Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts

Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts are a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of fresh peaches with the richness of cream cheese and the buttery crunch of tart dough. These mini tarts are not only visually stunning but also a treat for the taste buds. The combination of smooth cream cheese filling, juicy peach slices, and a honey drizzle brings out the best in these bite-sized desserts. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing for a family celebration, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these tarts are sure to impress everyone who tastes them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The creamy and tangy cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fresh peaches, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

2. Mini Portions for Easy Serving

These tarts are the perfect size for individual servings, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or any gathering where you want a simple yet elegant dessert.

3. Homemade Tart Dough

The flaky, buttery tart dough is made from scratch, adding a personal touch to the recipe that elevates the overall taste and texture of the dessert.

4. Versatile Topping Options

You can easily adapt the honey drizzle to your liking, adding more cinnamon, ginger, or even a touch of vanilla extract to customize the flavor.

5. A Beautiful, Festive Dessert

The combination of peaches, cream cheese, and a perfectly golden crust makes these mini tarts a beautiful addition to any dessert table, whether for a holiday celebration or a casual get-together.

Ingredients

Tart Dough

• ¾ cup, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold (cut into cubes or grate)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
• ¼ teaspoon white distilled vinegar
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing dough)
• Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling dough)

Peach Tart Filling

• 1 fresh peach, one half cut into slices
• 3 to 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

Honey Drizzle

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger

Variations

• Fruit Swap: If peaches are not in season, try using nectarines, apricots, or even berries for a similar flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top of the cream cheese filling for a little crunch and added flavor.
• Spiced Cream Cheese Filling: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg directly to the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Dough

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter, cutting it into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water and vinegar until the dough begins to come together. Add more ice water if needed. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles that fit into your mini tart pans.

Step 3: Shape the Tarts

Place the dough circles into the tart pans, gently pressing down to form a crust. Brush the dough with heavy cream and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Peach Filling

While the tart shells are cooling, soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature. Once softened, whisk it until smooth. Fill each tart shell with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture.

Step 5: Add the Peach Slices

Place peach slices on top of the cream cheese filling in each tart. Arrange them in a fan-like pattern to make them visually appealing.

Step 6: Make the Honey Drizzle

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and ginger. Drizzle the honey mixture over the top of each mini tart for added sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the mini tarts immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep the Butter Cold: When making the dough, ensure the butter is cold to create a flaky crust.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps to prevent it from shrinking during baking and makes it easier to handle.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
• Don’t Overfill the Tarts: Leave some room for the peach slices to sit comfortably on the cream cheese without overflowing.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the tart dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the tarts just before serving.

How to Serve

These mini tarts are perfect for a dessert spread at a brunch, a summer party, or a holiday gathering. Serve them as a sweet snack or as an elegant treat alongside coffee or tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover mini tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tarts will keep their flavor but may lose some of their crispness.

Freezing

While these tarts are best fresh, you can freeze the tart shells before filling them. To do this, bake the shells as directed, then allow them to cool completely. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and fill with cream cheese and fresh peaches.

Reheating

To reheat the mini tarts, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, canned peaches can be used, but be sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I use store-bought tart dough?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made tart dough from the store.

3. Can I substitute the cream cheese?

If you prefer, you can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta as a substitute for the cream cheese.

4. Can I make the tarts without cinnamon and ginger?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler flavor, you can omit the cinnamon and ginger from the honey drizzle.

5. Can I add a different fruit?

Absolutely! You can try this recipe with other fruits like berries, plums, or nectarines.

6. How long will the tarts last?

The tarts will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, but they are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.

7. Can I make the tart shells in advance?

Yes, you can make the tart shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before filling them.

8. How do I get a flaky crust?

Make sure the butter stays cold and handle the dough as little as possible to keep it flaky.

9. Can I skip the honey drizzle?

While the honey drizzle adds a wonderful sweetness, you can skip it if you prefer a more subtle dessert.

10. Can I use a different sweetener for the drizzle?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer.

Conclusion

Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts are a stunning and delicious dessert that combines a buttery, flaky crust with creamy filling and fresh peach slices. With a drizzle of honey and spices, these tarts are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or making them for a special celebration, they’re sure to impress your guests with their beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor.

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