These Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are a sweet treat! With buttery crusts filled with smooth cream cheese and topped with juicy peaches, they are perfect for any occasion.
Honestly, they are so cute and tasty, you might want to keep them all to yourself! I love serving these at parties; they always steal the spotlight on the dessert table! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust or Puff Pastry: You can use either pie crust or puff pastry for these tarts. I personally prefer puff pastry for its flaky texture, but you can use what you have on hand. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using phyllo dough.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives a rich taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try reduced-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are fantastic, but you can use canned peaches if you’re short on time. Just make sure they are well-drained. If they’re out of season, consider using fresh strawberries or raspberries for a yummy twist.
Granulated Sugar: This recipe uses sugar for sweetness, but you can replace it with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia if you’re watching your sugar intake.
How Do I Make Sure My Tarts Don’t Get Soggy?
A common issue with mini tarts is a soggy bottom, but there are ways to prevent it. Here are my top tips:
- **Pre-Bake the Crust:** Don’t skip pricking the bottoms with a fork. This lets steam escape and helps prevent them from becoming too wet.
- **Chill the Crust:** After forming the tart shells, chill them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better.
- **Use a Glaze:** Brushing a thin layer of apricot jam on top gives a nice glaze and seals the fruit, adding a bit of moisture protection.
With these tips, you’ll achieve beautifully baked mini tarts every time! Enjoy your baking! 🍑
Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced (or canned peach slices, drained)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking. You’ll spend a little time assembling the tarts, and then they’ll bake until golden and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later!
2. Prepare the Tart Shells:
Unroll your pie crust or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles for the bases of your tarts. Gently press each circle into the cups of a mini muffin tin to create your tart shells. Remember to prick the bottoms lightly with a fork so they won’t puff up while baking.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat them together until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Tarts:
Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each tart shell, spreading it evenly. Next, toss the peach slices with lemon juice in a small bowl to prevent them from browning.
5. Add the Peaches and Bake:
Arrange the peach slices neatly on top of the cream cheese filling in each tart. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
6. Glaze and Cool:
If you like, you can brush the tops lightly with warmed apricot jam when they’re still warm. This gives them a nice shine and extra sweetness! Let the tarts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Optional Dusting:
Before serving, you can dust the tarts with a little powdered sugar for a fancy touch. Then, they’re ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delightful Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts! They’re perfect for sharing, but you might just want to keep them all for yourself! 🍑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruits for These Tarts?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute them with other fruits like berries, apples, or pears. Just keep in mind that some fruits may need to be cooked briefly before adding them to the tarts to soften them up.
Can I Make These Tarts Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry. Many stores offer gluten-free options that will work perfectly for this recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, you may want to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Is It Possible to Make the Tarts Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tart shells and fill them with cream cheese a day in advance, but I’d recommend adding the fruit just before baking to keep everything fresh. When ready to bake, simply layer on the peaches and pop them in the oven!
