Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious: the Whipped Strawberry Tart. This treat combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a cloud-like whipped filling, and juicy fresh strawberries for a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking to impress at a summer gathering or just want to spoil yourself with something sweet, the Whipped Strawberry Tart is guaranteed to brighten any table—and every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Whipped Strawberry Tart comes from a handful of classic ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity. Gather these kitchen staples, and you’ll be amazed at how they work together to create a dessert that tastes like pure sunshine.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base, offering a sweet, toasty crunch that perfectly supports the creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the crust, helping it brown beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crumbs together, lending richness and helping the crust set.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips up into soft peaks, making the filling irresistibly light and airy.
- Cream cheese, softened: Brings tangy creaminess and structure to the filling, ensuring every slice holds its shape.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without grittiness, blending smoothly with both the cream cheese and cream.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors in the filling.
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: The star of the show—these bring vibrant color, juiciness, and a burst of real berry flavor.
- Strawberry jam (optional, for glaze): A quick brush of jam gives the tart a stunning, glossy finish and an extra pop of strawberry goodness.
How to Make Whipped Strawberry Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything together until the texture resembles wet sand—this ensures that every bit of crust will bake up crisp and flavorful. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Don’t be shy about pressing firmly; a well-packed crust holds together beautifully when sliced. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until golden and fragrant. Let the crust cool completely before moving on to the filling.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Filling
Pour the heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl and beat it until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for achieving that dreamy, cloud-like texture in your Whipped Strawberry Tart. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to deflate all that lovely air you just whipped in. The result should be a pillowy, luscious filling that’s impossible to resist.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Once your crust is completely cool, spread the whipped filling evenly into the shell. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top. Now for the fun part: arrange the sliced strawberries in a circular pattern on top of the filling, starting from the outside and working your way in. This not only makes the tart look stunning, but also ensures every bite is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
Step 4: Add the Glaze (Optional)
If you want that bakery-style, glossy finish, warm a tablespoon of strawberry jam in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s just loose enough to brush. Gently brush the jam over the strawberries, giving them a gorgeous sheen and a little extra sweetness. This step is optional, but it truly elevates your Whipped Strawberry Tart to the next level.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the tart and refrigerate it for at least two hours before serving. This chill time allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, slice with a sharp knife for those picture-perfect wedges. Every spoonful is a celebration of creamy, crunchy, and fruity goodness!
How to Serve Whipped Strawberry Tart
Garnishes
A little garnish can turn your Whipped Strawberry Tart into a true centerpiece. Try scattering a few extra fresh mint leaves over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy effect. For special occasions, a few white chocolate curls or a drizzle of dark chocolate can make your tart even more decadent.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides light and refreshing to let the Whipped Strawberry Tart shine. A bowl of mixed fresh berries or a scoop of lemon sorbet pairs perfectly, balancing the tart’s richness. If you’re serving a crowd, offer some sparkling lemonade or a glass of chilled Prosecco for a touch of celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by making mini tarts in individual tartlet pans—perfect for parties or picnics. For a rustic look, serve slices on wooden boards with extra strawberries scattered around. Or, layer the components parfait-style in clear glasses for a playful, deconstructed twist on the classic Whipped Strawberry Tart.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the tart tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where the Whipped Strawberry Tart will stay fresh and delightful for up to 2 or 3 days. The crust may soften slightly, but the flavors will remain vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this tart, since the fresh strawberries and whipped filling can become watery and change texture after thawing. If you must freeze, do so before adding the strawberries on top, and wrap the tart well. Thaw in the fridge, then add fresh strawberries just before serving for the best taste and appearance.
Reheating
The Whipped Strawberry Tart is best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge—no reheating necessary! If you prefer a slightly softer crust, let your slice sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before digging in. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the whipped filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and appearance, but in a pinch, you can use thawed, well-drained frozen strawberries. Keep in mind they may release more juice, so pat them dry before arranging on the tart.
What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
Vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies make fantastic alternatives to graham crackers for the crust, each lending their own unique flavor twist to your Whipped Strawberry Tart.
Is there a dairy-free version of the filling?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping for a plant-based version. Make sure to choose brands you love, since the flavor will really shine through.
How long does the Whipped Strawberry Tart need to chill?
A minimum of two hours is recommended to let the filling set properly, but you can make it up to a day in advance for even more convenience and flavor.
Can I make this tart in advance for a party?
Yes, the Whipped Strawberry Tart is a wonderful make-ahead dessert. Simply assemble and chill the day before, then garnish with fresh strawberries and any extra touches right before serving to impress your guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts impressive and easy, the Whipped Strawberry Tart is pure joy on a plate. Give it a try and watch it disappear slice by slice—after all, there’s no sweeter way to celebrate the beauty of strawberries!
Print
Whipped Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking (for crust) and No-Bake (for filling)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A light and airy whipped strawberry tart featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling whipped with heavy cream, and topped with fresh strawberries for a refreshing and delicious dessert perfect for summer or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Whip cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will ensure a light and fluffy filling texture. Set aside the whipped cream carefully to maintain the stiffness.
- Make cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth and creamy. Then gently fold the whipped cream into this mixture until fully combined and fluffy, avoiding deflating the whipped cream.
- Assemble tart: Spread the whipped cream cheese filling evenly over the completely cooled graham cracker crust. Arrange the sliced strawberries neatly in a circular pattern across the top of the filling for a beautiful presentation.
- Glaze and chill: If desired, heat the strawberry jam slightly until runny and lightly brush it over the strawberry topping to create a glossy finish. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to set before serving.
Notes
- Serve the tart chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Consume within 2–3 days for optimal freshness.
- You can replace the graham cracker crust with a store-bought crust or crushed vanilla wafers for a sweeter base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
