Ingredients
– 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
– 6 tbsp melted butter
– 2 cups cold milk
– 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
– 2 cups assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
– 1/4 cup apricot jam or glaze
– 8 oz softened cream cheese
Instructions
1-First Step: Begin by preparing your crust. You will need to crush the graham crackers or digestive biscuits into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin, or by pulsing them in a food processor. Once you have 1 1/2 cups of fine crumbs, place them in a mixing bowl. Pour in the 6 tablespoons of melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. This moisture is what allows the crust to hold its shape once chilled.
2-Second Step: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Use the back of a measuring cup or a spoon to press it down evenly and tightly. This step is crucial for preventing the crust from crumbling when you slice the tart later. Once the crust is pressed, place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes. This helps the butter set, making the crust solid and ready for the filling.
3-Third Step: While the crust is chilling, prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 2 cups of cold milk with the package of instant vanilla pudding mix. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes. It is important that the milk is cold to help the pudding thicken properly. If you prefer a richer filling, you can add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese to the mixture and beat until smooth and combined. This adds a tangy, cheesecake-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fruit.
4-Fourth Step: Once the pudding mixture is thick and creamy, remove the tart crust from the refrigerator. Pour the filling into the chilled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to create a level surface for your fruit arrangement. Return the tart to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour. This allows the filling to set completely, ensuring clean slices when you serve it.
5-Fifth Step: Now comes the fun part: decorating. Wash and prepare your assorted fresh fruits. Hull and slice strawberries, peel and slice kiwis, and separate mandarin orange segments. You want the fruit to be bite-sized and visually appealing. Once the filling is set, arrange the fruit on top in a decorative pattern. You can create concentric circles of different fruits or arrange them however you like. Be creative with your colors to make the tart visually striking.
6-Final Step: To give your tart a professional shine, prepare the glaze. Place the 1/4 cup of apricot jam in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat it for about 10-15 seconds until it is melted. Add a teaspoon of water if it is too thick, and stir until smooth. Gently brush the warm jam over the fruit using a pastry brush. This step not only makes the fruit glisten but also helps preserve its freshness. Chill the tart for another 1-2 hours to allow everything to firm up before serving. Serve cold and enjoy the compliments!
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍓 Select firm ripe fruits; slice just before assembling to stay fresh.
❄️ Chill tart fully before slicing for clean professional cuts.
🥄 Press crust tightly to prevent crumbling when slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill: 3 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
