Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts Recipe

There is something truly magical about the combination of fresh peaches and creamy cheese nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, and that is exactly what makes these Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts a delightful treat. These tarts bring together the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches with the richness of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a tender homemade pastry that is both crisp and tender. Whether you’re serving them for a brunch, a dessert, or a special snack, these Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple but absolutely essential, each one playing a key role in creating that irresistible taste and texture. From the flaky tart dough to the luscious filling, let’s break down what you’ll need to bring these Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts to life.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for the delicate, flaky tart crust that holds everything together beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough without overpowering the peaches.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and richness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (cold): Vital for creating those tender, flaky layers in the crust.
• Ice water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter, keeping the crust flaky.
• White distilled vinegar: Adds tenderness to the dough by inhibiting gluten formation.
• Heavy cream: For brushing the dough, giving it a beautiful golden finish while baking.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkled on top to add a warm, sweet spice that complements the peaches perfectly.
• Fresh peach: The star of the filling, juicy and fragrant, sliced just right for the perfect bite.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): Provides a rich, creamy base that contrasts wonderfully with the fruit.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely glaze to the tarts.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the filling with a fresh, citrusy tang.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm spice note that enhances the peaches.
• Ground ginger: Adds a subtle spice kick that layers beautifully with the cinnamon and peaches.

How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Dough

Start by mixing the flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into the flour until the pieces are about pea-sized or grate the butter for even distribution. Then, add the ice water and vinegar gradually, stirring until you form a rough dough that holds together when pressed. Shape this into a disc and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for that flaky texture you’ll love.

Step 2: Prepare the Peach Tart Filling

Slice your fresh peach into even pieces—about four slices per tart—so each bite has a perfect balance of fruit. You can reserve the other half of the peach for a snack or another recipe.

Step 3: Slice the Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into eight thin, even slices, with each mini tart receiving two slices. The cream cheese adds a smooth, tangy richness that pairs brilliantly with the sweetness of the peaches and honey.

Step 4: Make the Honey Drizzle

Mix the lemon juice, cinnamon, and ginger in a small bowl, stirring well to combine. Then, add the honey and stir again until it’s all perfectly blended, creating a warm, sweet drizzle full of spice and brightness.

Step 5: Roll and Fold the Dough

Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the rack in the middle position. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the chilled dough into a rectangle. Fold it like a business letter into thirds, then roll and fold it again. For the final roll, shape it into a 9×9-inch square and cut into four equal pieces. These folds create those delicious flaky layers in your tarts.

Step 6: Assemble the Tarts

Place the pastry squares on your baking sheet and gently fold the edges up about 1/4 inch high to make a little wall. Arrange the cream cheese slices in the center of each square and drizzle some of the honey mixture over them. Then, top with peach slices arranged evenly. Brush the dough edges with heavy cream and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. Lastly, drizzle more honey over the tops for extra gloss and flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Tarts

Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the tart edges turn golden brown. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack to cool just slightly. These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are at their best warm, so plan to enjoy them fresh out of the oven for all that melty cheese and juicy peach goodness. Before serving, add a final touch of honey drizzle for that perfect finish.

How to Serve Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like a tiny sprig of thyme or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint add a beautiful fragrant touch and a pop of green color that contrasts nicely with the golden peach and creamy filling. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also make these tarts look extra special for guests.

Side Dishes

These tarts pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. For a brunch menu, offer alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness of the tarts.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts on rustic wooden boards or colorful ceramic plates to highlight their homemade charm. For parties, serve them in pretty cupcake liners or on tiered dessert stands to impress your guests with both taste and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap the tarts individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within two days to retain the cream cheese’s freshness and the crust’s texture.

Freezing

These tarts freeze well before baking. Assemble as usual, but instead of baking right away, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the crust is golden and cooked through.

Reheating

To reheat, place the tarts on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy and the cream cheese too soft.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

While fresh peaches are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use well-drained canned peaches in a pinch. Just be sure to pat them dry to prevent soggy crusts, and adjust the sweetness of the honey drizzle accordingly.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

If you want a lighter option, mascarpone or ricotta cheese works well as a substitute, offering a creamy texture with a slightly different flavor profile that still pairs wonderfully with peach.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tart dough a day in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This actually helps develop flavor and makes rolling easier when you’re ready to bake.

What if I don’t have ground ginger?

If you’re out of ground ginger, you can simply omit it or replace it with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to maintain the warm spice notes in the honey drizzle.

How do I make sure the crust stays flaky?

Keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough are key. The folding steps help build layers that become flaky during baking. Also, chilling the dough before rolling ensures the butter stays solid until it hits the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to enjoy summer’s bounty than with these Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts. They are a celebration of fresh flavors wrapped in comforting, flaky pastry, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these tarts bring warmth and sweetness to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try making Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts and experience their charming combination of flavors for yourself!

Print