Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts Recipe

Quick & Creamy Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts Recipe

Peach and cream cheese mini tarts dance between sophisticated indulgence and rustic comfort, offering a delectable treat that whispers summer’s gentle embrace.

Delicate pastry shells cradle a velvety cream cheese landscape, punctuated by ripe, golden peach segments that burst with natural sweetness.

Compact yet luxurious, these miniature desserts elevate ordinary moments into elegant experiences with their harmonious flavor profile.

Each tart represents a carefully balanced symphony of textures, where smooth cream cheese meets juicy fruit in a playful culinary conversation.

Their petite size invites guests to savor without overwhelming, making them perfect for gatherings or quiet afternoon pleasures.

Fresh ingredients shine through, celebrating seasonal produce with remarkable simplicity and grace.

Prepare to fall in love with these irresistible bite-sized delicacies.

Why Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts Are a Must-Make

  • Craft Flaky Pastry Perfection: The unique folding technique creates multiple delicate layers, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture that elevates this simple dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Blend Fresh Summer Sweetness: Ripe peaches combined with creamy cheese and a honey drizzle deliver a harmonious balance of fruity brightness and rich indulgence, capturing the essence of seasonal comfort.
  • Quick Gourmet Dessert Magic: With just 30 minutes of prep and 22 minutes of baking, these mini tarts transform basic ingredients into an impressive, restaurant-quality treat that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts

Pastry Base:
  • Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the tart crust, all-purpose flour works best for tender texture.
  • Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the pastry base, enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors in the pastry dough.
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and rich taste in the crust, must be very cold for best results.
  • Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without developing tough gluten.
  • Vinegar: Helps prevent gluten formation, ensuring a more tender pastry crust.
Filling and Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, rich base for the tart, full-fat variety recommended for best texture.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and beautiful golden glaze to the tarts.
  • Fresh Peaches: Brings fresh, juicy fruit element to the dessert, ripe but firm peaches work best.
Finishing Touches:
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create golden, shiny edges when brushed on pastry.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Adds warm spice and extra sweetness to the top of the tarts.

How to Make Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Mix the following ingredients in a medium bowl:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Cold butter

Blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with small butter pieces.

Step 2: Add Liquid to Dough

Combine of ice water with vinegar in a measuring cup. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until a rough dough forms. Add more ice water at a time if the dough needs more moisture.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a ball, flatten into a disc, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Prepare Oven and Workspace

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Position the oven rack in the center.

Step 5: Roll and Fold the Dough

Dust the work surface with flour. Roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle. Fold the dough like a business letter in thirds, then roll and fold again to create layers.

Step 6: Shape the Tart Bases

Roll the folded dough into a 9×9-inch square. Cut the square into 4 equal smaller pieces.

Step 7: Prepare Tart Shells

Place pastry squares on baking sheets. Fold up the edges about 1/4 inch to create borders.

Step 8: Add Cream Cheese

Place 2 slices of cream cheese in the center of each pastry. Drizzle honey generously over the cream cheese.

Step 9: Top with Peaches

Arrange peach slices on top of each tart for added flavor and visual appeal.

Step 10: Final Touches Before Baking

Brush heavy cream along the edges of each tart. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the entire surface. Add an extra drizzle of honey if desired.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the tarts for 18-22 minutes until they turn golden brown. Watch carefully near the end of baking to prevent burning.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Remove tarts from the oven and let cool slightly on wire racks. Drizzle with additional honey just before serving warm.

Tips for the Perfect Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts

  • Chill Butter Perfectly: Freeze butter for 15 minutes before cutting into small cubes to ensure ultra-flaky pastry texture.
  • Fold Dough Strategically: Use a business letter folding technique to create multiple delicate layers that guarantee a light, crispy crust.
  • Control Moisture Carefully: Add ice water gradually to prevent dough from becoming too wet, which can make pastry tough instead of tender.
  • Slice Peaches Uniformly: Cut peaches into thin, consistent slices to ensure even baking and attractive presentation across all mini tarts.
  • Monitor Baking Closely: Watch tarts during final 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, removing from oven when edges turn golden amber and center looks set.

