White Chocolate Raspberry Tart
This show-stopping White Chocolate Raspberry Tart features a buttery shortbread crust filled with silky white chocolate cream and topped with glossy fresh raspberries. Elegant yet surprisingly simple, it's the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion.
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Chilling time 2 hours hrs
Course Dessert
Cuisine European-inspired
9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowls
Food processor (or ziplock bag and rolling pin)
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
For the Crust
- 1½ cups shortbread cookie crumbs about 24 cookies
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the White Chocolate Filling
- 12 oz high-quality white chocolate chopped
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract optional but game-changing
For the Raspberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- ⅓ cup raspberry preserves
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios optional for garnish
The Crust (AKA The Foundation of Greatness)
Crush those cookies like they insulted your favorite TV show. Use a food processor or the good old ziplock bag and rolling pin method.
Mix the crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and salt until it resembles wet sand. Is there anything more satisfying than butter-soaked cookie crumbs? I think not.
Press the mixture firmly into your tart pan, creating an even layer on the bottom and up the sides. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it in there – we're going for structural integrity here, people.
Chill the crust for 20 minutes while you contemplate how something so simple can be so delicious.
The White Chocolate Filling (The Star of the Show)
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it's just about to simmer. Turn off the heat immediately – we're not making caramel here.
Add the chopped white chocolate to the hot cream and let it sit for 2 minutes. This is a great time to check Instagram or text back that friend you've been ignoring.
Stir until smooth and the chocolate is completely melted. If you have stubborn chunks, microwave in 5-second bursts, stirring between each.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy, then gradually add the white chocolate mixture and both extracts. Mix until smooth and lump-free. (Nobody wants to bite into a cream cheese boulder, trust me.)
Pour this heavenly mixture into your chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles – we're professionals here.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight if you're planning ahead like the organized adult you occasionally pretend to be.
The Raspberry Topping (The Crown Jewel)
When the filling is set, warm the raspberry preserves and water in a small saucepan until fluid.
Add the lemon juice and stir until everything's incorporated.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then gently toss about ¾ of your fresh raspberries in it. This gives them that gorgeous glossy look that screams "I'm fancy!"
Arrange the coated raspberries on top of your tart. You can go for a precise pattern or the "artfully scattered" look if precision isn't your thing.
Place the remaining fresh raspberries on top and sprinkle with chopped pistachios if using. The color contrast here is absolutely Instagram-worthy.
- White chocolate quality matters. Skip the cheap chips and go for the good stuff – your taste buds will thank you.
- Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable unless you enjoy arm-destroying mixing sessions.
- Make ahead friendly! This tart actually tastes better after sitting overnight, making it perfect for planning ahead.
- Tart pan troubles? If you don't have a tart pan, a pie dish works in a pinch, but you'll lose that fancy fluted edge.
- Dietary Notes: This recipe contains dairy and gluten. Not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies.