A Fig Tart is the next-level dessert you didn’t know your table needed! This beautiful tart combines luscious ripe figs, lightly sweetened cream cheese, golden puff pastry, and an irresistible drizzle of honey. Imagine the flakiest base, creamy filling, and tender figs all mingling in every bite—whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving a Mediterranean-inspired treat. Prepare to wow your friends (and yourself) with this stunning, simple, and sweet creation!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your Fig Tart ingredients is delightfully straightforward, but each one holds a delicious purpose. From the melt-in-your-mouth pastry to the crunchy, optional nuts, every element plays a role in the flavors and textures that make this tart so special.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Ensures a flaky, buttery base without all the fuss—store-bought works perfectly.
- Fresh figs (8–10, trimmed and halved): The stars of the tart, bringing natural sweetness and gorgeous color to every slice.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates a luscious, tangy-sweet layer under the figs that holds everything together.
- Honey (2 tablespoons plus extra for drizzling): Adds a floral sweetness while helping the filling shine and the tart glisten.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the creaminess with an extra layer of fragrant warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch transforms the filling with cozy spiced notes.
- Pistachios or almonds (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): For a delightful nutty crunch and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Fig Tart
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently unroll or unfold the puff pastry and use a rolling pin to lightly stretch it just a bit—this helps the tart puff up perfectly. Place the pastry on the baking sheet for easy assembly and transfer later.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat together your softened cream cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until completely smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step—a little patience ensures the mixture is light, fluffy, and spreadable, which means a silkier bite later.
Step 3: Build the Tart Base
With a sharp knife, gently score a 1/2-inch border all the way around the puff pastry (without cutting through)—this creates that irresistible raised “crust” edge. Next, use a spatula to evenly spread the cream cheese mixture inside the scored border, reaching every corner for an even flavor.
Step 4: Add the Figs
Arrange the halved figs on top of the cream cheese layer, cut side up. Overlapping or shingling them a bit gives you that signature Fig Tart look, plus it ensures fruit in every bite!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tart into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges of the pastry are deeply golden and puffed. The figs will look glossy and slightly caramelized—a sign it’s ready. Take the tart out and let it cool for at least 5 minutes; this helps firm up the filling and makes slicing a breeze.
Step 6: Final Touches
While the tart is still just warm, drizzle generously with extra honey and sprinkle over chopped pistachios or almonds if you like. Each bite will have a hint of fragrant sweetness and just the right amount of crunch!
How to Serve Fig Tart
Garnishes
For a Fig Tart that wows both eyes and palate, finish with a final drizzle of golden honey, a scatter of vibrant pistachios or almonds, and perhaps even a dusting of extra cinnamon. Fresh mint leaves or a light zest of lemon add brightness and make each slice pop at first glance!
Side Dishes
Your Fig Tart shines on its own, but it also plays beautifully with tangy Greek yogurt, lightly whipped cream, or a creamy vanilla ice cream. Pair it with a crisp green salad or salty prosciutto for a sweet-savory brunch, or serve alongside a fresh cup of espresso for a chic afternoon pause.
Creative Ways to Present
Mini tarts are a gorgeous choice for parties—just cut smaller rounds of puff pastry and top with a single fig half. For a rustic look, bake the Fig Tart galette-style with edges folded over the filling. Serving on a wooden board with cheese, olives, and charcuterie turns it into a luxe centerpiece for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra Fig Tart, store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 days, although the pastry’s texture is crispiest the first day.
Freezing
For longer storage, tightly wrap individual slices of the cooled tart and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently at room temperature. While the filling stays creamy, the pastry is at its very best fresh, so keep that in mind when planning ahead.
Reheating
To revive the Fig Tart’s flakiness, warm slices in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This will crisp up the pastry while gently warming the filling, making leftovers taste almost like new.
FAQs
Can I make Fig Tart with dried figs?
Fresh figs lend juiciness and lightness to the tart, but if you only have dried figs, soak them in hot water for 10–15 minutes to plump them up before using. The texture won’t be quite the same, but you’ll still get sweet figgy goodness!
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta cheese are both excellent alternatives for cream cheese in this Fig Tart. Each brings its own Italian flair and softness, and all pair deliciously with figs and honey.
Do I need to peel the figs?
No peeling necessary! Just trim the stems and slice the figs in half. The skins are soft, flavorful, and add beautiful color—perfect for the presentation and taste.
Can I make this tart the night before?
For best results, assemble and bake the tart fresh, since puff pastry tastes best right after baking. However, you can mix the cream cheese filling and prepare the figs ahead of time, storing each separately, for a head start.
Is Fig Tart suitable for a savory twist?
Absolutely! For a savory Fig Tart, add crumbled goat cheese or thin slices of prosciutto before baking. A sprinkle of black pepper and fresh thyme on top will elevate the flavors even further.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Fig Tart is where you begin! It’s an easy, gorgeous, and deeply delicious treat that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen—go on, give it a try and discover just how much joy a handful of simple ingredients can bring.
Print
Fig Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, delicate flavors of fresh figs with this easy-to-make Fig Tart. A buttery puff pastry base is topped with a luscious cream cheese mixture, fresh figs, and a drizzle of honey, creating a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Figs:
- 8–10 fresh figs (trimmed and halved)
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping:
- 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios or almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Assemble the Tart:
- Bake:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
Roll out the puff pastry slightly and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Score a border around the edges, spread the cream cheese mixture within the border, and arrange the figs on top.
Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with nuts before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute mascarpone or ricotta for the cream cheese.
- For a savory twist, add goat cheese or prosciutto before baking.
- Best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg