These mini peach and cream cheese tarts are perfect little treats! With flaky crusts filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and topped with juicy peaches, they’re hard to resist!
Making these tarts is so easy, even the little ones can help. I love serving them at parties—or just enjoying them all by myself! Who can blame me for wanting seconds? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the tarts and provides that lovely flaky texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use phyllo dough, though it won’t give quite the same puffiness.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for the filling’s smoothness. If you’re after a lighter version, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar taste.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar helps balance the tartness of the peaches. You may substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile, just remember to adjust the quantity as they are sweeter!
Peach: Fresh peaches are best, but you can also use canned peaches in syrup. Just ensure to drain them well. If peaches aren’t available, nectarines or plums can work too!
How Do You Ensure a Perfectly Baked Puff Pastry?
The key to achieving that wonderful flakiness involves some simple tips:
- Keep your puff pastry cold; work quickly so it doesn’t get soggy.
- Scoring the pastry helps it puff up properly. Be gentle and don’t cut all the way through!
- Preheat your oven well. A hot oven helps the pastry rise beautifully. If you have a baking stone, use it!
- Watch the baking time. You want it golden brown, not burnt—around 15-20 minutes usually does the trick.
Following these tips should lead to tarts that impress everyone!
Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ripe peach, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey or apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- Freshly ground black pepper, a small pinch (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes for baking. So, you’re looking at a total time of about 35-40 minutes to have these tasty mini tarts ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass that’s about 3-4 inches in diameter to cut out circles of the pastry.
3. Score the Pastry Circles:
Gently place the pastry circles on your prepared baking sheet. Take a knife and lightly score a smaller circle inside each pastry round, about 1/4 inch from the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way through; this will create a lovely raised border when the pastry rises.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with a fork or hand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Tarts:
Spread about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly into the scored area of each pastry round. Top it off by arranging the thin peach slices on the cream cheese, slightly overlapping them for a beautiful presentation.
6. Sweeten the Peaches:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar over the peach slices. This helps create a lovely caramelization while baking.
7. Bake the Tarts:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, puffed-up pastry and tender peaches.
8. Glaze (Optional):
If you’d like, warm your honey or apricot jam in the microwave for a few seconds and then brush it over the baked tarts for a shiny finish.
9. Add the Finishing Touch:
For a little extra zest, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of freshly ground black pepper on top of each tart before serving.
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the tarts cool slightly on a wire rack. They’re best enjoyed warm, so serve them right after they’ve cooled a bit. Enjoy your delightful mini peach and cream cheese tarts!
FAQ for Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Peaches?
Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you choose, as some might require more or less sugar.
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Can I Make These Tarts in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling and cut the puff pastry circles ahead of time. Simply keep both in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the tarts. It’s best to bake them fresh for the flakiest texture!
Is There a Vegan Alternative for This Recipe?
To make this recipe vegan, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and check the puff pastry to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal products. Also, substitute the honey with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
