts as a sealing layer over the strawberries, preventing moisture from soaking into the pastry and keeping it crisp longer.
Final Thoughts
The Quick Strawberry Cheesecake Tart with Cream Recipe is such a joy to make and to share—it has all the hallmarks of a homemade dessert that feels both special and effortless. With its crisp, airy base, creamy tangy layer, and fresh fruit topping, it’s guaranteed to brighten up any table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and fall in love with its charm just like I have.
