Description
Let me share a recipe for a dessert that is an absolute showstopper and perfect for showcasing beautiful fresh fruit: this incredible Fruit Tart! I often think of it affectionately as a “fruit pizza” because it starts with a large, round, buttery shortbread crust baked right on a pizza pan. It’s then topped with luscious layers of white chocolate cream cheese filling, a vibrant mosaic of assorted fresh fruits, and a shiny pineapple
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust:
- Butter, softened: 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks)
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 1/2 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups
White Chocolate Cream Cheese Filling:
- White Baking Chips (or chopped white baking chocolate): 1 package (10 to 12 ounces), melted and cooled
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1/4 cup
- Cream Cheese, softened: 1 package (8 ounces)
Pineapple Glaze:
- Pineapple Juice: 1/2 cup
- Sugar (granulated): 1/4 cup
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Juice: 1/2 teaspoon
Fruit Topping:
- Assorted Fresh Fruit, sliced/prepared: 4 cups (e.g., strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, peaches)
Instructions
Let’s create this stunning Fruit Tart, perfect for showcasing beautiful fruit! First, we’ll make and bake the unique crust. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Make and Bake Crust: Grease a 12-inch pizza pan. In a large bowl, cream the 3/4 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy – this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Gradually beat in the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour on low speed just until combined. The mixture will be crumbly, like coarse meal.
Pat this crumbly mixture evenly onto the bottom of the greased 12-inch pizza pan, pressing it gently to form a solid crust base. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned and the surface looks set. Let the crust cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Complete cooling is important!
Make the Filling: While the crust cools, prepare the filling. First, ensure your melted white baking chips have cooled significantly (lukewarm or room temp is ideal). In a large bowl, beat the cooled melted white chocolate and the 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream together with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and beat again until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
Spread this white chocolate cream cheese filling evenly over the completely cooled crust on the pizza pan. Refrigerate this base for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up slightly while you prepare the glaze.
Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice until the cornstarch is dissolved. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, cooking and stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes somewhat translucent, which takes about 2 minutes once boiling. Remove from heat and let the glaze cool completely.
Assemble the Tart: Once the filling on the crust has chilled for 30 minutes and the glaze is cool, it’s time for the fun part! Arrange your 4 cups of assorted fresh fruit decoratively over the cream cheese layer. You can create concentric circles, stripes, or just a beautiful mosaic of colors and shapes!
Using a pastry brush, gently brush the cooled pineapple glaze evenly over the arranged fruit. This gives the tart a beautiful shine and helps preserve the fruit slightly.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the finished fruit tart for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the glaze to set fully and the flavors to meld. Slice into wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter and serve chilled. Enjoy your gorgeous creation!