Strawberry and Cream Cheese Tarts

These tarts are a summertime treat that’s as simple as it gets! Flaky puff pastry, sweet strawberries, and creamy filling come together perfectly. They’re quick to make, look fancy, and are the ideal mix of sweet and tangy. Perfect for dessert, morning tea, or just because you feel like it!

Product: The Larder: Salted Chocolate Caramel Sauce 

Makes: 8
Effort: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry
• 8 large strawberries
• 120g cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2–3 tbsp extra caster sugar, for sprinkling
• Salted chocolate caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 210°C (190°C fan-forced).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Lay out the puff pastry sheets and slice them into 8 even squares. Transfer the squares to a lined baking tray, ensuring they don’t touch.
4. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a smaller rectangle inside each square, about 1cm from the edge. Prick the centre area (inside the scored rectangle) with a fork.
5. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the centre of each square and spread it evenly within the scored rectangle.
6. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with the extra caster sugar.
7. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Once baked, transfer the tarts to a wire rack and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
9. While the tarts are cooling, slice the strawberries.
10. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling, drizzle with salted chocolate caramel sauce, and enjoy!