These adorable mini tarts are filled with sweet peaches and creamy cheese, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. They look fancy but are super easy to make!
Honestly, who can resist that sweet peach topping? I love serving these at gatherings because they always disappear fast! They’re so cute, you might want to keep a few just for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base for your tarts. If you’re looking for a healthier option or have gluten intolerance, you can try using gluten-free puff pastry or even phyllo dough. Both will yield a different texture, but they can be delicious too!
Cream Cheese: The creaminess comes from the cream cheese, but if you want a lighter version, consider using ricotta cheese. For dairy-free options, there are great plant-based cream cheese products available at most grocery stores.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are best, but you can use nectarines or even canned peaches (drained well) if you’re in a pinch. Just remember that the flavor will be sweeter with canned peaches.
Apricot Jam: It adds a lovely shine, but if you don’t have it, you could use any other fruit jam like peach or even honey. It’s all about personal taste!
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry to Rise Perfectly?
A key to making puff pastry perfectly puff up is in the preparation. Here’s how to make that happen:
- Make sure your puff pastry is cold. Keeping the butter in the dough chilled helps create those beautiful flaky layers.
- When cutting the pastry into squares, be careful not to cut all the way through when scoring the inner square. This scored area is essential for allowing the edges to rise while keeping the filling in place.
- Brush the edges lightly with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a little water) before baking for a beautiful golden color, if you’re not avoiding eggs.
With these tips, you’re on your way to baking perfect mini tarts that everyone will love!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart Base:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Peach Topping:
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced thinly
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glazing)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 18-20 minutes for baking. You’ll have these delightful tarts ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tarts will bake evenly and get that lovely golden color. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s nice and flat. Cut it into small squares (about 3×3 inches). Once done, gently transfer the squares to your prepared baking sheet. These will be the base of your tarts!
3. Score the Pastry:
Take a knife and lightly score a smaller square inside each pastry square, making sure to leave about a 1/2 inch border. Be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry; this will help the edges puff up beautifully while baking!
4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create a deliciously sweet filling for your tarts.
5. Add the Filling:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, carefully keeping it inside the scored border. This is where the magic begins!
6. Prepare the Peaches:
Toss the peach slices with a tablespoon of lemon juice. This will help prevent them from browning and keeps them looking fresh and vibrant on your tarts.
7. Arrange the Peaches:
Now, it’s time to make your tarts beautiful! Arrange the peach slices on top of the cream cheese filling in a nice pattern. Be creative here! 🍑
8. Bake the Tarts:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for the puff pastry to be golden and puffed, with the cream cheese filling nicely set.
9. Glaze (Optional):
If you want that extra touch of sweetness, gently warm the apricot jam in a small bowl and brush it over the warm peach topping for a beautiful glaze.
10. Cool and Dust:
Let the tarts cool slightly on a wire rack. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen peaches before using them to prevent extra moisture from making the tarts soggy. Toss them with lemon juice as you would with fresh peaches.
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes, or enjoy them cold as a delicious snack!
Can I Make These Tarts Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and cut the puff pastry squares in advance. Just assemble the tarts and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
What Can I Use Instead of Apricot Jam?
If you don’t have apricot jam, try using any other fruit preserves like peach, raspberry, or even honey for glazing. They’ll add a nice shine and a bit of extra flavor!
