These Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are sweet little treats that are perfect for any dessert lover! They have a flaky crust filled with creamy cheese and topped with juicy peaches.
They’re super simple to whip up, and trust me, your friends will think you put in way more effort! I love enjoying them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky crust is the foundation of the tarts. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use phyllo dough, but it won’t be as rich. Store-bought is easy and saves time, which I usually prefer!
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth. I often mix in a little Greek yogurt for a tangy twist!
Peaches: Fresh summer peaches are ideal here, but canned or frozen can work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well. I love adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the peaches for an extra layer of flavor.
Lemon Juice: This helps prevent the peaches from browning and adds brightness. If you don’t have lemon juice, a little lime juice can work too. I always keep lemon juice on hand for recipes like this!
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry to Rise Perfectly?
The puff pastry is key to making these tarts light and flaky. Here are a few tips to help it rise beautifully:
- Keep the pastry cold! Warm puff pastry won’t puff up as much.
- Do not overwork the dough when rolling it out; it could lose its layers.
- Score a border around each pastry square with a knife before filling to encourage a nice puff.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated. Hot air is crucial for that lift!
By paying attention to these details, you’ll serve perfectly puffy and golden tarts every time! Enjoy making these delicious treats!
Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 fresh peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a sweet treat without too much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is getting hot, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into small squares (around 3 inches by 3 inches). Place these squares on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space apart.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth. This is going to be the creamy filling for your tarts!
4. Fill the Pastry Squares:
Take about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and spread it in the center of each puff pastry square. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges so they can puff up nicely.
5. Add the Peach Topping:
Toss your thinly sliced peaches in lemon juice to keep them from browning. Then arrange the peach slices on top of the cream cheese, overlapping them a little for a lovely look.
6. Bake the Tarts:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the oven and let them bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffy.
7. Optional Glaze and Dusting:
If you want that extra shine, warm up the apricot jam slightly and brush it over the peaches after they come out of the oven. Finally, let them cool for a bit, and if you like, dust the tarts with powdered sugar before serving.
Now, you can enjoy your scrumptious mini peach and cream cheese tarts! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar in the cream cheese mixture based on the sweetness of the fruit!
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
If you’re out of puff pastry, you can use refrigerated pie crust or phyllo dough instead. Keep in mind that phyllo dough will produce a crispier texture, so layer it accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can gently reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes if you want to warm them up!
Can I Make These Tarts Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and cut the puff pastry squares in advance. Just assemble the tarts and bake them right before you’re ready to serve for the best results!
