Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts Recipe

Easy Homemade Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts Recipe

These delightful puff pastry berries & cream tarts represent a luxurious dessert that converts simple ingredients into an elegant culinary experience.

Flaky, golden pastry serves as the perfect canvas for vibrant, juicy berries nestled within a silky cream filling.

Crisp layers of buttery pastry provide a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety cream.

Seasonal berries burst with natural sweetness, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Light and airy yet incredibly satisfying, this dessert feels simultaneously indulgent and refreshing.

Crafted with minimal effort, these tarts appear sophisticated and complex, making you look like a professional pastry chef.

Your guests will be impressed by the stunning presentation and irresistible combination of classic ingredients.

What Makes Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts Special

  • Create Stunning Visual Delights: These tarts transform simple ingredients into elegant desserts that look like they came from a professional bakery, making every bite a feast for the eyes.
  • Enjoy Heavenly Texture Contrast: Crisp, flaky puff pastry shells pair perfectly with silky smooth Chantilly cream and rich ganache, delivering a delightful mouthfeel that keeps you craving more.
  • Master Simple Gourmet Techniques: This recipe teaches easy yet sophisticated pastry-making skills like creating tart shells, whipping cream, and making ganache, empowering home bakers to feel like culinary experts without complicated steps.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Perfect for brunches, summer parties, or intimate gatherings, these tarts can be prepared ahead of time and dressed up with fresh berries, making them a stress-free yet impressive dessert option.

Ingredient Checklist for Puff Pastry Cream Tarts

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery base that creates light and flaky tart shells with golden crispy texture.
  • Egg: Essential for egg wash to give pastry a beautiful golden sheen and help sugar stick.
Cream and Chocolate Filling:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich, smooth base for both ganache and Chantilly cream with luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates silky smooth ganache with deep chocolate flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to Chantilly cream and provides crunch when sprinkled on pastry.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances cream's flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Fresh Fruit Topping:
  • Raspberries, Blueberries: Fresh, vibrant fruits that add color, natural sweetness, and bright flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Light dusting provides elegant finish and subtle additional sweetness.

Instructions for Assembling Berries & Cream Tarts

Step 1: Prepare Pastry Base

Unwrap frozen puff pastry and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Layer two sheets gently, pressing them together. Use a rolling pin to flatten into a large rectangle about 12×16 inches. Carefully cut out circles using a 3-inch cookie cutter, placing them close together. Transfer circles to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Create an inner circle using a 2-inch cutter, pressing gently without cutting completely through.

Step 2: Create Golden Coating

Whisk one egg until smooth. Brush the entire surface of pastry circles with egg wash. Sprinkle granulated sugar generously over each circle. Place in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15 minutes until pastries become puffy and golden brown.

Step 3: Craft Chocolate Drizzle

Gather ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chocolate chips

Heat cream until it almost reaches boiling point. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips. Let sit for 3 minutes. Stir until mixture becomes silky and uniform. Transfer to a small zip-lock bag for easy drizzling.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Topping

Combine in a mixing bowl:
  • Heavy cream
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip on high speed until cream forms stiff, beautiful peaks. Transfer to a piping bag with a star-shaped tip. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 5: Design Delightful Tarts

Gently press down the center of baked pastry shells to create a filling space. Squeeze chocolate drizzle inside each tart. Pipe cloud-like Chantilly cream into the center using the star tip.

Step 6: Add Fruity Finishing Touches

Carefully place:
  • One raspberry
  • Two blueberries

on top of each tart. Create chocolate lines across the surface. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Chill tarts in the refrigerator. Serve cold for maximum flavor and texture. Transform leftover pastry scraps into mini treats by baking and topping with cream and a single raspberry.

Tips for Flaky and Creamy Dessert Tarts

  • Master Pastry Thawing: Let puff pastry rest at room temperature for even, smooth rolling without cracking or breaking.
  • Create Perfect Borders: Gently overlap pastry sheets to build taller, more defined tart edges with a professional look.
  • Ensure Crisp Shells: Press cookie cutter gently into pastry center to create clean, structured shells that hold filling beautifully.
  • Whip Cream Like a Pro: Chill mixer bowl and whisk beforehand for maximum volume and stable Chantilly cream peaks.
  • Ganache Smoothness Trick: Let hot cream sit on chocolate chips briefly before stirring to achieve silky, lump-free chocolate sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Puff Pastry Tarts

  • Refrigerate: Store tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve delicate pastry texture.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Gently warm tarts in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy pastry. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy shells and melted cream.

