If you are searching for a delightful bite-sized dessert that perfectly balances fruity freshness and creamy indulgence, the Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe will become your new favorite. These charming tarts combine flaky puff pastry, luscious cream cheese filling, and sweet, juicy peach slices glazed to perfection, creating a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch or craving a quick homemade dessert, this recipe is simple yet sophisticated, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every component plays an essential role, from the buttery puff pastry that provides a flaky texture to the fresh peaches that add natural sweetness and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts to life:
- Puff pastry sheet: This forms the light, flaky base that holds everything together—make sure it’s thawed properly.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Delivers the rich, creamy filling that pairs beautifully with peaches.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness to the cream cheese without overpowering the fruit.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the cream cheese flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Almond extract (¼ teaspoon, optional): A subtle, nutty flavor that complements the peaches wonderfully.
- Ripe peaches (2, thinly sliced): The star ingredient, bringing juicy sweetness and beautiful color to each tart.
- Honey or apricot jam (1 tablespoon): Used for glazing the peaches, it gives a glossy finish and extra shine.
- Egg (1): For the egg wash that helps the pastry edges turn golden and appetizing.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Mixed with the egg to create the perfect egg wash consistency.
How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the tarts from sticking. Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 even rectangles. These will become the delicate shells for your tarts — make sure they are evenly sized for consistent baking.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy, which ensures it’ll spread easily and meld beautifully with the peaches.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
Spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry rectangle but leave a small border around the edges to keep the filling contained as the pastry puffs up. Layer a few thin peach slices artfully on top of the cream cheese — the more vibrant and juicy the peaches, the better!
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry carefully — this step is key for achieving those golden-brown, glossy crusts that make the tarts so inviting.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze the Tarts
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry puffs delightfully and turns a rich golden color. Once out of the oven and still warm, brush the peaches with honey or warmed apricot jam to add a shiny, sweet glaze that elevates both appearance and taste. Let the tarts cool just a bit before serving.
How to Serve Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top right before serving. These little details not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavor profile, adding freshness or a gentle sweetness that complements the creamy peaches flawlessly.
Side Dishes
Pair these tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible dessert combo. They also work wonderfully alongside a crisp cup of green tea or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé if you’re serving these at a gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the tarts on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh peach slices and edible flowers for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, serve them in delicate tartlet paper liners to make individual portions even more charming and easy to handle at parties or afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The puff pastry will remain fairly crisp if enjoyed within that time frame, and the cream cheese filling will stay fresh and creamy.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked assembled tarts by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen baked tarts in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to refresh the puff pastry’s flakiness and warm the filling. Avoid using a microwave as it may make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines, plums, or even fresh apricots make delicious alternatives for this Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe, each bringing their own unique flavor and sweetness.
Is it necessary to use almond extract?
Not at all. Almond extract is optional and adds a lovely subtle nutty aroma, but the tarts are just as wonderful without it if you prefer a more straightforward flavor.
How long can the tarts be stored after baking?
Baked tarts can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture and flavor, enjoy them fresh or reheat gently before eating.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just give it a quick stir before spreading on the pastry to make assembly easier.
What type of puff pastry works best?
Either store-bought frozen puff pastry or homemade will work well. Just be sure it is fully thawed and chilled before cutting and assembling your tarts for the best puff.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to something sweet and special, you cannot go wrong with the Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe. This recipe is straightforward, quick, and yields tarts bursting with flavor and beautiful textures. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the loveliest little desserts around. Your taste buds are in for a wonderful delight!
Print
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts combine flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweet cheese filling and fresh peach slices. They are perfectly glazed for a glossy finish, making an elegant and delicious dessert that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Fruit Topping
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
Glaze and Wash
- 1 tablespoon honey or apricot jam (for glaze)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the tarts.
- Prepare Pastry Base: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Place these on the lined baking sheet.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry rectangle, leaving a border around the edges. Arrange thin peach slices over the cream cheese on each tart.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush this egg wash on the edges of each pastry to help achieve a golden, glossy crust.
- Bake: Bake the assembled tarts in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Glaze Tarts: While still warm, brush the peach slices with honey or warmed apricot jam to give a beautiful shiny glaze.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tarts to cool slightly so the cream cheese filling sets before serving to enjoy at optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute nectarines or plums for peaches for a different fruit variation.
- For a sweeter tart, sprinkle coarse sugar on the pastry edges before baking for added texture and sweetness.
