Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
A stunning summer dessert featuring crispy golden phyllo crust topped with creamy lemon-scented filling and an array of grilled fruits. The grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in peaches, strawberries, and pineapple, creating deep smoky flavors that contrast beautifully with the light, airy cream cheese mixture. Perfect for entertaining or special occasions when you want an impressive yet approachable dessert that showcases seasonal fruit at its peak.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 teaspoons canola oil
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, 14x9-inch sizepuff pastry1:1vegetarian
use thawed sheets
- 1 large lemon
- 3 medium peaches, peeled and halved
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed, large
- 4 slices fresh pineapple, 1/2 inch thick
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package cream cheese, softened, 8 ounces
- ⅓ cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- 2
Mix butter and oil in small bowl
- 3
Brush baking pan with some butter mixture
- 4
Place phyllo sheet in pan and brush with butter mixture
- 5
Layer remaining 7 phyllo sheets, brushing each layer
- 6
Bake 5-7 minutes until golden brown
- 7
Cool completely
- 8
Finely grate lemon zest
- 9
Cut lemon in half and squeeze juice into bowl
- 10
Toss peaches, strawberries, pineapple, brown sugar, salt, lemon zest and juice in large bowl
- 11
Remove strawberries and thread all fruit onto skewers
- 12
Grill fruit over medium heat, turning once
- 13
Beat cream until soft peaks form
- 14
Beat cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth
- 15
Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture
- 16
Spread filling over phyllo crust
- 17
Slice grilled fruit and arrange over filling
- 18
Sprinkle with mint and cut into pieces
Tips
Keep unused phyllo covered with damp towel to prevent drying out while working with individual sheets.
Oil the grill rack well before cooking to prevent fruit from sticking during the grilling process.
Grilling times vary by fruit density - pineapple and peaches need 8-10 minutes, strawberries only 4-5 minutes.
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 2 days, cover loosely
prepare phyllo crust 1 day ahead, store covered
serve chilled or at room temperature
Common Mistakes
brush each phyllo layer to avoid dry, brittle crust
don't skip oiling grill to avoid fruit sticking
fold whipped cream gently to avoid deflating
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, roast fruit in 425 degree oven for 12-15 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized, turning once halfway through.
What if my phyllo tears while layering?
Continue layering as small tears will be covered by subsequent sheets. Brush torn areas with extra butter mixture.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Best eaten within 2 days as phyllo will soften over time. Store covered and serve chilled or room temperature.