These mini peach and cream cheese tarts are a sweet treat that’s simple to make! With a buttery crust and smooth cream cheese filling, they are topped with juicy peach slices.
I love how these little tarts look fancy but are super easy to whip up. Perfect for parties or just a fun dessert at home—plus, who can resist that peachy goodness? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of your tart! Make sure it’s fully thawed before using. You can substitute with phyllo dough for a lighter, crunchier result, but it needs careful handling.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a nice creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ricotta cheese can work well, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring sweetness! If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or even other fruits like berries or apples.
Abricot Jam: This adds a lovely shine. If you don’t have apricot jam, any fruit preserve works well—peach, raspberry, or even apple can be a nice touch!
How Do I Make Sure My Tarts Come Out Flaky and Delicious?
The key to flaky pastries lies in how you handle the puff pastry. Start by not overworking the dough; just roll it out gently. Keeping it cold until baking is also crucial.
- Use a chilled surface to roll out the pastry.
- Once cut, try to minimize handling to avoid melting the butter layers.
- Creating a border helps keep your filling contained and makes for a nice presentation.
Don’t rush the baking process; bake until golden and puffy for the best results! Happy baking!
Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 fresh peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (for glaze, optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking time, for a total of about 30 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy your tasty tarts! It’s a quick and delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy later.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Take the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into small squares, about 3 inches on each side. This will form the base of your tarts.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until it’s smooth and creamy. This sweet filling will complement the peaches perfectly.
4. Shape the Pastry Squares:
Place the puff pastry squares on the lined baking sheet. Gently press down the edges to form a small border around each square. This ridge helps to keep the filling inside the tart.
5. Add the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Spread it slightly, but leave the edges clear to create a pretty presentation.
6. Top with Fresh Peaches:
Now, take those beautifully sliced peaches and arrange them on top of the cream cheese filling. Make them look nice—this is the best part!
7. Bake the Tarts:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The tarts should puff up and turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect golden color!
8. Glaze with Apricot Jam:
If you want to add a shiny finish, warm the apricot jam slightly and brush it over the peach slices once you remove the tarts from the oven.
9. Cool and Dust:
Let the tarts cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Enjoy your delicious mini peach and cream cheese tarts! They’re sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your tarts. You might want to pat them dry with a paper towel before slicing.
What Other Fruits Can I Use?
If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute them with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Just keep in mind that different fruits may have different sweetness levels, so adjust the sugar in the cream cheese mixture if needed!
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them briefly in the oven to get the pastry crispy again if needed.
Can I Make These Tarts Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and cut puff pastry squares in advance. Store the cream cheese mixture in the refrigerator and assemble the tarts just before baking for the best texture!
