If you are looking for a delightful little treat that brings together fruity freshness and creamy indulgence, this Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming tarts burst with the bright sweetness of peaches paired with a luscious cream cheese filling, all nestled in a perfectly golden, flaky crust. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, preparing a weekend brunch, or simply craving a sweet bite, these mini tarts deliver a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that will brighten your day and impress your guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together harmoniously in this recipe, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste, texture, and eye appeal for your Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe. You’ll find these essentials easy to source and rewarding to work with.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: Provides a buttery, flaky base that’s quick to prepare and bakes up beautifully golden.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, creamy filling that balances the tartness of the peaches.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness without graininess, blending perfectly into the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese mixture with a warm, aromatic note.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a gentle spice that complements the peaches’ natural sweetness.
- Peach slices in syrup or fresh peaches: The star ingredient, giving vibrant flavor and juicy texture.
- Peach preserves or apricot jam (optional): Adds a shiny, appealing glaze that also boosts sweetness.
How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Tart Crusts
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you finish shaping the dough. Roll out your pie crusts and use a cookie cutter or glass to cut circles fitting your mini tart pans or muffin tin. Press the dough gently but firmly into each mold to form the tart shells, then bake them for about 10 to 12 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step ensures a crisp, sturdy base for your luscious filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the crusts cool, whip together the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and velvety. This mixture is the heart of your tarts—it needs to be creamy and sweet with just the right hint of spice to marry perfectly with the peaches.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
When your tart shells are completely cooled, spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into each one. Be sure the filling reaches the edges but doesn’t overflow. Then, delicately arrange the peach slices atop the creamy layer—whether you’re using canned or fresh peaches, their juicy sweetness will shine through brilliantly.
Step 4: Add the Glaze and Chill
If you want your Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe to have that irresistible glossy finish, gently warm some peach preserves or apricot jam in the microwave and brush it lightly over the peach slices. This glaze not only looks stunning but also seals in moisture. Finally, refrigerate the tarts for at least an hour to let all the flavors meld beautifully together.
How to Serve Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, consider sprinkling a pinch of finely chopped fresh mint or a few toasted almond slivers on top just before serving. These garnishes add a pop of color and a lovely contrast in flavor and texture that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of your mini peach tarts.
Side Dishes
These tarts make a fantastic dessert or snack alongside a cup of hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a sparkling glass of white wine. For a light brunch, pair them with a mixed green salad or a simple cheese plate to create a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe on a beautiful tiered cake stand to impress your guests or individually plate each tart on small dessert plates with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar. Adding edible flowers around the edges is also a charming touch for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the cream cheese filling, keeping them chilled ensures they maintain their texture and freshness without becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these tarts well in advance, freeze the baked tart shells separately and seal them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw, fill with cream cheese mixture and peaches, then chill before serving.
Reheating
Since the filling is served chilled, reheating is really only necessary if you plan to enjoy leftover tart shells alone. Warm them briefly in the oven at a low temperature to regain crispness before assembling fresh filling and fruit.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned for this Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches add a wonderful natural sweetness and a bit more firmness. Just be sure they are ripe and sliced thinly for easy layering.
Is it possible to make the cream cheese filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day ahead and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before filling the tart shells.
Can I substitute the pie crust with puff pastry?
Definitely. Puff pastry will provide a flakier and slightly lighter base, which works beautifully with this tart recipe. Just adjust baking times as needed and watch closely to avoid over-browning.
What if I don’t have mini tart pans or a muffin tin?
You can still make this recipe by cutting the dough into larger circles and baking them on a flat baking sheet, then folding the edges slightly to hold the filling. The result will be a rustic free-form tart that tastes just as delicious!
How long do the tarts last once assembled?
Since the filling contains cream cheese and fresh fruit, it’s best to eat them within 24 to 48 hours, refrigerated, for optimal freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe is such a joy to make and enjoy, combining fresh, sweet peaches with a dreamy cream cheese filling inside a perfectly crisp crust. Whether for an everyday treat or a special gathering, these tarts never fail to brighten the table and satisfy sweet cravings. I promise once you try them, they’ll become a beloved favorite to revisit again and again!
Print
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are delightful bite-sized desserts featuring a buttery pie crust filled with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with juicy peach slices. Perfect for parties or a refreshing summer treat, these tarts combine the richness of cream cheese with the natural sweetness of peaches, all finished with a glossy fruit glaze.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 can peach slices in syrup, drained (or fresh peaches, sliced)
- 1 tablespoon peach preserves or apricot jam (optional, for glazing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the tart crusts.
- Prepare crusts: Roll out the pie crusts and cut into circles sized to fit mini tart pans or a muffin tin.
- Bake the tart shells: Press the dough circles into the prepared pans, then bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the cream cheese filling: While the shells cool, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fill tart shells: Once the crusts have cooled, spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each shell.
- Add peach topping: Arrange peach slices, fresh or drained canned, on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Glaze the tarts (optional): Warm the peach preserves or apricot jam briefly in the microwave and lightly drizzle over the peaches to achieve a beautiful glossy finish.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the tarts for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
Notes
- Use fresh peaches when in season for a fresher taste and texture.
- The peach preserves glaze is optional but adds a lovely shine and subtle additional flavor.
- These tarts can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds over the peaches before glazing.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
