Indulge in the perfect summer dessert with our Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts. These charming tarts feature a buttery, flaky crust filled with creamy, tangy cream cheese and topped with sweet, juicy peaches. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a light and elegant treat, these tarts are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
2-3 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
Directions:
Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini tart pan or muffin tin.
Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Tarts:
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles of dough to fit into the prepared tart or muffin tin. Gently press the dough into the tin to form the crusts. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each crust, then top with a few slices of peach.
Bake:
Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and the cream cheese filling is set.
Serve:
Allow the tarts to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Drizzle with honey if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Tips:
Serve at Room Temperature: These tarts are delicious both warm and at room temperature. Allow them to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Drizzle with Honey: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey over the tarts just before serving. This enhances the peach flavor and adds a lovely shine.
Garnish Options: Consider adding a mint leaf or a sprinkle of cinnamon for additional visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
Pairing Suggestions: These tarts pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
Storage Tips:
Cool Completely: Before storing, let the tarts cool completely to avoid condensation inside the storage container.
Store in an Airtight Container: Place the tarts in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the tarts in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving, or briefly warm them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust.
Freezing: If you want to store the tarts for an extended period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled tarts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Tips:
Oven Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the tarts for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Avoid the Microwave: For the best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the crust soggy.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches for these tarts. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent the tarts from becoming soggy.
Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tart crust up to a week in advance. Simply roll out the dough, cut it into circles, and place them in the tart pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just proceed with filling and baking as instructed.
How can I make these tarts gluten-free?
To make these tarts gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the cream cheese and sugar, are also gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delightful.
Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
Yes, you can easily customize the tarts with different fruits. Try using berries, sliced apples, or nectarines as alternatives to peaches. Adjust the sweetness of the topping to match the fruit you choose, if necessary.
Conclusion:
These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are a delightful fusion of buttery crust, creamy filling, and fresh fruit, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they offer a refreshing and elegant treat that’s ideal for summer gatherings. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of peach and cream cheese in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 mini tarts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are the perfect summer dessert, featuring a buttery crust filled with a creamy cream cheese mixture and topped with juicy, ripe peaches. This elegant treat is ideal for gatherings or a light, refreshing snack. Easy to make and delightful to eat, these tarts combine tangy cream cheese with the sweetness of peaches for a taste of summer in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2–3 tablespoons ice water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
2–3 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini tart pan or muffin tin.
- Make the Filling:
- Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Tarts:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles to fit the tart tin. Press dough into tin, fill with cream cheese mixture, and top with peach slices.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and the filling is set.
- Serve:
- Cool slightly before removing from tin. Drizzle with honey if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use cold butter for a flaky crust.
You can use frozen peaches; just thaw and pat dry before using.
Store leftovers in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 mini tarts
- Calories: 200 kcal per tart
