Our Best Tart Recipes

December 12, 2011
Credit: Greg Dupree

A tart is a fantastic choice for dessert. Traditionally a baked dessert, these tart recipes show you how to take these tantalizing treats from the oven to the table. Try something truly Southern, like our Muscadine Pudding Tarts—they use the fruit’s juice to give it an amazing color, flavor, and sweetness. For another regional flavor, enjoy the Sweet Tea Icebox Tart because nothing is more Southern than sweet tea. We also sprinkled in a few savory tart options – perfect for appetizers at your next holiday party or summer celebration. For more traditional tart recipes you’ll love our mouthwatering Rich Chocolate Tart and the Strawberry Tart. If you want to set the tart pan aside, bake the Peach-Nectarine Tart: You just fold the pastry around the fruit before you put it in the oven. However you plan to enjoy them, these tart recipes are as sweet as they are tart.

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Mini Strawberry Tarts

Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Mini Strawberry Tarts

These sweet treats start with a pistachio crust. A dreamy mixture of cream cheese, lemon juice and zest, and whipped cream are folded together before filling the individual tarts. Toss the fresh strawberries in sugar, just before topping the tarts, to give them just a hint of added sweetness.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Grapefruit Tart

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Grapefruit Tart

Tart yet sweet grapefruit create a colorful dessert. You’ll love how it showcases the citrus flavors atop homemade custard and a shortbread crumb crust.

3 of 18

Squash Tart

Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Squash Tart

Not in the mood for a dessert tart? No problem. Serve this recipe as a delicious summer appetizer. 

Advertisement

4 of 18

Blackberry, Browned Butter, and Almond Tart

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Blackberry, Browned Butter, and Almond Tart

This elegant tart is the perfect dessert for a gorgeous holiday party. Baked with no crust, the texture is similar to a dense butter cake. 

5 of 18

Caramel Tart with Brandy Whipped Cream

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Caramel Tart with Brandy Whipped Cream

Sweet caramel and aromatic Brandy come together to create a tasty tart you'll want to make again and again. 

6 of 18

Pecan Crunch Tart

Credit: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton

Recipe: Pecan Crunch Tart

This flavorful tart is a modern twist on a classic pecan pie–a Southern classic! 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Double Citrus Tart

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Double Citrus Tart

This refreshing tart is a fan-favorite; serve it at your next summer celebration. 

8 of 18

Herbed Tomato Tart

Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Herbed Tomato Tart

Basil, dill, thyme, and parsley make this fresh tomato tart absolutely delicious.

9 of 18

Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts

Make it mini! These adorable chocolate chess tarts are perfect for a bridal luncheon or baby shower. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Pumpkin Tart with Whipped Cream and Almond Toffee

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pumpkin Tart with Whipped Cream and Almond Toffee

Molasses and pumpkin pie spice make this dessert a cozy, fall treat.  

11 of 18

Pumpkin Cheesecake Tart with Honey Swiss Meringue

Credit: Photo: Jody Horton

Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Tart with Honey Swiss Meringue

If you can't decide between a pumpkin cheesecake or honey tart, enjoy both! 

12 of 18

Chicken Salad Tarts

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Salad Tarts

Southerners love chicken salad, and these mini treats take the classic recipe to the next level. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Curried Shrimp Tarts

Recipe: Curried Shrimp Tarts

In just 15 minutes of prep time, these flavorful shrimp tarts will be on the table and ready to enjoy. 

14 of 18

Lemon-Almond Tarts

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemon-Almond Tarts

Filled with a zesty lemon custard and topped with fresh raspberries, what's not to love about this simple tart recipe? 

15 of 18

Cheesecake Tarts

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Cheesecake Tarts

Flavored with hints of vanilla and gingersnap, this dessert is perfect for the cheesecake lovers of the world. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Black-and-Blue Buttermilk Tart

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Black-and-Blue Buttermilk Tart

Switch out your favorite summer cobbler for a cool and creamy fruit tart. 

17 of 18

Pomegranate-Chess Tart

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Pomegranate-Chess Tart

This elegant and modern chess tart is sure to impress your holiday guests. 

18 of 18

Butternut Squash Tarts

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Butternut Squash Tarts

This hearty tart starts with a frozen puff pastry. It doesn't get much easier than that. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next