These cute mini tartlets are filled with creamy cheese and juicy peaches, making them a sweet treat! They’re perfect for snacks or parties and easy to grab with your hands.
Honestly, I can’t resist how pretty they look on a plate. Plus, the combo of cream cheese and fresh peaches is a summer dream! Try sharing—if you can! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of the tartlets. Fresh puff pastry is ideal because it puffs nicely. If you can’t find it, phyllo dough can work in a pinch, though it won’t be as flaky.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives a rich flavor, but you can swap it for ricotta cheese for a lighter alternative. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches bring sweetness and flavor, but if they’re out of season, use canned peaches. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is great, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, honey or maple syrup can be used in smaller amounts, acknowledging that they may alter the texture slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Puff Pastry Turns Out Perfectly?
Getting puff pastry right can be tricky, but here’s how to make it work like a pro: Keep your pastry cold. Cold pastry puffs better! Working quickly also helps.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to avoid sticking and to smooth it. Cut the squares evenly.
- Prevent the filling from making the base soggy by not overfilling and leaving a border.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg for a golden color.
Allow them to bake until golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as oven times can vary.
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tartlets Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing and assembling the tartlets, and then 15-20 minutes baking them to a golden perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tartlets from sticking. This way, cleanup will be a breeze!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth out any creases. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into squares that are about 3×3 inches. Aim for them to be as equal as possible for even baking.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth, making sure there are no lumps. This will be the creamy base for your tartlets!
4. Assemble the Tartlets:
Take each pastry square and spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto the center, leaving a small border along the edges. It’s important to leave space so the filling doesn’t spill over when baking.
5. Prepare the Peaches:
In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced peaches with lemon juice. This helps keep them fresh and bright in color. Then, arrange the peach slices elegantly on top of the cream cheese layer in a lovely fan shape.
6. Sprinkle with Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. Sprinkle this sweet mixture generously over the peaches to enhance their natural sweetness.
7. Create the Pastry Border:
Fold the edges of the pastry up slightly to create a little border around the peaches. This helps to keep all the delicious filling in place while baking!
8. Optional Glaze:
If you’d like to add a lovely glaze, warm the apricot jam slightly until it becomes more liquid. Brush it over the peaches for a shiny finish.
9. Bake:
Place the tartlets in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up around the edges. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature—either way, they’ll be a hit!
Enjoy your homemade mini peach and cream cheese tartlets! They’re sure to impress anyone who tries them!
FAQ about Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tartlets
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute them with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar level based on the fruit’s natural sweetness!
How Can I Store Leftover Tartlets?
Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Prepare the Tartlets in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the tartlets a few hours in advance, but it’s best to bake them just before serving for optimal puffiness. If you need to make them ahead, bake and then reheat gently before serving.
Is There a Gluten-Free Option for Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free puff pastry at your local grocery store or specialty gluten-free shops. Follow the package instructions for best results, as baking times may vary.