Storing and Reheating Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture. Keep them chilled to preserve the cream cheese and peach freshness.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to prevent losing their original crispy pastry quality. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Reheating: Warm tarts gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid using microwave, which can make the pastry soggy and compromise the delicate crust. Restore their original crispness by placing them directly on an oven rack for best results.

Pairing Ideas for Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the delicate sweetness of peach tarts by serving a chilled Riesling or Pinot Grigio. These light wines complement the creamy texture and fruity notes perfectly.
  • Serve Alongside Herbal Tea: A lavender or chamomile tea provides a soothing counterpoint to the rich, buttery pastry. The herbal undertones balance the tart's sweetness beautifully.
  • Complement with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top warm tarts with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth texture creates a delightful contrast against the warm, flaky pastry and caramelized peaches.
  • Match with Fresh Mint Garnish: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves on the tarts to add a bright, refreshing element. The herb's cool flavor cuts through the richness and adds a sophisticated touch to the dessert.

Flavor Variations of Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts

  • Rustic Berry Bliss: Swap peaches with mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a vibrant summer-inspired tart that bursts with fruity flavors.
  • Nutty Maple Charm: Replace honey with maple syrup and sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking to add a crunchy, caramelized texture and rich nutty undertones.
  • Lavender Lemon Elegance: Infuse cream cheese with lemon zest and a pinch of dried lavender, then top with thin lemon slices for a sophisticated and aromatic Mediterranean-style mini tart.
  • Chocolate Caramel Dream: Incorporate cocoa powder into the pastry dough, use dark chocolate cream cheese, and drizzle with salted caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert that satisfies chocolate lovers.
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Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts Recipe

Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky cream cheese nestles in buttery pastry, crowned with juicy peach slices in these delightful mini tarts. Summer’s sweet essence comes alive with each delicate bite, inviting you to savor pure culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3.5 ounces (100 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 to 4 ounces (85 to 113 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 fresh peach, half cut into slices

Fats and Liquids:

  • 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes or grated
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream for brushing dough
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon white distilled vinegar
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
  • Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling dough

Instructions

  1. Create a versatile pastry dough by combining all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and chilled unsalted butter in a medium mixing bowl, using fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
  2. Whisk together of ice-cold water and white vinegar in a small measuring cup, then gradually incorporate this liquid into the flour mixture, stirring until a rough, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Gently knead the dough into a compact ball, then flatten into a thin disc, wrapping securely in plastic wrap and refrigerating for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow gluten to relax and butter to firm.
  4. Position an oven rack in the center and preheat to 425°F (218°C), ensuring even heat distribution.
  5. Dust a clean work surface with flour, then roll out the chilled dough into a rectangular shape, performing a precise tri-fold technique by folding the dough like a business letter, rotating 90 degrees, and repeating the process.
  6. Continue rolling the folded dough until achieving a 9×9-inch (23×23 centimeters) square, then carefully divide into four equal smaller pastry squares.
  7. Transfer the pastry squares onto a baking sheet, delicately crimping each edge approximately ¼ inch (0.6 centimeters) high to create a rustic border.
  8. Place two generous slices of cream cheese in the center of each pastry square, then drizzle with golden honey for added sweetness.
  9. Artfully arrange fresh peach slices atop the cream cheese, ensuring even coverage and visual appeal.
  10. Gently brush heavy cream along the pastry edges, then generously sprinkle a mixture of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar over the entire surface.
  11. Bake the mini tarts for 18-22 minutes, rotating the baking sheet midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and crisp edges.
  12. Remove from the oven and allow the tarts to cool slightly on a wire rack, finishing with an additional drizzle of honey just before serving warm for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Dough preparation requires precision, blending cold butter into flour creates a flaky foundation for these delightful mini tarts.
  • Chilling the dough allows gluten to relax, ensuring a tender, melt-in-your-mouth pastry texture that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Folding techniques mimic traditional laminated pastry methods, introducing subtle layers that contribute to a complex, rich mouthfeel.
  • Strategic placement of cream cheese and peaches transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, rustic dessert with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Honey and cinnamon sugar drizzle add warmth and depth, balancing the fresh peaches with a luxurious sweet-spiced dimension.
  • Serving these tarts slightly warm guarantees maximum flavor absorption and provides a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests effortlessly.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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