These Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are sweet little delights! With a yummy cream cheese filling topped with juicy peaches, they are sure to make your taste buds happy.
Making these tarts is a breeze! I love how they are perfect for sharing at parties or just enjoying at home. Plus, who can resist that peachy goodness on a sunny day? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Tart Shells: These are the base for your tarts. You can use store-bought pastry shells for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own with pie crust or even phyllo dough! Gluten-free options are also available.
Cream Cheese: This gives the tarts a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free version, cashew cream or coconut cream can work, giving a different but delicious taste.
Peach Slices: Fresh peaches add a nice juicy flavor. If they aren’t in season, canned peaches work just fine. Be sure to drain them well to avoid soggy tarts. You could also use other fruits like nectarines or berries for variety!
Apricot Jam: This is for adding shine and sweetness on top. If you don’t have apricot, feel free to use any fruit jam or even honey. Just warm it up before brushing it over the tarts.
How Do You Make the Cream Cheese Filling Smooth?
Getting the cream cheese filling just right is key! Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.
- Mix until everything is smooth. Scraping the sides of the bowl will help create a uniform texture.
By following these tips, your filling will be smooth and creamy! Smoother filling makes the tarts not only taste better but also look more appealing.
Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 package refrigerated mini tart shells (about 12 tart shells)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned or fresh peach slices, drained and chopped (if using canned, choose halves or slices in syrup)
- 1 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 12-15 minutes of baking time. Allow a little time for cooling, so plan for about 40-45 minutes in total. These tarts are quick and easy to throw together but taste oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, place your mini tart shells on a baking sheet. This makes it easy to move them in and out of the oven.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer (or a whisk if you’re up for it!) to beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This is the tasty base for your tarts!
3. Fill the Tart Shells:
Spoon or pipe the creamy mixture into each mini tart shell. Fill them generously but try not to overfill. You want a nice rounded top for each tart.
4. Top with Peaches:
Next, take your peach slices (or chopped peaches) and arrange them beautifully on top of the cream cheese filling in each shell. This adds that sweet, fruity touch!
5. Bake the Tarts:
Carefully place the baking sheet into the oven. Bake the tarts for around 12-15 minutes, or until the tart shells turn a lovely golden brown and the filling is set. Enjoy the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
6. Optional Glaze:
If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness and shine, warm a tablespoon of apricot jam in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Then, brush it lightly over the peach toppings in each tart.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, let the tarts cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, feel free to top them with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are ready to impress! Enjoy them as a delightful treat at parties or enjoy them all to yourself—no judgment here!
FAQ for Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t your favorite or are out of season, you can substitute them with other fruits like nectarines, apricots, or even berries. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness if using tart fruits!
How Should I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the tart shells’ crispness, you might want to keep the filling and toppings separate until ready to serve.
Can I Make These Tarts Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart shells and cream cheese filling in advance! Assemble the tarts and refrigerate them before baking. Just make sure they come to room temperature before popping them into the oven.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Find Mini Tart Shells?
If you can’t find mini tart shells, you can use phyllo dough to create your own shells. Just cut the dough into small squares, layer them in a muffin tin, and bake until golden. Alternatively, you could use pre-made puff pastry cups!
