This apricot tart is what dessert dreams are made of! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a golden, buttery tart bursting with juicy apricot flavor that looks like it came straight out of a bakery. Make the crust, apricot sauce, and the cream cheese frosting, layer them together, then chill before serving!
Combine the graham cracker crumbs and unsalted butter in a blender cup and pulse or blend until the crackers are finely crushed and evenly mixed with the butter. Pour the crushed cracker mixture into a tart pan, spread it evenly, and press it down firmly by hand.
Peel the apricots and add them to a small saucepan with light brown sugar, cardamom, and lemon slices. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 15 minutes until the apricots soften and the sugar dissolves.
While the apricot mixture cools, mix cream cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a bowl with an electric mixer. Beat well until soft peaks form.
Once the apricot mixture has cooled, blend it with an electric mixer until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly. Add the apricot mixture on top, spreading it in the center and leaving a 2-inch gap around the edges. Thinly slice 3 apricots and use them to decorate the tart.
Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to set before serving chilled.
Notes
Taste the apricots before using - they should have a sweet-tart flavor. If your apricots are not very ripe or appear dry, you may need to add 2 tablespoons of water in step 3.
Pop the crust in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before adding the filling or while the apricots are cooking to help it hold its shape better.
Blend the apricot mixture until silky smooth for a refined finish, or leave it slightly chunky if you love texture.
Let the cream mixture rest in the fridge while the apricots cool - it helps it firm up faster when assembled.
Serve: Serve with a chicken, duck, pork, or beef entree.Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they'll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cream and fruit may become watery when thawed.