These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are little bites of happiness! With a flaky crust, creamy filling, and sweet peaches on top, they are perfect for dessert lovers.
Making these tarts is more fun than a game of hide-and-seek! You can enjoy them chilled, and I love serving them at parties. They’ll disappear faster than you can say “tart!” 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your tarts, great for a light and flaky texture. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use ready-made pie crust or make a shortcrust pastry. Just roll it thin!
Cream Cheese: A creamy filling that’s essential for flavor! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has lower fat. Dairy-free cream cheese works too if you have a dairy intolerance.
Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor! If they’re out of season, canned peaches work; just drain them well. For another fruit twist, try sliced strawberries or apricots.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness here. You could use honey or maple syrup for a natural option. Just be careful with the amount, as these are usually sweeter than sugar.
How Do I Get My Tarts to Bake Evenly?
To ensure your tarts bake perfectly, consider these steps:
- Thaw Properly: If using frozen puff pastry, thaw it in the fridge to keep the butter layers intact for a flaky texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep the cream cheese filling within the raised border. This helps the pastry crisp up properly without spilling.
- Rotate the Pan: Halfway through baking, rotate the baking sheet. This helps every tart brown evenly.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the tarts cool a bit after baking. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to handle—avoid a gooey mess!
Follow these tips, and you’ll serve up delightful tarts everyone will love!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart Shells:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry or tart dough (about 12 oz), thawed
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Topping:
- 2-3 fresh peaches, peeled and thinly sliced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar or apricot jam for glaze
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time, making it quick and easy to whip up these tasty tarts. With a bit of cooling time, you’ll be enjoying them in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking the tarts to perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Roll out the puff pastry with a rolling pin until it’s smooth if needed. Cut the dough into small squares or circles, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
3. Form the Tart Shells:
Using the back of a small spoon or your finger, gently press around the edges of each dough piece to create a small border. This raised edge will hold the filling in nicely.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Use a mixer or a whisk to mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Fill the Tart Shells:
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each tart shell. Spread it a bit but keep it within the raised border so it doesn’t overflow during baking.
6. Add the Peach Slices:
Next, arrange the peach slices on top of the cream cheese filling in a lovely decorative pattern. You can overlap the slices slightly for a beautiful look.
7. Egg Wash:
Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to give them a lovely golden color when baked. This is a simple step but makes a big difference in presentation!
8. Bake the Tarts:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the pastry is golden brown, and the cream cheese filling is set.
9. Cool & Glaze:
Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, you can brush the peach slices with warmed apricot jam for a shiny finish and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve these delightful mini tarts chilled or at room temperature. They make a perfect treat for any occasion. Dig in and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
These mini tarts balance sweet peaches with tangy cream cheese on a crisp crust—perfect for a light dessert or afternoon treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before slicing. This will help prevent the tarts from becoming soggy.
How Can I Make These Tarts Gluten-Free?
To make the tarts gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry or tart dough. You can often find gluten-free options at your local grocery store or make your own using gluten-free flour blends.
Can I Prepare the Tarts Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the tarts up to the point of baking, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just remove them from the fridge and bake them as directed. This is perfect for saving time on the day of your event!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover mini tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed slightly in the oven. If using, avoid adding powdered sugar or jam until right before serving to keep them fresh!
