One-Pan Strawberry Cream Tart (Quick & No-Bake) 🍓 – 20-Minute Thanksgiving Dessert
Press a buttery crust, swirl strawberry puree, and top with whipped cream—all in one pan, no oven required. Ready in 20 minutes, ideal for a fresh Thanksgiving finish.
This no-bake strawberry cream tart is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert hack! With a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety strawberry puree, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s ready in 20 minutes and requires no oven. Perfect for a fresh, make-ahead holiday finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Save this recipe for your next gathering and let the vibrant reds and creams steal the spotlight.
Looking for a dessert that’s as easy to assemble as it is to eat? This one-pan tart skips the oven entirely, making it perfect for last-minute holiday meals or when you’re juggling a dozen other dishes. The graham cracker crust provides a sturdy base, while the strawberry puree adds a tangy brightness that pairs beautifully with whipped cream. Plus, it’s fully make-ahead—chill it for 4 hours or overnight for a stress-free finish.
The best part? You don’t need any special equipment. Just a springform pan and a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner or feeding a crowd, this tart slices cleanly and serves 8 with ease. The vibrant colors make it a Pinterest-worthy centerpiece, and the fresh flavors are a welcome contrast to heavier holiday dishes.
Want to take it to the next level? Add a sprinkle of fresh strawberries on top or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch. This recipe is your shortcut to a show-stopping dessert that’s ready in minutes, not hours.
Ready to make Thanksgiving dessert easier? Let’s dive into the steps for this no-bake wonder!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15-18 crackers)
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill for 10 minutes while preparing the filling.
- Step 2: In a blender, puree 2 cups of strawberries until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of the puree to the chilled crust to create a thin layer. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: In a stand mixer or large bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the tart, smoothing the top. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves.
- Step 4: Chill for 4 hours or overnight before serving. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ No Oven Required
Skip the preheating and cleanup! This tart comes together entirely on the counter, making it ideal for last-minute holiday meals or when your oven is already maxed out.
💰 Make-Ahead Magic
Chill for 4 hours or overnight—no need to assemble on the day of your event. Just slice and serve when ready!
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Serves 8 with ease, and the vibrant colors make it a visual centerpiece that guests will love.
🌟 Fresh & Flavorful
The tangy strawberry puree and fluffy whipped cream create a balanced, refreshing finish to any meal.
One-Pan Strawberry Cream Tart
No-bake, one-pan dessert ready in 20 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- - ¼ cup melted butter
- - 2 cups fresh strawberries
- - 1 cup heavy cream
- - ¼ cup powdered sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a springform pan. Chill 10 minutes.
💡 Use a food processor for extra-fine crumbs if desired.
Make Filling: Puree strawberries and spread over crust. Chill 15 minutes.
💡 Add a pinch of salt to enhance the strawberry flavor.
Whip Cream: Combine cream, sugar, and vanilla. Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread over tart.
💡 Chill the mixing bowl and whisk for fluffier results.
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate 4 hours. Garnish with strawberries and mint before slicing.
💡 Let sit 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crust
Provides a buttery base that holds up to the strawberry puree. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed shortbread cookies.
Substitutions: Gluten-free graham crackers, crushed shortbread, or store-bought pre-made crust.
Strawberry Puree
Fresh strawberries give a vibrant flavor and natural sweetness. Use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) if fresh aren’t available.
Substitutions: Frozen strawberries, raspberries for a tangy twist, or store-bought puree.
Whipped Cream
Adds a light, airy texture. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream whipped with a touch of maple syrup.
Substitutions: Coconut cream, Cool Whip, or a vegan whipped topping.
Fresh Strawberries
Garnish with sliced strawberries for a pop of color and freshness. Use blueberries or raspberries for seasonal variations.
Substitutions: Blueberries, raspberries, or edible flowers.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tart
💡 Crust Tips
Use a springform pan with a removable base for easy slicing. Press the crust evenly to avoid cracks.
💡 Filling Tips
Chill the tart for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set properly.
💡 Serving Tips
Garnish with fresh berries and mint for an elegant finish. Serve chilled.
💡 Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Crust
Use gluten-free graham crackers or a crushed shortbread crust for a gluten-free option.
Citrus Twist
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the strawberry puree for a bright, tangy flavor.
Dairy-Free Version
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan graham cracker crust.
Mixed Berries
Swap strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix for seasonal variety.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted turkey or chicken for a classic Thanksgiving pairing
- Green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast
- Warm spiced cider or sparkling wine to complement the tart
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Serve with a sweet Riesling, Moscato d’Asti, or a sparkling rosé for a festive touch.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the tart up to 24 hours in advance. Chill in the refrigerator to set the layers.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Freezer Storage
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Instructions
This tart is best served chilled. No reheating needed—just let sit 10 minutes before slicing.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My crust is crumbling. Why?
A: Ensure the crust is fully pressed and chilled for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Use a springform pan for stability.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes! Thaw and drain frozen strawberries well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from weeping?
A: Add a pinch of salt to the puree and chill the tart for at least 4 hours to set properly.
Q: Can I make this in a regular pan?
A: Yes, but a springform pan makes slicing and serving much easier.
Final Thoughts
This one-pan strawberry cream tart is a game-changer for holiday desserts. With no oven required and ready in minutes, it’s the perfect make-ahead option that’s as easy to serve as it is to love. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will impress your guests, and the springform pan ensures clean, elegant slices every time.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this tart as part of a complete Thanksgiving meal series over 5-7 days: start with the tart, followed by complementary sides like roasted vegetables or a green salad, and finish with a balsamic glaze drizzle for an elegant touch. Happy baking!
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Marcus Hale
Nov 17, 2025
Made this Tuesday night and the kitchen filled with fresh strawberries scent in a minute. Tried the silky cream and crumbly crust of the tart, that made each bite melt on the tongue. I swapped regular cream for coconut; it set faster. Four stars because it dazzles the Thanksgiving table, though a pinch more salt would lift the sweet, keeping the one-pan dessert ready to serve, impressing guests.
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