These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are a sweet treat! With fresh peaches, smooth cream cheese, and a crisp crust, they are perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in.
I love how easy these tarts are to make. Just mix the cream cheese, fill the crusts, and top with juicy peaches. They look fancy but are super simple—your friends will think you’re a kitchen genius! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Tart Shells: You can find these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. If they’re unavailable, you can use mini phyllo cups or make your own from scratch using pie dough.
Cream Cheese: This is the heart of the tart. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat. For a dairy-free alternative, try a thick vegan cream cheese.
Granulated Sugar: Since the peaches add natural sweetness, you can reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons if you prefer. Honey or maple syrup also works well if you want a different sweetener.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for flavor. If they’re out of season, use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches that have been thawed, though the texture may differ slightly.
Apricot Jam: This is optional for a glaze! You could substitute with peach jam, honey, or even a simple syrup if you don’t have apricot jam on hand.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Filling?
The cream cheese filling is a key part of these tarts and getting it smooth is essential. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature—this helps it blend smoothly without lumps.
- Use an electric mixer for about 2 minutes on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
- Mix in sugar and vanilla gradually, ensuring everything is well combined before filling the tart shells.
Don’t overmix once you’ve added the sugar, as this can introduce too much air and affect the tart’s texture. A smooth filling will make your tarts delightful!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated mini tart shells or mini pie crusts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- Fresh mint leaves or powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. After that, let them cool, and they’ll be ready to serve! In total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes for these delightful mini tarts.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your tarts bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet and arrange your mini tart shells on it.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2 minutes. You want it to be fluffy and well combined—no lumps allowed!
3. Fill the Tart Shells:
Next, spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture evenly into each mini tart shell. Be generous but don’t overfill them—leave a little room for the peach slices.
4. Top with Peach Slices:
Take the thinly sliced peaches and arrange them beautifully on top of the cream cheese filling. You can place them in a circle for a fun presentation or however you like!
5. Add the Glaze (Optional):
If you want to add a bit of shine to your peaches, warm the apricot jam in the microwave for about 10 seconds until it’s easier to brush. Then, using a pastry brush, gently apply it over the peach slices to create a lovely glaze.
6. Bake the Tarts:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tarts for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—once the crusts are golden and the filling is slightly set, they’re ready to come out!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, you can garnish them with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your delicious Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts!
FAQ for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Peaches?
Absolutely! These tarts are versatile. You can substitute peaches with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Just make sure to adjust the lemon juice according to the sweetness of the fruit.
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to consume them fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep them chilled to maintain freshness.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready, fill the tart shells and top with peaches for a fresh taste!
What If I Can’t Find Mini Tart Shells?
If mini tart shells aren’t available, you can use phyllo pastry cups, or make your own dough and cut it into small rounds. Just ensure they’re appropriately baked and crispy before filling.
