These adorable Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are a sweet treat! With a flaky crust, creamy filling, and juicy peach slices on top, they are simply delightful.
I love making these tarts for summer gatherings. They’re bite-sized, and trust me, everyone goes back for seconds! Who can resist that combo of cream cheese and peaches? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust or Puff Pastry: You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience. If you want something flakier, puff pastry is great! You can even try homemade versions if you have the time.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese gives a rich, creamy taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using mascarpone or Greek yogurt. They both bring a nice flavor without the heaviness.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are key for this recipe. If they’re out of season, feel free to swap in canned peaches, but make sure to drain them well to avoid soggy tarts.
Apricot Jam: This adds a sweet glaze on top. If you don’t have apricot, any fruit preserves or honey works well as a substitute. You could even skip the glaze for a simpler garnish.
How Do I Make Sure My Tarts Have a Perfectly Flaky Crust?
Getting that crust just right is essential. You’ll want to roll the dough evenly so it bakes uniformly. Here’s how:
- Keep your pie crust cold; it helps with the flakiness. If it gets too warm, chill it briefly before cutting.
- Don’t stretch the dough when cutting it out. Just press down for a neat edge to maintain its shape while baking.
- Be gentle when pressing the inner circle for the filling. This prevents any tearing and helps keep your filling nicely contained.
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart Bases:
- 1 sheet of refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry (about 9-10 inches)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Topping:
- 2-3 fresh peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp apricot jam or honey (for glaze)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, plus a little time for cooling before serving. The mini tarts come together quickly, and you’ll love how easy they are to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Shaping the Tart Bases:
Roll out your pie crust or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass that’s about 3-4 inches in diameter to cut out circles for your tart bases. You should get several circles from one sheet.
3. Forming the Tarts:
Place the pastry circles onto your prepared baking sheet. With the back of a spoon, gently press a smaller circle into the center of each one, creating a slight edge. This will help keep your filling from spilling out.
4. Mixing the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix everything until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the delicious filling for your tarts!
5. Filling the Tarts:
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each tart shell. Be careful to stay inside the borders you created so that the filling doesn’t overflow.
6. Adding the Peach Slices:
Take your thinly sliced peaches and arrange them over the cream cheese filling, overlapping the slices slightly for an attractive look. This will give your tarts a lovely presentation!
7. Baking the Tarts:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling looks set.
8. Glazing the Peaches:
While the tarts are baking, warm up apricot jam or honey in a small saucepan or microwave until it’s melted. This will be used to give your peach slices a beautiful shine.
9. Finishing Touches:
When the tarts are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Brush the melted jam or honey over the peach slices to make them look glossy and appetizing.
10. Cooling and Serving:
Let the tarts cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. If you like, you can dust them with powdered sugar right before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Now, enjoy your delightful Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts with family and friends! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Peaches?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap peaches for other fruits like apricots, strawberries, or blueberries. Just make sure the fruits are fresh and firm to hold their shape on the tart.
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crust may lose some crispness, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh!
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready to use, stir it a little to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
How Can I Make the Tarts Gluten-Free?
For gluten-free tarts, use a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry. There are several great options available at grocery stores, or you can make your own with gluten-free flour blends.
