Name: Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated pie dough (or homemade); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries); 2 tablespoons apricot jam (optional, for glaze)

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If you’re searching for a show-stopping treat that’s both luscious and simple to make, the Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet absolutely fits the bill. Imagine buttery, crisp tart shells filled with a cloud-like citrus cream and topped with vibrant, juicy berries — a dessert designed to dazzle at brunch, tea parties, or any gathering where you want to impress. The zesty notes meld perfectly with the sweet berries and velvety cream cheese, making every bite of this Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet sing with fresh, sunny flavors.

Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that every ingredient serves a beautiful purpose — no filler, just pure flavor and texture. From the golden tart shells to that irresistible citrus-kissed filling, each element brings something special to the Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet.

Refrigerated pie dough: A convenient, flaky base that saves time without sacrificing taste.
Cream cheese (softened): Gives buttery richness and creates a smooth, creamy filling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to complement the fruit.
Lemon zest: Brightens everything with a fresh, tangy zing.
Orange zest: Adds subtle aromatic citrus notes for a truly refreshing bite.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, cozy undertone to the creamy filling.
Heavy cream: When whipped, lightens the filling for an airy, mousse-like texture.
Mixed fresh berries: Offers a burst of color, natural sweetness, and a pop of tartness on top.
Apricot jam (optional, for glaze): Gives berries a glossy, bakery-style finish.

How to Make Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Tartlet Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie dough and use a round cutter to create circles large enough for your muffin tin or tartlet pans. Gently press each dough round into the molds, making sure there are no air pockets. Prick the base of each shell with a fork (this stops bubbling) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re golden and crisp. Allow the tartlet shells to cool completely before filling — this will ensure the cream stays silky smooth and doesn’t melt.

Step 2: Whip Up the Citrus Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is luscious and smooth, with no lumps in sight. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until you get firm stiff peaks — this makes for a light-as-air filling. Gently fold the whipped cream into the citrus cream cheese mixture, maintaining as much volume as possible for a dreamy texture.

Step 3: Fill the Tart Shells

Spoon or pipe that cloud-like filling into your cooled tartlet shells. Go ahead and be generous — the cream is truly the star of the Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet. You can use a spoon for a rustic touch or a piping bag for a professional look, whichever you prefer.

Step 4: Top with Fresh Berries

Carefully arrange your mixed berries (think strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries — or any combo you love) on top of each tartlet. Play with the colors and shapes! Not only do the berries add juicy flavor, but they also create that gorgeous, jewel-toned finish.

Step 5: Glaze for a Gorgeous Shine (Optional)

If you’re looking to truly wow your guests, gently melt the apricot jam with a splash of water in a small saucepan. Brush this lightly over the berries to give your Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlets that irresistible patisserie shine. Serve right away, or chill until you’re ready for dessert.

How to Serve Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet

Garnishes

Dress up each Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet with an extra sprinkle of citrus zest, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprig of fresh mint. These little touches make them look extra-special and taste even brighter!

Side Dishes

While these tartlets are a knockout all on their own, they pair beautifully with a crisp fruit salad, a refreshing citrus sorbet, or a classic cup of black tea or espresso for an elegant finish to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet creations by serving them on a vintage cake stand or a rustic wooden tray. Try arranging them alongside small bowls of additional berries, or stagger them with other bite-sized sweets for a stunning dessert table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover tartlets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The shell may soften slightly, but the bright flavors and creamy filling remain delicious. If you expect leftovers, keep berries separate and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Freezing

While the shells and filling freeze well separately, assembled Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlets are best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate berries. If needed, freeze unfilled tartlet shells and the plain cream cheese filling (without whipped cream or berries). Thaw, add whipped cream, assemble, and top with berries before serving.

Reheating

These tartlets are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’d like a slightly warmer shell, you can briefly re-crisp unfilled shells in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes, then cool and fill as directed.

FAQs

Can I make the dough from scratch instead of using store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pie dough adds a lovely personal touch to your Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet, and you can adjust it to your preferred level of flakiness and flavor.

What berries work best in this recipe?

Any fresh berries will shine, but I love a mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for vibrant color and a range of sweet-tart flavors. Even seasonal berries or stone fruits would taste great as a twist.

Can I make these as a large tart instead of individual tartlets?

Definitely! Use a standard 9-inch tart pan, follow the same basic steps, and slice to serve. The result is just as stunning as individual Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlets and perfect for group celebrations.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Gluten-free pie dough or tart shells work beautifully here. Just ensure all your ingredients, especially the pie dough, are clearly labeled gluten-free so everyone can dig in worry-free.

What’s the best way to transport these for a picnic or party?

Chill the tartlets thoroughly, then arrange them in a single layer in a sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid. Pack berries separately if possible and assemble once you arrive for the freshest presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that wows with flavor and presentation but is a breeze to whip up, you simply have to try the Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together and brightens any table. Go ahead and share the love — I promise, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlet Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 12 tartlets 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy citrus, creamy cheese filling, and fresh mixed berries in these Citrus Berry Cream Cheese Tartlets. A perfect balance of flavors in a bite-sized treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Dough:

1 package refrigerated pie dough (or homemade)

Cream Cheese Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream

Toppings:

1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
2 tablespoons apricot jam (optional, for glaze)

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Instructions

Prepare Tart Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie dough and cut into circles to fit into molds. Bake until golden brown. Cool.
Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, zests, and vanilla until smooth. Whip cream until stiff peaks form; fold into cream cheese mixture.
Fill Tart Shells: Spoon filling into cooled tart shells. Top with berries.
Optional Glaze: Melt apricot jam with water; brush over berries. Serve or refrigerate.