Great Pairings with Berries & Cream Tarts

  • Pair with Sparkling Wine: Elevate the dessert's delicate sweetness with a crisp prosecco or champagne, cutting through the rich cream and chocolate ganache.
  • Match with Herbal Tea: Complement the berry flavors with a light chamomile or elderflower tea, enhancing the tart's delicate pastry and fruity notes.
  • Create a Coffee Contrast: Serve alongside a smooth espresso or cappuccino, balancing the tart's sweetness with a robust, slightly bitter coffee profile.
  • Suggest Fresh Fruit Accompaniment: Add a small side of mixed fresh berries to intensify the existing fruit flavors and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Ideas to Customize Berries and Cream Tarts

  • Chocolate Berry Fusion: Replace chocolate ganache with dark chocolate melted with a touch of orange zest, creating a rich, citrusy undertone that complements the berries.
  • Tropical Paradise Tart: Swap blueberries and raspberries with diced mango, passion fruit, and toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
  • Lavender Honey Cream Version: Infuse Chantilly cream with lavender extract and replace granulated sugar with honey, adding a delicate floral note to the classic dessert.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios over the tarts before serving, introducing a delightful textural element to the creamy dessert.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts Recipe

Puff Pastry Berries & Cream Tarts Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Delicate French-inspired puff pastry tarts showcase summer’s sweetest berries nestled in silky cream. Elegant pastry layers embrace fresh raspberries and blueberries, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this classic dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 sheets puff pastry
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) dark or milk chocolate
  • 1 cup (150 grams) raspberries
  • 1 cup (150 grams) blueberries

Cream and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • ⅔ cup (130 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Garnish and Decoration:

  • Mint leaves (optional)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Carefully unfold the puff pastry sheets and layer them gently, creating a single, unified dough. Gently roll the combined sheets to approximately 12×16 inches, ensuring even thickness without adding flour between layers.
  2. Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, precisely cut circular shapes from the pastry, positioning them as close together as possible on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Create an inner circle using a 2-inch cutter, pressing lightly without completely separating the dough.
  3. Whisk the egg thoroughly and delicately brush the pastry surfaces, including any remaining dough scraps. Sprinkle a light dusting of granulated sugar across the top for a golden, crisp finish.
  4. Preheat the oven to 425°F and bake the pastry shells for approximately 15 minutes until they rise dramatically and achieve a rich, golden-brown color. Once removed, gently press down the center of each shell to create a filling cavity.
  5. For the ganache, heat heavy cream until it reaches a near-boiling point. Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before stirring until perfectly smooth and glossy.
  6. Whip heavy cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a mixer, beating on high speed until stiff, voluminous peaks form. Transfer the Chantilly cream to a piping bag fitted with a decorative star tip.
  7. Drizzle a thin layer of ganache inside each pastry shell, reserving a small amount for final decoration. Pipe the Chantilly cream into the center of each tart using elegant, swirling motions.
  8. Artfully place a single raspberry and two blueberries atop each tart. Create delicate ganache lines across the surface for an elegant finish.
  9. Just before serving, dust the tarts with a light veil of powdered sugar. Chill the tarts and serve directly from the refrigerator for optimal taste and texture.
  10. Transform leftover pastry scraps into miniature treats by baking, topping with a modest cream dollop, and garnishing with a single raspberry.

Notes

  • Pastry Preparation Tip: Roll two puff pastry sheets together gently to create taller, more dramatic tart borders without adding extra flour.
  • Baking Technique: Press a smaller cookie cutter into pastry circles to create a delicate inner border without fully cutting through the dough.
  • Ganache Hack: Let hot cream sit with chocolate chips for 2-3 minutes to ensure smooth, perfectly melted chocolate without burning.
  • Cream Whipping Secret: Whip heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form for a luxurious, stable Chantilly cream that holds its shape.
  • Serving Suggestion: Keep tarts refrigerated until serving to maintain crisp pastry and cool, refreshing filling.
  • Bonus Treat: Transform leftover pastry scraps into quick mini desserts by topping with cream and a single raspberry.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 24g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star