These mini peach and cream cheese tarts are a wonderful treat! With sweet peaches on top of a smooth cream cheese filling, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Making these tarts is a breeze! I love how you can pop them into your mouth in just one bite. They’re always a hit at gatherings—who can resist fruit and cream cheese? 🍑🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Tart Shells: Using refrigerated tart shells makes this recipe super easy! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own pastry from scratch. Alternatively, graham cracker crusts can work well for a different texture.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese gives the best flavor. If you want a healthier option, try using low-fat cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, look for a vegan cream cheese substitute—just ensure it’s spreadable!
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe, offering great sweetness. If peaches are out of season, feel free to use canned or frozen, but make sure they are well-drained. You could also try nectarines for a similar taste!
Apricot Jam: This is optional, but it adds a nice glaze. You can substitute other fruit jams like peach or raspberry for a different flavor. If you prefer no glaze, simply skip this step!
How Do You Achieve the Best Cream Cheese Filling?
The filling is key to these tarts, and it should be creamy and smooth. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with softened cream cheese. Leave it out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed. This helps incorporate air for a fluffier texture.
- Make sure everything is mixed well, with no lumps remaining. This ensures a smooth filling when you pipe or spoon it into the tart shells.
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 package refrigerated mini tart shells (about 12 shells)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2-3 fresh peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
- 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 preparation time and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In just under an hour, you’ll have 12 beautiful mini tarts ready to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This will create a sweet and fluffy filling!
2. Fill the Tart Shells:
Once your cream cheese filling is ready, take your mini tart shells and either spoon or pipe the mixture evenly into each shell. Be generous—these tarts should be fully filled with that delicious cream cheese mixture!
3. Add the Peaches:
Now, take your thinly sliced peaches and arrange them beautifully on top of the cream cheese filling. You can create a lovely pattern or simply lay them on top—either way, they’ll look and taste great!
4. Glaze the Peaches (Optional):
If you’d like to add a shiny finish to your tarts, warm the apricot jam slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, then brush it lightly over the peach slices. This gives them a lovely gloss and enhances the flavor.
5. Chill the Tarts:
Once you’ve assembled your tarts, pop them in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes for a refreshing treat!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, you can add a sprig of fresh mint leaves on top of each tart for a lovely touch. Then, it’s time to enjoy your tasty mini peach and cream cheese tarts!
Enjoy your delicious mini peach and cream cheese tarts!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Peaches?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can also use other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced kiwi. Just make sure the fruit you choose is ripe and flavorful for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Mini Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the tarts separate from any toppings to maintain their crispness. Enjoy them chilled!
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken up slightly in the fridge.
What Can I Use Instead of Apricot Jam?
If you don’t have apricot jam, you can substitute it with another fruit jam like peach, raspberry, or even honey for a simpler glaze. Just warm it slightly and brush it over the fruit for that lovely shine!
