Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe
Just imagine biting into a flaky pastry filled with creamy, luscious filling and topped with sun-ripened fruit—the kind of moment that feels like summer in every mouthful. That’s exactly what the Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts deliver! Wrapped in golden puff pastry, each tart combines the subtle tang of cream cheese, the sweetness of ripe peaches, and a glossy honey glaze that ties everything together. They’re irresistible treats that are surprisingly easy to make, but feel totally special—whether for brunch, dessert, or simply a moment of indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to whip up these charming little tarts, but each one plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture. From the flaky base to the silky cream cheese and juicy fruit topping, here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip any of them!
- Puff pastry sheet: This is the secret to that crisp, buttery, and flaky tart shell—thaw it completely for easy handling.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Creates a rich, slightly tangy base that keeps every bite creamy and lovely.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with comforting warmth and aroma.
- Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a hint of nutty sophistication that pairs beautifully with peaches.
- Ripe peaches (2, thinly sliced): The star of the show—choose juicy, fragrant peaches for peak flavor and color.
- Honey or apricot jam (1 tablespoon, for glaze): Brushed on while warm, it gives the fruit a beautiful shine and gentle sweetness.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): Helps the pastry edges bake up golden and extra crisp.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Loosens the egg for an easy-to-spread wash that doesn’t overpower the pastry.
How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by setting the stage for your baking success! Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—that way, your Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry until it’s smooth and even. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 6 equal rectangles. Try to keep them all the same size so they bake evenly. Place these rectangles on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between each for that perfect puff.
Step 3: Mix Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps—you want it to be easily spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry rectangle, smoothing it out and leaving a small border around the edges. This gives the puff pastry room to rise and creates a beautiful layered look. Gently lay a few thin peach slices on top of the cream cheese, letting their natural colors shine.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash
Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl until it’s nicely blended. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of each tart with the egg wash. This is what gives the crust those golden brown, shiny edges you just can’t resist.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is gorgeously puffed and a deep golden brown. Don’t wander too far—these beauties bake quickly and the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering!
Step 7: Brush with Glaze
As soon as the tarts come out of the oven, gently brush the peach slices with honey or warmed apricot jam. This not only adds a lovely gloss and extra touch of sweetness, but also keeps the fruit juicy and delicious.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let your Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They’re wonderful slightly warm or at room temperature, which makes them easy to serve at any occasion.
How to Serve Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Garnishes
For that final special touch, sprinkle your tarts with a little powdered sugar, add a few fresh mint leaves, or even a tiny twist of lemon zest. Each addition makes the Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts look as lovely as they taste!
Side Dishes
These tarts are delightful on their own, but you can build a whole spread for brunch or dessert time. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for even more color and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts on a pretty platter lined with parchment or a lace doily, and garnish each with a thin slice of peach or a sprig of mint. For parties, consider serving them in cupcake liners for easy, mess-free finger food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra tarts (a rare but happy situation!), place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts for later. Arrange cooled tarts in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually. They will keep for up to two months—just let them thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the tarts in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until gently warmed through and the pastry regains its flakiness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to soften the pastry too much.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, both canned and frozen peaches work well when fresh peaches aren’t in season. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture making the pastry soggy.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese?
Absolutely! There are many plant-based cream cheese options available that work beautifully in Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts, so everyone can indulge.
How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure your peaches aren’t overly juicy and always spread a thin, even layer of filling. Keeping the tart edges free of filling helps the pastry puff up and stay crisp.
Can I make these Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble and chill the unbaked tarts a few hours ahead, then bake them fresh. Baked tarts can also be stored in the fridge or freezer and reheated just before serving.
What other fruits can I use in this recipe?
Nectarines, plums, or even berries make delicious substitutes for peaches. Experiment with your favorite seasonal fruits to keep this recipe exciting all year long!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing homemade treats, especially when they’re as easy and impressive as these Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts. Whether you make a batch for a casual weekend brunch or a fancy dessert table, I know they’ll bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones, and let those peachy, creamy flavors shine!
Print
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these delectable Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts. A perfect blend of sweet peaches, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry that will transport you to dessert heaven.
Ingredients
Puff 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)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey or apricot jam (for glaze)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry, cut into rectangles, and place on the baking sheet.
- Make the cream cheese filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Spread onto pastry.
- Add peaches: Arrange peach slices over the cream cheese.
- Egg wash: Whisk egg with water, brush edges of pastry, and bake.
- Glaze: Brush peaches with honey or apricot jam.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute nectarines or plums for the peaches.
- For a sweeter tart, sprinkle coarse sugar on the pastry edges before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
