These mini peach and cream cheese tarts are a sweet delight! With a fresh peach topping and a creamy cheese filling, they are perfect for any occasion.
Making them is a breeze! Just mix the cream cheese, fill the tart shells, and add the juicy peaches on top. These little treats are sure to impress your friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is perfect for these tarts as it puffs beautifully and provides a light, flaky texture. If you’re out of puff pastry, you can use pre-made pie crust or even phyllo dough, though the texture will differ slightly.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives a luscious, tangy base for the tarts. If you want a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. Just ensure the consistency is creamy enough to spread easily.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches bring natural sweetness and juiciness. If peaches are not in season, feel free to use canned peaches (drained well) or other fruits like plums or nectarines!
Sugar: The recipe uses granulated sugar for sweetness. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity as needed.
How Do I Ensure My Tarts Puff Up Nicely?
The secret to a well-puffed pastry is working with cold ingredients. When you initially cut and handle the puff pastry, keep it chilled. Here’s what to do:
- Thaw puff pastry in the fridge instead of on the countertop to maintain its coldness.
- Roll the pastry as little as necessary. Less handling keeps the layers intact.
- Remember to poke the center with a fork, allowing the edges to rise while the center remains flat for the filling.
- Baking at a high temperature (like 375°F) helps it puff quickly and form a golden crust.
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 25 minutes for baking. So, you’re looking at a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and impressive dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tarts from sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into squares of about 3×3 inches. Then, place these squares onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Create the Base:
Using a fork, gently prick the center of each pastry square. This step is essential as it prevents the center from puffing up too much, allowing the lovely cream cheese filling to shine in the middle.
4. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, take the softened cream cheese and beat it together with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until it’s smooth and creamy—this will make a delicious layer for your tarts!
5. Assemble The Tarts:
Spread a thin layer of this cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of each puff pastry square. Don’t go too close to the edges!
6. Add the Peaches:
Next, layer the thin peach slices on top of the cream cheese filling, fanning them out for a beautiful presentation. Get creative—make it look appealing!
7. Sprinkle and Brush:
Now, sprinkle the peach slices with the remaining tablespoon of sugar and the ground cinnamon to add an extra pop of flavor. Then, using the beaten egg, brush the edges of the puff pastry to give it a lovely golden color when baked.
8. Finish with Butter:
Lightly drizzle the melted butter over the peach slices. This will not only enhance the flavor but also help in browning them beautifully!
9. Bake Away!
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the tarts bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crisp pastry and tender peaches.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the tarts cool slightly on the baking sheet. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for that extra touch. Enjoy your delightful mini peach and cream cheese tarts either warm or at room temperature!
FAQ for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! These tarts are versatile. You can substitute peaches with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
To store leftovers, place the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again!
Can I Make The Cream Cheese Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on the pastry to ensure it’s smooth and easy to work with.
What Should I Do If My Puff Pastry Is Too Soft to Work With?
If your puff pastry becomes too soft and hard to handle, simply pop it back into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to chill it. Chilling will firm it up, making it easier to cut and shape.
