These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are simply adorable! They feature a buttery crust filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with juicy peaches for a burst of flavor.
They’re perfect for sharing at parties or just enjoying with a friend. Who could resist a mini dessert that looks this good? I often whip these up when I need a quick treat that impresses!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your tarts and gives them that flaky texture. If you don’t have puff pastry, phyllo dough can work as an alternative, but it will have a different texture. You may need to layer it more to achieve a similar effect.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is best for richness. If you need a lighter option, consider using ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of cream. It’ll give a different flavor, but still delicious!
Peach: Fresh ripe peaches provide sweetness and juiciness. If they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed) can work too. Just make sure they are sweet enough!
Apricot Jam: This adds a nice glaze and sweetness. You can use other jams like peach, strawberry, or even honey if you prefer a more natural sweetener. Using a fresh fruit glaze can enhance the flavor too!
What’s the Best Way to Work with Puff Pastry?
Handling puff pastry can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll master it! First, always keep it cold until you’re ready to use it. Warm puff pastry can become sticky and difficult to work with.
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking while rolling out the pastry.
- Don’t overwork the dough; just roll it enough to cut your squares.
- When placing your filling, leave a small border around the edges for a nice puff effect when baking.
Taking care of these details will help your tarts rise beautifully and look amazing!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart Base:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 ripe peach, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Just a short time for a sweet dessert that looks fancy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your tarts will bake evenly. While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Rolling and Cutting the Puff Pastry:
Once the oven is ready, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares that are about 3×3 inches each. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; a little imperfection adds charm!
3. Mixing the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract. Use a fork or a mixer to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the sweet filling for your tarts!
4. Assembling the Tarts:
Now, place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Carefully arrange the thin peach slices on top of the cream cheese, slightly overlapping them for a lovely presentation.
5. Shaping the Tarts:
If you like, you can fold the edges of the puff pastry inward to create a little border around the filling. This helps contain the filling while baking and gives a pretty rustic look.
6. Baking Your Tarts:
Put the assembled tarts in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden color on the pastry. The smell will be amazing!
7. Preparing the Glaze:
While the tarts are baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and lemon juice together until melted and smooth. This will give your tarts a beautiful shine!
8. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, take the tarts out of the oven and brush them with your warm apricot glaze. It adds a sweet finish and makes them shine.
9. Serving Your Tarts:
Let the tarts cool slightly before serving. If you want, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Now you’re ready to enjoy your delightful Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts!
FAQ for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! These tarts are very versatile. You can substitute peaches with other fruits like nectarines, apricots, or even berries. Just make sure the fruit is ripe and sweet for the best flavor!
How Can I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, consider rewarming them briefly in the oven before serving.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble the tarts, let it come to room temperature for easier spreading.
What If My Puff Pastry Isn’t Thawed Properly?
If your puff pastry is still a bit frozen, don’t worry! Simply let it sit at room temperature for an additional 10-15 minutes and try rolling it out again. Just ensure it’s pliable but still cool to the touch for the best results.
