These mini peach and cream cheese tartlets are like little bites of sunshine! With a buttery crust, creamy filling, and sweet peaches on top, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Making these tartlets is a breeze! I love how they impress my friends while being simple enough for a weekend treat. Plus, they taste great both warm and cold—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your tartlets, giving them that flaky, buttery texture. If you’re in a pinch, you could use store-bought pie crust or phyllo dough instead, but puff pastry really shines here.
Cream Cheese: This provides a creamy, tangy filling. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese. Ricotta could also be a nice, lighter alternative!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are delicious, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained) or even nectarines work great. Just make sure they are ripe enough to keep their shape while baking.
Brown Sugar: It adds depth of flavor when sprinkled on top. If you don’t have any, regular granulated sugar can work, but you’ll miss that slight caramel taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Puff Pastry Turns Out Perfectly?
Working with puff pastry can be tricky, but with a few tips, it will puff up nicely! First, always keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. Room temperature pastry can result in sogginess.
- Roll it out gently – no need to overwork it; you want to keep those layers intact.
- Make sure to score the edges to create a border, but don’t cut all the way through. This helps keep the filling in!
- Finally, a good brush of melted butter adds both flavor and a golden finish.
These steps will ensure your tartlets look as good as they taste!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: apricot jam or honey for glaze
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 20 minutes of preparation time and 15-20 minutes of baking time. So, in under an hour, you’ll have these scrumptious tartlets ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step to ensure that your tartlets bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, take your puff pastry sheet and roll it out gently to smooth out any folds. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into squares about 3×3 inches. This will be the base of your tartlets.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or a hand mixer to mix until smooth and creamy. This will create a deliciously sweet filling!
4. Assemble the Tartlets:
Place the pastry squares on the lined baking sheet. Carefully score a border about 1/2 inch inside the edges of each square, making sure not to cut all the way through. This will help keep your filling in place. Spread about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside the scored border of each pastry square.
5. Add the Peaches:
Arrange the thin peach slices over the cream cheese, slightly overlapping them to create a beautiful pattern. The peaches will lend a fresh flavor and nice color to your tartlets!
6. Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush the sliced peaches and the edges of the pastry with melted butter. Then sprinkle the brown sugar (or granulated sugar) and ground cinnamon evenly over the peaches to add some sweetness and warmth.
7. Bake the Tartlets:
Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffs up beautifully. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake!
8. Optional Glaze:
If you’d like to add a shiny glaze, while the tartlets are still warm, brush the tops of the peaches with apricot jam or honey. This gives them a lovely glow and extra sweetness.
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the tartlets cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Enjoy each delightful bite of your mini peach and cream cheese tartlets!
These mini peach and cream cheese tartlets have a crisp, buttery crust with smooth, sweet cream cheese and juicy, cinnamon-kissed peaches – a perfect treat for any time of day!
FAQ for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tartlets
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Slice them thinly before arranging them on the tartlets for even baking.
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
No worries! You can substitute with store-bought pie crust or phyllo dough. Keep in mind that the texture will be different, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.
Can I Make These Tartlets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and assemble the tartlets, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
