These Mini Peach Cream Cheese Tarts are little bites of happiness! With a creamy filling and juicy peach topping on a crunchy crust, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Making these tarts is as easy as pie—wait, even easier! I love serving them with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the star of our tarts! It adds creaminess and a delightful tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese. You could also try dairy-free cream cheese if you’re following a vegan diet.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tang of the cream cheese. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener. Just remember that liquid sweeteners may alter the consistency a bit.
Crescent Roll Dough: This is an easy option for the tart base, but you could use mini tart shells if you want something more traditional. If you’re looking to make it from scratch, a simple shortcrust pastry works great, too!
Fresh Peaches: Fresh is best for flavor, but if peaches are out of season, canned peaches work fine. Just make sure to drain them well. Frozen peaches, thawed and drained, can be a good alternative as well.
Apricot Jam: This is optional but gives a lovely glaze! If apricot isn’t available, you could use peach, orange, or even a simple simple syrup for shine.
How Do I Make Sure My Tarts Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking these tarts right is key to getting them just right! Here are some helpful tips:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking.
- Keep an eye on the tarts from 10 minutes onward to check for that golden color.
- If you like a softer crust, bake just until the tops are set and slightly puffed.
- For a golden look, you can brush a little butter on the crust before baking.
Allow them to cool completely in the pan before transferring them. If they’re still warm, they may break apart!
Mini Peach Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Tart Shell:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or mini tart shells
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking time, plus cooling. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes until you can enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to lightly grease your mini muffin pan so that the tarts come out easily later on!
2. Prepare the Crust:
If you’re using crescent roll dough, unroll it and cut each triangle into smaller squares that can fit nicely into the mini muffin cups. Gently press the dough into the cups to form a cozy little crust.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with a mixer until everything is smooth and creamy. This is the delicious filling that will make your tarts so special!
4. Fill the Tart Shells:
Now it’s time to fill! Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup, spreading it out a bit to smooth the top. Yum!
5. Add the Fresh Peaches:
Toss your diced peaches with lemon juice to keep them fresh and colorful. Then, spoon some of the peach pieces on top of the cream cheese layer in each tart.
6. Bake:
Place your filled muffin pan in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You want the crust to be golden brown and the filling to feel set when you gently touch it.
7. Glaze (Optional):
If you’d like a beautiful glaze, while the tarts are still warm, brush the tops with some apricot jam to give them a lovely shine!
8. Cool and Remove:
Let the tarts cool completely in the pan before carefully taking them out. This helps them hold their shape and prevents breaking.
9. Dust and Serve:
If you want to add a touch of sweetness, dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving. These mini tarts are now ready to delight your taste buds!
Enjoy your delightful Mini Peach Cream Cheese Tarts!
FAQ for Mini Peach Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing. This helps prevent soggy tarts!
How Can I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, try to avoid stacking them. Enjoy them cold or reheat them gently in the oven for a bit of warmth!
Can I Make These Tarts Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free dough or mini tart shells available in stores. Be sure to check the ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs!
What Other Fruits Can I Use in This Recipe?
Feel free to get creative! This recipe works well with various fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Just adjust the sweetness depending on the fruit you choose!
