These mini peach and cream cheese tartlets are like little bites of sunshine! With a crispy crust and creamy filling, they’re perfect for any gathering or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Honestly, they’re so cute and tasty that you’ll want to make a whole batch! I love serving them with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a bit of extra flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base for our tartlets. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-made pastry shells or even shortcrust pastry. Just make sure they can hold the cream cheese filling!
Cream Cheese: I love using full-fat cream cheese for its rich texture. For a lighter option, you can swap it with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly.
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are ideal for this recipe. If peaches are out of season, you can use canned or frozen peaches. Just make sure they’re well-drained to avoid soggy tartlets!
Honey or Maple Syrup: This ingredient is optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness. You can skip it or use agave syrup if desired. I find that a small drizzle enhances the flavor without being overly sweet.
How Can I Perfectly Score and Bake Puff Pastry?
Getting the puff pastry just right is a crucial step in making these tartlets. Scoring the pastry helps create a raised edge that holds all the delicious filling inside.
- Use a sharp knife to gently score a border around the squares, about 1/2 inch from the edge. Make sure not to cut all the way through!
- After arranging your filling, bake until golden brown. This typically takes 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- If you notice the center puffing up too much, gently press it down with a fork midway through baking.
Perfecting these steps will give your tartlets a beautiful look and delightful crunch. Enjoy baking them!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tartlets:
- 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for glazing)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake, for a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty dessert or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tartlets bake evenly. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into small squares, roughly 3×3 inches. Place these squares onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Score the Pastry:
Using a sharp knife, score a smaller square inside each puff pastry square, about 1/2 inch from the edges. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a border that will puff up beautifully while baking.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese along with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the tasty filling for your tartlets.
5. Assemble the Tartlets:
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, staying inside the scored border.
6. Prepare the Peaches:
Toss the thinly sliced peach slices with lemon juice. This helps prevent browning and keeps them fresh-looking.
7. Add the Peaches:
Arrange the peach slices in a fan shape over the cream cheese filling in each tartlet. Be creative in your arrangement for a lovely presentation!
8. Optional Glazing Step:
If you want a shiny finish, brush the peach slices lightly with honey or maple syrup.
9. Bake the Tartlets:
Pop the tartlets into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the tartlets from the oven. If desired, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the tartlets to cool slightly before serving. These are delicious warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delightful mini peach and cream cheese tartlets!
These mini tartlets make a delightful dessert or afternoon snack that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before using. Follow the package instructions for the best results, and roll it out on a lightly floured surface as directed in the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Keep in mind that Greek yogurt will give a tangier flavor, while mascarpone will maintain a creamy texture but add a touch of sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftover Tartlets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, I recommend reheating them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry before enjoying again!
Can I Make These Tartlets in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the tartlets a few hours in advance, then bake them just before serving. This keeps the pastry nice and crisp. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake!
