This mini peach and cream cheese tart is a sweet treat that combines fresh peaches with a creamy filling, all nestled in a flaky crust. It’s perfect for sunny days!
As I make these tarts, I can’t help but sneak a taste of the filling—it’s that good! 🍑 These are great for sharing or for simply treating yourself to a delicious dessert!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: I recommend using refrigerated puff pastry for its flaky texture. If you’re out of puff pastry, a pie crust works too. You can also make your own using flour, butter, and water if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cream Cheese: This is essential for a rich, creamy filling. If you want a lighter option, use mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just make sure it’s well-blended for smoothness.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star of this tart! You can substitute with nectarines or even canned peaches if fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to drain canned peaches well.
Glaze: Honey gives a lovely sweetness. If you’re looking for a vegan option, use maple syrup instead. Apricot jam adds a fruity touch, but feel free to use any fruit preserves you like.
How Do You Make the Perfect Tart Base?
The tart base is crucial for a nice crunch. Rolling your dough out evenly helps prevent thick areas that won’t cook well. Here’s how to do it right:
- Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking.
- Roll to about 1/8-inch thick for great texture.
- Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut into uniform shapes, ensuring they’re big enough to hold the filling.
- Don’t overwork the dough; handle it gently to keep it light and flaky!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tart Base:
- 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry or pie crust dough (about 8 oz), thawed
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For The Topping:
- 2-3 ripe peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey or apricot jam (for glaze)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake. Total time is approximately 40-45 minutes. After baking, allow the tarts to cool a little before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or chilled!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup a breeze!
2. Create the Tart Base:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry or pie crust dough. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out small circles or squares (about 3-4 inches wide) to form your tart bases. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat everything together until it is smooth and creamy. This filling is what will make your tarts so delicious!
4. Assemble The Tarts:
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry piece, spreading it gently. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges so that the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
5. Add The Peach Slices:
Next, arrange the thinly sliced peaches on top of the cream cheese filling. Feel free to be creative with the arrangement—this is your chance to make them look extra pretty!
6. Bake the Tarts:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the tarts for 20-25 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and the cream cheese filling to set. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as oven times can vary!
7. Glaze The Peaches:
While the tarts are baking, warm up the honey or apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat, or in the microwave for a few seconds. This will make it easier to brush on the peaches later.
8. Finish Up:
Once the tarts are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, brush the peach slices with the warmed glaze to give them a beautiful, shiny finish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the tarts to cool for a few minutes before serving. If you’d like, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy your mini peach and cream cheese tarts fresh, or refrigerate and serve chilled!
This dessert is sure to impress friends and family—happy baking!
FAQ for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before slicing and adding them to your tarts. This will help prevent the tart crust from becoming soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat them in an oven to crisp up the pastry again before serving, rather than in the microwave.
Can I Make the Tarts Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and slice the peaches in advance. Assemble the tarts and bake them just before serving for the freshest taste. Alternatively, you can bake the tarts, let them cool, and then store them to serve later.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. Greek yogurt is another option, giving a tangy flavor—just make sure to strain it for a thicker consistency!
