These mini peach and cream cheese tarts are a tasty treat! With a creamy filling and sweet peach topping, they are a perfect little dessert for any occasion.
Trust me, these tiny tarts will have everyone smiling. They look cute and are so easy to make, you’ll feel like a baking superstar in no time! 🍑😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is what makes these tarts so delightful. If you’re short on time, you might use pre-made pastry. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free puff pastry options or try almond flour dough.
Cream Cheese: It gives the tarts their creamy base. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a different texture and flavor.
Peaches: Ripe peaches are perfect for this recipe. If they’re out of season, feel free to swap in canned peaches (drained and patted dry) or use other fruits like apples or berries.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese. For a healthier touch, you can use honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the amount to taste.
How Do I Get My Tarts to Have That Perfect Golden Brown Finish?
To achieve that beautiful golden color on your tarts, focus on a couple of key steps.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps the pastry rise quickly.
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with melted butter. It not only adds richness but also promotes browning.
- Monitor your tarts as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check at the 15-minute mark to ensure they don’t over-bake.
Following these tips will help you create tarts that look as good as they taste! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for topping)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have delicious mini tarts ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your tarts will bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth it out. Cut the pastry into small squares about 3×3 inches each. Transfer these squares onto a lined baking sheet. They will puff up beautifully when baked!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s creamy and smooth. This will be the delicious base for your tarts!
4. Assemble the Tarts:
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each puff pastry square, leaving about a 1/4 inch border around the edges. This is where all the yummy flavors will come together!
5. Add the Peach Slices:
Now, arrange the thinly sliced peaches neatly over the cream cheese layer on each tart. Make it look lovely; presentation is key!
6. Brush with Butter and Add Spices:
Brush the melted butter over the peach slices to help them shine and enhance their flavor. Then sprinkle the ground cinnamon and brown sugar on top, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Shape the Edges:
Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry inward to create a rustic border around each tart. This is where they’ll get their shape during baking.
8. Bake the Tarts:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the peaches are tender. Keep an eye on them as all ovens can vary!
9. Cool and Dust:
Once done, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you want to make them look even prettier, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your mini peach and cream cheese tarts warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
FAQ for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with other fruits like nectarines, apples, or berries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit’s natural flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warmed through.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container and use it when you’re ready to assemble the tarts.
What’s the Best Way to Thaw Puff Pastry?
For best results, thaw puff pastry in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, but be sure not to let it get too warm or it may become sticky.
