These Mini Peach Cream Cheese Tarts are the perfect little treats! With a creamy filling and sweet peach topping, they are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Making these tarts is a breeze, and they look super fancy! I love serving them at parties, and honestly, I can’t help sneaking a few for myself. Who can resist peachy goodness? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Tart Shells: You can use store-bought mini tart shells for ease, but if you want to make them from scratch, a simple dough made from flour, butter, and sugar works well. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour tart shells.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best results for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a good alternative. Vegan cream cheese can also work for a dairy-free version.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are fantastic when in season, but canned peaches work just fine if they’re well-drained. If you can’t find peaches, other fruits like apricots, strawberries, or blueberries can be lovely substitutes!
Peach Preserves: This adds a nice glaze to the tarts. If you don’t have this on hand, any fruit jam can be used, or you can just skip it altogether for a fresh look. I enjoy using apricot jam for a unique twist.
How Do I Achieve the Best Cream Cheese Filling?
The cream cheese filling is key to these tarts! Start with softened cream cheese; this helps it blend smoothly. Make sure to beat it well with sugar and vanilla until creamy. It’s important not to overmix, as adding too much air can make the filling puff up during baking.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
- Ensure that your bowl is clean to prevent any lumps. Scrape the sides occasionally.
- For a fun variation, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract for extra flavor.
Once you fill the tart shells, let them chill in the fridge. This helps the filling firm up and makes the tarts even tastier! Enjoy the process and have fun creating these delightful treats!
Mini Peach Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated mini tart shells or mini phyllo shells
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup canned or fresh peaches, diced small (if canned, drain well)
- 1 tablespoon peach preserves or 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, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Perfect for quick snacks or sweet treats at gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tart Shells:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your mini tart shells require baking, follow the package instructions until they are golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Fill the Tart Shells:
Now it’s time to fill the tart shells! Spoon or pipe a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling into each cooled tart shell. Don’t be shy; a nice heaping spoonful makes for a delicious bite!
4. Add the Peach Topping:
Top each tart with small diced pieces of peach. Try to arrange them attractively for that beautiful presentation. Feel free to get creative with how you position the peaches!
5. Glaze the Peaches (Optional):
If you want to make your tarts shine a little more, warm up the peach preserves or apricot jam in the microwave for about 10 seconds until it’s slightly runny. Brush this over the peach topping to give it a lovely glossy finish!
6. Garnish and Chill:
For a pop of color and freshness, garnish each tart with a tiny mint leaf if you like. Once done, place the tarts in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let everything set and cool down. This helps enhance the flavors!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your Mini Peach Cream Cheese Tarts are ready to enjoy! Serve them at parties, gatherings, or just when you need a sweet treat. You might want to make a double batch because they’ll disappear quickly!
Enjoy your delightful mini peach cream cheese tarts!
FAQ About Mini Peach Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute them with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even diced mangoes. Just make sure the fruits are firm to hold up on the tarts and adjust the sweetness if needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, consume them within the first day to maintain the tart shell’s crispiness!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble, simply fill the tart shells before adding the peach topping.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you need a substitute, Neufchâtel cheese works well for a lighter option, or you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan version. Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing!
