Name: Elegant Fig and Ricotta Tart (Easy Puff Pastry Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting work surface); 1 box (14 oz) puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash); 1 lb whole-milk ricotta cheese; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 lb fresh figs, stemmed and sliced into ¼” rounds; Flaky sea salt, to taste; For Garnishing:; Fresh mint leaves, torn; For the Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream:; ½ cup heavy cream (chilled); 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Elegant: With store-bought puff pastry, this tart is ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert or a show-stopping treat at any gathering.
Simple Ingredients: Featuring just a few quality ingredients—ricotta, figs, and puff pastry—this tart allows the natural flavors to shine through.
Versatile: You can easily switch up the fruit, using pears, peaches, or berries, depending on the season or your preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight indulgence or a special occasion, this tart makes a gorgeous centerpiece for any dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Tart:

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting work surface)
1 box (14 oz) puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
1 lb whole-milk ricotta cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
1 lb fresh figs, stemmed and sliced into ¼″ rounds
Flaky sea salt, to taste

For Garnishing:

Fresh mint leaves, torn

For the Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream:

½ cup heavy cream (chilled)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Elegant Fig and Ricotta Tart (Easy Puff Pastry Recipe)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Unfold the puff pastry and gently roll it to smooth out any creases.
Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to score a 1-inch border around the edges (don’t cut all the way through).
Dock the center area with a fork every inch to prevent it from puffing up too much.
Brush the border with the beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish.

Step 2: Make the Lemony Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, stir together ricotta cheese and lemon zest until smooth.
Pro Tip: If your ricotta is too wet, drain it using a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for about 20 minutes to avoid a soggy tart.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Spread the ricotta mixture evenly within the scored border on the puff pastry.
Arrange the sliced figs in an overlapping pattern on top of the ricotta for a beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the puff pastry border puffs up and turns golden, and the figs soften and begin to caramelize.
Remove the tart from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.

Step 5: Whip the Cream & Garnish

While the tart is baking, whip the heavy cream with maple syrup and cinnamon until soft peaks form.
Transfer the tart to a serving board, garnish with torn mint leaves, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve each slice with a dollop of maple cinnamon whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Fruit Variations: When figs are out of season, swap them for thinly sliced pears or peaches for a similar sweet-tart balance.
Nutty Twist: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios for added crunch and flavor.
Vegan: Use dairy-free ricotta and a non-dairy whipped cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat slices in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the puff pastry and keep it crispy.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other types of cheese for the filling?

A: Yes! You can swap ricotta for mascarpone, goat cheese, or cream cheese for a different flavor profile. However, ricotta adds a light, creamy texture that’s perfect for this tart.

Q2: Can I make the ricotta filling ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the ricotta filling a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and assemble the tart when you’re ready to bake.

Q3: Can I freeze the tart?

A: You can freeze the assembled tart before baking. Once it’s fully assembled, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q4: Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the whipped cream ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and give it a quick whisk before serving.

Q5: How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

A: Be sure to drain the ricotta if it’s very wet and use a fork to dock the center of the pastry. This will help keep the pastry crisp while the filling stays smooth.

Q6: Can I use a different fruit besides figs?

A: Absolutely! Try using fresh berries, sliced pears, or apples. Just make sure the fruit is fresh and sliced thinly to ensure it bakes evenly.

Conclusion

This Elegant Fig and Ricotta Tart is a simple yet luxurious dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. With its flaky puff pastry, creamy ricotta filling, and the sweet addition of fresh figs, it’s an indulgent treat for any occasion. Plus, with the option to swap ingredients and make it your own, this versatile tart is perfect for year-round enjoyment. Try it today and experience how easy elegance can be!

Elegant Fig and Ricotta Tart (Easy Puff Pastry Recipe)

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This Elegant Fig and Ricotta Tart features a flaky puff pastry base, creamy ricotta filling, and sweet, fresh figs. It’s quick to prepare, yet looks and tastes like a gourmet dessert, perfect for any occasion.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked, Assembled
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry Base: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Dust work surface with flour, unfold and roll out puff pastry. Transfer to a baking sheet, score a 1-inch border, and dock the center with a fork. Brush the border with egg wash.
Make the Lemony Ricotta Filling: Stir together ricotta cheese and lemon zest. If needed, drain excess moisture from ricotta to avoid a soggy tart.
Assemble the Tart: Spread ricotta mixture within the scored border on puff pastry. Arrange sliced figs in an overlapping pattern.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is golden and figs soften. Let the tart rest for 10 minutes on the baking sheet.
Whip the Cream & Garnish: Whip the cream with maple syrup and cinnamon until soft peaks form. Garnish the tart with torn mint leaves, flaky sea salt, and a dollop of whipped cream before serving.