These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are a sweet treat that’s hard to resist! With a flaky crust, creamy filling, and fresh peach slices on top, they’re super cute and delicious.
Making these tarts is a breeze! I like to serve them at parties or just to enjoy on a sunny afternoon. Believe me, they won’t last long once your friends see them! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your tarts. You can also use pie crusts or phyllo dough if puff pastry is unavailable. Thaw it well to prevent tearing.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened before mixing to get a nice smooth filling. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Fresh Peaches: They add sweetness and flavor! If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute with other fruits like nectarines, apples, or even canned peaches (drained).
Lemon Juice: This helps keep your peaches from browning. You can use lime juice if you don’t have lemon on hand, or just skip it if you’re using fruits that don’t brown easily.
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry to Rise Perfectly?
The key to achieving perfectly puffed pastry is to keep it cold! Here are some steps to ensure great results:
- Keep the puff pastry in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Cold pastry puffs beautifully.
- Don’t stretch the pastry when rolling it out; just lightly roll it to fit your baking sheet.
- Scoring helps the edges rise while keeping the filling intact. Just be gentle!
With these tips, you’ll have gorgeous, flaky tarts every time! Enjoy making and serving these at gatherings or just for a sweet snack at home.
How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 fresh peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent peach slices from browning)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 15-20 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying these delicious tarts in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry sheet. Cut it into small squares, about 3×3 inches. This will be the base for your tarts.
3. Score the Pastry:
Using a knife or the back of a spoon, lightly score a smaller square inside each puff pastry square, about 1/2 inch from the edges. Make sure not to cut all the way through. This will help the edges rise beautifully while baking.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a fork to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
5. Fill Each Tart:
Take a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and place it inside the inner square of each puff pastry base, spreading it gently but leaving space around the edges.
6. Prepare the Peaches:
Slice your fresh peaches thinly and toss them with a splash of lemon juice. This combats browning and brightens their flavor.
7. Arrange the Peaches:
Now, elegantly arrange the peach slices over the cream cheese filling in each tart. Get creative with your pattern!
8. Egg Wash the Edges:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create your egg wash. Brush this mixture lightly around the edges of the puff pastry to get that golden-brown finish when baked.
9. Bake the Tarts:
Place your prepared tarts in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. They should rise up and turn golden brown, while the cream cheese filling sets perfectly.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done baking, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This step is crucial to avoid burning your tongue with eager bites!
11. Serve with Style:
If desired, dust the cooled tarts with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and extra freshness before serving.
There you have it! Enjoy your delightful Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts—perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with nectarines, plums, or even berries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the fruits you choose are ripe and sliced thinly to fit the tart nicely.
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh the pastry.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Mixture in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Bring it back to room temperature before using for a smooth application.
What Can I Use Instead of Egg Wash?
If you prefer to avoid egg washes, you can brush the pastry edges with milk or a dairy-free milk alternative to achieve a nice golden finish while baking.
