These Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are little bites of happiness! With a crispy crust and creamy filling topped with sweet, juicy peaches, they are a delight.
Honestly, making these tarts is a breeze! I love serving them at gatherings. They always disappear quickly, and who wouldn’t love a mini slice of peachy goodness? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of the tarts and gives them that delightful flaky texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try using phyllo dough, but the texture will be a bit different.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese brings creaminess to the tarts. If you’re dairy-free, a vegan cream cheese alternative or even a thick cashew cream can work well!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add natural sweetness. If you can’t find peaches, nectarines or apricots can be great substitutes. Canned peaches can work too, just drain and pat dry.
Apricot Jam: This gives a lovely glaze on top. If it’s not available, any fruit preserves or even honey can be brushed on the peaches for sweetness and shine.
How Can I Make Sure My Puff Pastry Tarts Are Perfectly Puffed?
Getting that perfect puff with pastry is all about preparation! Ensure you roll out the pastry evenly and make a good border. Here’s how:
- Keep the puff pastry cold. If it gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a bit.
- When scoring, don’t cut all the way through; just gently mark the outline to help it puff.
- Make sure to bake it on a preheated baking sheet to help it cook evenly.
Finally, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; this ensures good airflow and that lovely puff. Happy baking!
How to Make Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart Base:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1-2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp apricot jam or honey (for glazing)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take around 25-30 minutes! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the tarts and another 15-20 minutes for baking them until they’re perfectly golden and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important, as a hot oven helps the pastry puff up nicely. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry. Use a round cutter or knife to cut the pastry into small circles or squares, about 3 to 4 inches wide. This will be the base of your tarts!
3. Score the Pastry:
Place the pastry shapes on your lined baking sheet. Using a knife, carefully score a smaller shape inside each one, about 1/2 inch from the edge. Make sure not to cut through! This helps create a nice raised border when baked.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy filling is what makes the tarts special!
5. Fill the Pastry:
Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry piece. Spread it gently, but try to keep it within the scored border.
6. Add the Peach Slices:
Now, arrange those beautiful peach slices on top of the cream cheese mixture. You can fan them out or overlap them however you like—just make it pretty!
7. Bake the Tarts:
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown puff with tender peaches on top!
8. Glaze the Peaches:
While the tarts are cooling, gently heat the apricot jam or honey in a small saucepan or microwave until it’s runny. Using a brush, apply this glaze over the peaches to give them a beautiful shine.
9. Add Optional Garnish:
If you want to get a bit fancy, sprinkle a tiny pinch of freshly ground black pepper over the top. It adds a lovely contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the peaches!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the tarts cool a bit on a wire rack before serving. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delightful mini peach and cream cheese tarts!
These tarts are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that everyone will love. Happy baking!
FAQ about Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen puff pastry works great. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before using it for the best texture.
What If I Can’t Find Ripe Peaches?
No problem! You can substitute with nectarines or apricots, or even use canned peaches. If using canned, make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
Can I Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick mix before using it to ensure it’s smooth and spreadable!
