Save to Pinterest A romantic, vibrant dessert featuring crisp tart shells, creamy filling, and an array of fresh fruit, elegantly arranged on a heart-shaped board perfect for sharing on Valentines Day.
This dessert has become a favorite for special occasions and brings joy whenever I prepare it for loved ones.
Ingredients
- Tart Shells: 16 mini tartlet shells (store-bought or homemade)
- Creamy Filling: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese softene d, 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fruit Toppings: 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh strawberries sliced, 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh raspberries, 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup (75 g) kiwi peeled and sliced, 1/2 cup (75 g) mango diced, 1/4 cup (30 g) pomegranate seeds, Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Optional Decoration: 2 tbsp (30 ml) apricot jam warmed (for glaze), Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking homemade tartlet shells. Bake according to package or recipe instructions. Let cool completely.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla mixing until combined.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 4:
- Spoon or pipe the creamy filling into each cooled tartlet shell.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the sliced fruits attractively over the filling. Use a variety of colors and shapes for visual appeal.
- Step 6:
- If desired brush fruit lightly with warmed apricot jam for shine.
- Step 7:
- Arrange the filled tartlets on a large heart-shaped board or platter alternating colors and shapes. Fill empty spaces with extra fruit and mint leaves.
- Step 8:
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings smiles and a warm feeling when shared with family during holidays.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or whisk, Piping bag or spoon, Heart-shaped serving board or platter, Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese heavy cream) and gluten (unless using gluten-free tart shells). May contain traces of nuts if using store-bought shells check labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories 210 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 24 g Protein 3 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This heart shaped fruit tart is perfect to impress guests and enjoy a refreshing fruity dessert.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use store-bought tart shells for this dessert?
Yes, store-bought mini tartlet shells work well and save preparation time. Just ensure they are fully cooled before filling.
- → How can I make the filling fluffier?
Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding it gently into the cream cheese mixture for a light and airy texture.
- → What fruit combinations work best for the topping?
A mix of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, mango, and pomegranate provides both vibrant color and a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular tartlet shells with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How do I give the fruit a glossy finish?
Lightly brush the fruit toppings with warmed apricot jam to add shine and enhance visual appeal.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese with other dairy products?
Mascarpone or ricotta can be used as alternatives to cream cheese, altering the flavor profile slightly but maintaining creaminess.