These mini peach and cream cheese tarts are a fun treat! With a crunchy crust, a creamy filling, and sweet peaches on top, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Making them is super easy! I love whipping up a batch for snacks or dessert—everyone loves them! And guess what? You can enjoy them warm or chilled!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use a refrigerated pie crust for convenience, but if you have time, making your own crust can add a special touch. Alternatively, use puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese works best, but you can swap it with Neufchâtel for a lighter option. If you need dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal, but you can use canned peaches in syrup if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid sogginess.
Granulated Sugar: If you’re watching sugar intake, feel free to use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol. It will give you sweetness without the extra calories.
How Do You Ensure the Cream Cheese Filling is Smooth?
Mixing the cream cheese filling is a crucial step! Use an electric mixer or a food processor to achieve a smooth texture. Softened cream cheese is essential; it blends easily. Here’s a tip:
- Beat the cream cheese first until fluffy, then gradually add in sugar, vanilla, and egg.
- Always mix until fully combined, but don’t overmix! You just want a creamy consistency without incorporating too much air.
How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 sheet of refrigerated pie crust or tart dough (about 9 to 10 inches)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Topping:
- 2-3 ripe peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent peach slices from browning)
- 1 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to bake. You’ll be looking at roughly 35-40 minutes total to create these tasty tarts, perfect for a quick dessert or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tarts from sticking.
2. Shape the Tart Bases:
Next, roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass that’s about 3 inches in diameter, cut out circles. Place these circles onto your prepared baking sheet. These will be the bases for your mini tarts!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add in the egg and mix everything together until fully combined. This mixture is the delicious filling for each tart!
4. Assemble the Tarts:
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. This will allow the crust to rise slightly while baking and hold the filling nicely.
5. Add the Peach Topping:
Toss your sliced peaches with lemon juice in a small bowl to keep them from browning. Then, take those beautiful peach slices and arrange them neatly over the cream cheese filling on each tart.
6. Bake the Tarts:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is set. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Glaze (Optional):
If you want a lovely shine on your tarts, warm the apricot jam in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s easy to brush. Use a pastry brush to lightly glaze the peaches on top of the tarts.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the tarts cool slightly on a wire rack. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar just before serving to add a sweet touch. You can enjoy these tarts warm or at room temperature.
9. Enjoy!
Your mini peach and cream cheese tarts are ready to be shared! Enjoy them as a sweet treat with family and friends!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! You can replace peaches with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose. For example, strawberries may need less sugar than ripe peaches.
How Can I Store Leftover Tarts?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the tarts are best enjoyed fresh, as the crust may soften over time.
Can I Freeze the Mini Tarts?
Yes, you can freeze the baked tarts! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat briefly in the oven for a few minutes.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese as a substitute. Additionally, Greek yogurt can work for a tangy twist, but it will give a slightly different texture. Just ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture!
