Name: Mini Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 mini tartlet or phyllo shells (store-bought or homemade); 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature; ¼ cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2–3 teaspoon milk (as needed for thinning); 1 cup assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, mango); 2 tablespoon apricot jam (optional, for glaze)

These Mini Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese are absolutely dreamy-each bite bursts with silky, tangy cream cheese filling topped with vibrant, juicy fruit nestled in a crisp, golden shell. They're the perfect marriage of creamy, fresh, and sweet, all in a charming, bite-sized package.

What's truly special? They look decadently impressive but are surprisingly easy and quick to make. Perfect for summer parties, holidays, brunches, or whenever you need a show-stopping treat that's sure to impress guests of all ages.

This recipe is inspired by my favorite childhood bakery treats. I loved how the glossy fruit and creamy filling made every bite feel like a little celebration. I bet you'll love them just as much!

Mini Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese on a white platter, adorned with colorful fresh fruit

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy, no-fuss prep-ready in under 40 minutes with store-bought or homemade tartlet shells.
Incredibly versatile-use any combination of your favorite fresh fruit.
Perfect for entertaining-these hold up beautifully on a dessert table and impress every guest.
Kid-friendly and fun to decorate-great for little hands to help assemble.
A refreshing, light dessert-not too sweet and full of fresh flavor.

Key Ingredients for Mini Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the star of the filling-rich, tangy, and perfectly creamy. For best results, use full-fat brick-style cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth blending. You can substitute with neufchâtel for a slightly lighter option, but the texture will be a touch softer.

Fresh Fruit

The crown jewel of these tartlets! Choose a medley of seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, mango, or blackberries. Cut larger fruit into small, uniform pieces so each tartlet gets a bit of everything. Frozen fruit isn't ideal here, as it can be too watery, but you can use canned mandarin oranges if well-drained.

Tartlet Shells

Pre-made mini tartlet or phyllo shells save time and turn out perfectly crisp every time. If you love baking from scratch, try homemade sweet shortcrust pastry (blind-bake them in mini muffin tins). Gluten-free shells also work great if you need an allergy-friendly option.

Lemon Zest

Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy zing that balances the creamy richness of the filling. Use freshly grated zest for the most vibrant flavor. You could swap in orange zest for a sweeter, less tart note.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of pure vanilla brings warmth and depth to the filling. If you only have vanilla bean paste, that's a delicious upgrade!

Mini Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese cooking process

Instructions for Mini Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prepare the Tartlet Shells

If using store-bought shells, arrange them on a serving platter or tray. For homemade pastry, bake and cool according to your favorite mini tart shell recipe-Sally's Baking Addiction has a great tutorial!

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest, then mix again. If the filling is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it's spreadable but not runny.

Fill the Tartlet Shells

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each tartlet shell with the cream cheese mixture, smoothing the tops. Don't overfill, as you want room for the fruit.

Top with Fresh Fruit

Arrange the assorted fresh fruit artfully on top of each tartlet. Get creative with patterns or mix and match for colorful variety!

Optional: Glaze for Shine

If desired, gently warm the apricot jam until liquid (microwave for 15 seconds), then brush a thin layer over the fruit with a pastry brush for a beautiful, glossy finish-just like a French patisserie.

Chill Before Serving

Place the finished tartlets in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This helps set the filling and melds the flavors. Serve chilled for maximum freshness.

Recipe Variations

Go Gluten-Free

Swap in gluten-free tartlet shells or make your own with gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly treat. The creamy filling and fruit flavors shine just as brightly!

Vegan Version

Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk in the filling. Opt for vegan tartlet shells (some brands are already vegan), and you'll have a crowd-pleasing vegan dessert.

Chocolate Lovers' Twist

Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling and top each tartlet with a few mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate. It's a decadent twist that pairs beautifully with berries.

Citrus Burst

Switch the lemon zest for lime or orange zest, and use tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi for a zesty, vibrant flavor profile.

Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle a few chopped toasted pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts on top of the fruit for delightful crunch and extra color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these mini fruit tartlets chilled, garnished with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint. They pair wonderfully with a pot of hot Earl Grey tea or a sparkling glass of Prosecco. For a larger dessert spread, set them alongside lemon bars or mini cheesecakes to create an irresistible dessert buffet. For more party-ready treats, visit Taste of Home's dessert collection.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shells will stay crispest if you assemble just before serving, but they're still tasty after chilling! To refresh, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Freezing is not recommended as the fruit and filling can become watery upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Mini Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the tartlet shells and cream cheese filling up to a day in advance. Assemble with fruit just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

Q: What fruits work best for these tartlets?

A: Opt for firm, colorful fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, or mango. Avoid fruits that release a lot of juice, like watermelon, which can make the shells soggy.

Q: Can I use a different type of filling?

A: Absolutely! You can use mascarpone, vanilla pudding, or a whipped ricotta blend if you prefer something different than cream cheese.

Ready to wow your family and friends? These Mini Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese are the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing dessert-fun to make, gorgeous to serve, and absolutely delicious. Give them a try and let me know how you liked them in the comments or by leaving a rating below!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 187 ratings