Celebrate summer peaches with Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts that bring a burst of flavor to your table! These delightful tarts are perfect for breakfast or dessert, showcasing the sweetness of fresh peaches paired with creamy cheese and a hint of spice. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in, these mini tarts will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients, you can whip up these tarts in no time, making them perfect for busy days.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet peaches, tangy cream cheese, and a honey glaze creates an irresistible taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch or a summer picnic, these mini tarts are versatile and appealing.
- Small Batch Delight: This recipe yields just four tarts, making it great for small gatherings or individual treats.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to mix in your favorite flavors like nuts or other fruits to personalize your tarts.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- Tart pan (mini)
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Quickly mixes dough ingredients together for a flaky puff pastry.
- Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for uniform tart shells.
- Tart pan (mini): Provides the perfect shape and depth for baking mini tarts.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts:
For the Puff Pastry
- 3/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold (cut into cubes or grate)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
- 1/4 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
For the Filling
- 1 fresh peach, one half cut into slices
- 3 to 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
For Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing dough)
- cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling dough)
How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Step 1: Make the Puff Pastry Dough
- In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix ice water and vinegar in a small bowl. Gradually add it to the flour mixture until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a medium bowl, blend room temperature cream cheese with honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and ginger until smooth.
- Set aside while you prepare the pastry.
Step 3: Roll Out Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut out circles that fit your mini tart pans.
Step 4: Assemble Tarts
- Place rolled-out pastry circles into mini tart pans.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly across each shell.
- Arrange peach slices on top of the cream cheese filling.
Step 5: Bake Tarts
- Brush edges of pastry with heavy cream and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20–22 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow tarts to cool slightly before removing from pans.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful treat!
Enjoy making these delicious Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts that capture the essence of summer!
How to Serve Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
These delightful mini peach and cream cheese tarts are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a light dessert, these tarts can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.
With Fresh Mint
- Add fresh mint leaves on top of each tart for a burst of color and freshness.
A Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust the tarts with powdered sugar just before serving for a sweet touch that enhances the appearance.
Pairing with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the creamy filling and juicy peaches.
Drizzled with Extra Honey
- A drizzle of honey on top adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese.
How to Perfect Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Creating the perfect mini peach and cream cheese tarts is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tarts turn out perfectly every time.
Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter is cold when making the puff pastry. This helps achieve a flaky texture.
Don’t Skip Chilling: After shaping your dough, chill it for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents shrinking during baking.
Slice Peaches Thin: For even cooking and better presentation, slice peaches thinly so they fit nicely into the tart shell.
Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. A hot oven ensures that the tarts rise properly and develop a nice golden color.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Pairing these mini peach and cream cheese tarts with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the tarts.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits can add freshness and variety to your table.
Arugula Salad: The peppery flavor of arugula dressed lightly with olive oil pairs well with the sweet tarts.
Savory Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a delightful savory contrast.
Chilled Rose Wine: Serve these tarts with a chilled glass of rose wine for a refreshing pairing.
Honey Almond Granola: A crunchy granola on the side adds texture and complements the honey glaze in your tarts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making mini peach and cream cheese tarts can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for the best results.
ingredient preparation: Not properly prepping your ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Always slice peaches thinly and ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading.
dough handling: Overworking the puff pastry dough can result in tough tarts. Handle it gently and keep it cold to maintain flakiness.
measuring inaccuracies: Incorrect measurements can affect texture and flavor. Use precise measuring tools, especially for flour and sugar, to get it just right.
oven temperature issues: Baking at the wrong temperature leads to undercooked or burnt tarts. Preheat your oven properly and use an oven thermometer if needed.
glaze application: Skipping the glaze or using too much can overwhelm the flavors. Brush lightly for a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zest.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store mini peach and cream cheese tarts in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep them separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
- Freeze unbaked tarts for up to 2 months.
- Wrap each tart tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- For baked tarts, freeze them after cooling for up to 1 month.
Reheating Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds but enjoy them fresh from the oven whenever possible.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about mini peach and cream cheese tarts that might help you in your baking journey.
What’s the best way to slice peaches for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts?
To slice peaches perfectly, use a sharp knife and cut around the pit. Then slice into thin wedges for even distribution on the tart.
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned peaches, but make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your tarts.
How do I customize Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts?
Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or cardamom or include other fruits like berries or cherries for added flavor!
What’s the ideal serving size for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts?
Each tart serves one person; however, you may want two if you’re serving them as dessert!
Final Thoughts
These mini peach and cream cheese tarts are not only beautiful but also versatile. They make a wonderful addition to brunches or summer gatherings. Feel free to customize with different fruits or toppings based on your preferences!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are the perfect summer treat, combining the sweetness of fresh peaches with a creamy filling nestled in a flaky puff pastry shell. These bite-sized delights are not only easy to prepare, but they also bring a burst of flavor to any gathering or cozy night in. Ideal for brunches or light desserts, these mini tarts can be customized with your favorite fruits and spices, making them versatile and appealing to all. Impress your guests with these elegant yet simple treats that capture the essence of summer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Makes 4 mini tarts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold (cut into cubes or grate)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
- 1/4 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 fresh peach, one half cut into slices
- 3 to 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing dough)
- cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling dough)
Instructions
- Prepare the puff pastry dough by mixing flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter and pulse until crumbly. Mix ice water and vinegar, then gradually add to form a dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
- For the filling, blend room temperature cream cheese with honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and ginger until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled pastry dough and cut circles for mini tart pans.
- Assemble the tarts by placing pastry in pans, spreading cream cheese filling on top, and arranging peach slices.
- Brush edges with heavy cream, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake for 20–22 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini tart (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
