Make Two Easy Puff Pastry Tarts in under 30 Minutes: Sweet vs. Savory

Easy Puff Pastry Tarts

Puff pastry is a fantastic ingredient that can elevate any dish, from classy appetizers to delightful desserts. With its flaky texture and rich buttery flavor, puff pastry serves as a perfect base for a wide range of toppings. In this post, we’ll show you how to make two amazing and easy puff pastry tarts in under 30 minutes: a Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart for a sweet treat and an Asparagus Mascarpone Herb Tart for a savory option. Both recipes are quick, easy, and affordable, making them ideal for any occasion.

The Magic of Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is crafted from layers of dough and fat, creating a light and flaky texture when baked. It is available frozen in sheets in most grocery stores. This convenience lets you transform ordinary ingredients into gourmet-style dishes in no time. You can purchase a standard puff pastry for $5 to $7.

Puff Pastry on Baking Sheet with filling ingredients.

Pepperidge Farms makes a good one, and Whole Foods makes an inexpensive one on its 365 label. Some quite expensive puff pastries are made of butter, but this is not necessary for this recipe (but fine if you prefer).

Sweet Delight: Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry

• 3/4 cup of cream cheese, softened at room temperature

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1-2 T cream

• 1 t. vanilla extract or other flavoring (optional)

• Zest of one lemon

• 1-2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced if large (may add other berries)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• Juice of 1/2 a lemon

• 1 egg, beaten with one tablespoon water (for egg wash)

• sparkling sugar, if desired

• A sprinkle of chopped mint (optional)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   
   

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. A size of 9x12 is ideal. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and put the puff pastry on the paper. Fold over the outer 3/4 inch of each edge to make a border.

   
   

3. Prepare Berries: Slice the strawberries and add other berries (if using). Add 1/2 cup sugar and juice of 1/2 a lemon. Allow to stand for 5 minutes.

   
   

4. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, cream, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth and creamy.

   
   

5. Spread the Filling: Evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture over the prepared puff pastry.

   
   

6. Top with Strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries on the cream cheese.

   
   

7. Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash (beat one egg lightly and add one tablespoon of water. Sprinkle on sparkling sugar or plain sugar over the strawberries.

   
   

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You want the edges of the pastry to be golden brown.

   
   

9. Finish and Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing. Sprinkle with chopped mint just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

A delicious strawberry cream cheese tart ready to enjoy.

Savory Sensation: Asparagus Mascarpone Herb Tart

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry

• 1 cup (8 oz) mascarpone cheese

• Zest of one lemon

• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1-2 tablespoons herbs of choice (thyme, dill, tarragon, oregano, etc.)

• 1/2 pound of fresh asparagus, cut to width of tart

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 egg, beaten with one tablespoon water (for egg wash)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), just as you did for the sweet tart.

   
   

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet (9x12) and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Create a small border around the edges by folding over the outer 3/4 inch. You can fit two of this size on a typical quarter size baking sheet.

   
   

3. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, lemon zest, 1-2 tablespoons cream, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. Stir until everything is well combined.

   
   

4. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the mascarpone mixture over the puff pastry, leaving the border clear for rising.

   
   

5. Add the Asparagus: Lay the asparagus pieces on top of the mascarpone filling, arranging them creatively.

   
   

6. Brush the Edges: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg for a glossy finish.

   
   

7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry acquires a golden hue and the asparagus is tender.

   
   

8. Serve Warm: Let the tart cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

A savory asparagus mascarpone herb tart ready to be tasted.

Expert Tips for Easy Puff Pastry Tart Perfection

• Proper Thawing: Ensure that puff pastry is fully thawed before you start. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes to help it roll out smoothly.

  
  

• Pre-Preparing Ingredients: You can mix your fillings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This approach significantly speeds up the assembly process when you're ready to bake.

  
  

• Flavor Exploration: Feel free to explore various ingredients! Switch up fruits for the sweet tart or try different vegetables and cheeses in the savory option for an exciting twist.

  
  

• Elevate the Presentation: A simple touch, like a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dusting of powdered sugar, can transform your tarts into an elegant dish.

  
  

Wrap-Up

Creating tasty puff pastry tarts is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and half an hour, you can make these delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese and Asparagus Mascarpone Herb Tarts. Whether satisfying a sweet tooth or craving something savory, these tarts are easy and budget-friendly. Happy baking!

Sweet and Savory Tarts ready to enjoy!