7 Elegant Dessert Tarts That Are Almost Too Pretty to Eat
They might look fancy, but they’re not at all fussy!
Whether it’s a holiday party, family brunch, or a backyard picnic, presenting an impressive dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious is always the shining moment. Pies, cobblers, and cakes made from scratch might be the ones you think of first, but an underrated treat that’s just as memorable yet arguably more eye-catching is an elegant tart.
Dessert tarts are pretty pastries with a crumbly crust and an open-faced filling that features all types of flavors, from fresh and fruity to rich and chocolatey. They’re like a middle ground between pies and cobblers, yet they’re a bit simpler to prepare than an oven-baked pie and feel a little more elevated than a rustic cobbler. Whether it’s garnished with colorful berries and whipped cream or chopped nuts and a caramel drizzle, dessert tarts are always centerpiece-worthy yet easy to pull off—especially when frozen puff pastry is on the ingredient list.
Our list of dessert tart recipes is perfect for anyone who’s craving a bakery-worthy bite without the effort. Looking for something crowd-pleasing? Stick to a classic fruit tart. Lemon tarts and peach tarts are other fruit-forward options packed with color and freshness that’ll look just as stunning at the center of your Mother’s Day brunch table. And if you’re a chocoholic, Ree Drummond’s turtle pie is not one to overlook. No matter the occasion, these dessert tarts are sure to impress!
Lemon Tart
Zesty, velvety, and oh so cheerful, this tart is an elegant take on lemon bars. The buttery, crumbly crust perfectly complements the tangy-yet-sweet filling, and a dollop of whipped cream finishes it off beautifully.
Get the Lemon Tart recipe.
Peach Melba Tart
For a dessert tart that’s as vibrant as it is impressive, wow your guests with a pretty peach tart. Thanks to a store-bought shortcut (spoiler: frozen puff pastry!), this recipe is easy. The homemade raspberry drizzle on top maximizes the fresh fruity flavors.
Get Ree’s Peach Melba Tart recipe.
Quick and Easy Apple Tart
To feed a crowd, opt for individually portioned apple tarts that come together in 40 minutes. Frozen puff pastry gives this dessert tart a flaky, time-saving touch, while the layers of golden apples effortlessly steal the show.
Get Ree’s Quick and Easy Apple Tart recipe.
Fruit Tart
A colorful fruit tart is a classic, centerpiece-worthy dessert for any party. A boatload of fresh fruit is layered over a creamy filling, and a delectably golden crust holds it all together!
Get the Fruit Tart recipe.
Turtle Tart
If chocolate desserts are your preference, Ree’s turtle tart won’t disappoint! The nutty crust is piled high with a rich chocolate filling, a crunchy pecan coating, and a dreamy caramel drizzle.
Get Ree’s Turtle Tart recipe.
Vanilla Grapefruit Tart
Ree’s take on a grapefruit tart features colorful citrus slices layered over a creamy vanilla-flavored filling for a result that’s as striking as it is satisfying. A homemade crust gives this tart some structure and a little more decadence.
Get Ree’s Vanilla Grapefruit Tart recipe.
Tarte Tatin
In this French upside-down apple tart, crisp apples caramelize in a rich syrup before they’re baked under a buttery layer of puff pastry. For added fragrance and flavor, Ree likes mixing in a hint of vanilla bean and lemon juice.
Get Ree’s Tarte Tatin recipe.
Quick and Easy Apple Tart
Dreamy Apple Pie
Apple Bread Pudding
Fruit Pies With the Creamiest, Dreamiest Fillings
