These mini peach and cream cheese tarts are the perfect little bite of summer! With a buttery crust, creamy cheese filling, and juicy peaches on top, they’re simply delightful.
Just picture this: a sweet treat that’s cute and easy to make. I love serving them at parties—everyone gets excited when they see these tiny tarts on the table! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This adds a flaky crust that’s easy to work with. You can replace it with pie crust dough if you want a more traditional tart crust. For a gluten-free option, try a pre-made gluten-free dough.
Cream Cheese: It brings a nice creamy texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. I sometimes add a bit of Greek yogurt for extra tang if I’m feeling adventurous!
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for this recipe, but canned peaches work too. Just remember to drain them well. You can also swap peaches for other fruits like nectarines or even berries for a fun twist.
Abricot Jam: This is optional but adds a delightful glaze. If you don’t have apricot jam, use peach or apricot preserves instead. You can also skip the glaze for a simpler look.
How Do I Make Sure My Tarts Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking is where the magic happens! Here’s how to ensure your tarts come out just right:
- Preheat your oven properly; this helps the crust bake evenly.
- Keep an eye on the bake time. Start checking around 12 minutes until the crust is golden.
- Let them cool slightly in the muffin pan. This helps them firm up before transferring to a wire rack.
Perfect tarts should be golden on the outside and creamy inside. Enjoy making this easy dessert!
Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart Shells:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pie crust dough
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2 fresh peaches, thinly sliced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you should be enjoying your mini tarts in just under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent the tarts from sticking.
2. Making the Tart Shells:
Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Cut it into small squares that are approximately 2×2 inches. Take each square and gently press it into the muffin cups, forming small tart shells that cover the bottom and sides.
3. Preparing 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 mix the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assembling the Tarts:
Spoon about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each tart shell. Be sure not to overfill them, as they will puff up during baking!
5. Adding the Peaches:
Top the cream cheese filling in each tart with 2-3 thin slices of fresh peach, arranging them nicely for a glorious presentation.
6. Glazing (Optional):
If you’d like a shiny finish, warm the apricot jam in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s liquid. Carefully brush the warm jam over the peach slices to create a lovely glaze.
7. Baking the Tarts:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set. Keep an eye on them as baking time may vary slightly based on your oven.
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, take the tarts out and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Afterward, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, you can dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your refreshing mini peach and cream cheese tarts—perfect for snacks, dessert, or any gathering! Delight in every bite! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute them with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries. Just make sure to slice the fruits thinly for even baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if stored, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make These Tarts in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the tart shells and the cream cheese filling in advance. Assemble the tarts just before baking to maintain the freshness of the crust and fruit, but you can have everything prepped and ready to go!
What Can I Use Instead of Apricot Jam?
If you don’t have apricot jam, you can use other fruit preserves like peach, mango, or strawberry. You can also skip the glaze altogether if you prefer a simpler tart!
