Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all nestled in a buttery, flaky tart shell. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal celebrations. The balance of textures—smooth cream cheese filling, juicy peaches, and crisp tart shells—creates a harmonious bite that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Not only are these tarts absolutely delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect way to impress guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, a holiday dinner, or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, these mini tarts will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into making these irresistibly cute and delectable desserts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy, tangy cream cheese filling pairs perfectly with the sweetness of fresh or canned peaches, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
Simple to Make: These mini tarts come together easily with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making them a stress-free dessert option.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these tarts ahead of time, and they store well in the refrigerator, making them perfect for entertaining.
Customizable: You can adjust the filling, using other fruits like berries or nectarines, or add a bit of spice like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
Visually Stunning: These mini tarts are not only tasty but also beautifully presented, making them an impressive addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Tart Shells

1 package (about 15) pre-made mini tart shells or puff pastry shells

For the Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

For the Peach Topping

2-3 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced into thin wedges (or use canned peaches, drained)
2 tablespoons apricot jam or preserves (for glazing, optional)

Variations

Other Fruits: Substitute peaches with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or nectarines for different flavor profiles.
Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warmer, spiced flavor.
Almond Cream: Replace part of the cream cheese with almond paste for a nutty twist.
Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy freshness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells

If using store-bought tart shells, follow the package instructions for baking them until golden and crisp. Allow them to cool completely before filling. If using puff pastry, roll it out, cut into small circles, and bake them in a muffin tin to form shells.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream (if using), and beat until well combined and smooth. Set the filling aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Peaches

Peel, pit, and slice the peaches into thin wedges. If using canned peaches, simply drain them and slice them into smaller pieces. Optionally, you can glaze the peaches with apricot jam for a shiny finish.

Step 4: Assemble the Tarts

Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into each tart shell, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Top with a few slices of peach, arranging them in a decorative pattern.

Step 5: Glaze the Tarts (Optional)

To give the tarts a glossy finish, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes liquid. Brush the warm jam over the peach slices for a beautiful glaze.

Step 6: Chill the Tarts

Refrigerate the assembled tarts for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together. You can also prepare them a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the mini peach and cream cheese tarts chilled or at room temperature. They make an elegant and delicious addition to any dessert table!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Be sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
Don’t Overfill the Tart Shells: The cream cheese filling should be spread evenly, but don’t overfill the shells. You want the peaches to shine through and maintain their shape.
Keep the Peaches Fresh: If using fresh peaches, make sure they are ripe but firm, so they hold their shape when sliced.
Make the Tarts Ahead of Time: These tarts can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, they taste even better after chilling for a few hours.
Serve with Whipped Cream: For extra indulgence, serve these tarts with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve

As Part of a Dessert Buffet: These mini tarts are perfect for serving as part of a dessert spread at a party, holiday gathering, or picnic.
With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Pair these tarts with a hot beverage for a charming afternoon tea.
For Special Occasions: Serve these elegant tarts at bridal showers, baby showers, or any event where you want to impress your guests with a stunning and delicious dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The tarts are best eaten within a couple of days to maintain their freshness and texture.

Freezing

While these mini peach tarts are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them before adding the peach topping. Once assembled, freeze the tarts (without the fruit) in a single layer, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge and top with fresh peaches.

Reheating

If you prefer the tarts warm, you can gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, but they are best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned peaches work great in this recipe! Just make sure to drain them well before using them to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I use a different fruit for these tarts?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit you prefer, such as strawberries, raspberries, or nectarines, to customize the tarts to your taste.

3. Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the tarts.

4. How do I know when the tarts are ready?

These tarts don’t need to be baked again once assembled—just chill them in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.

5. Can I make my own tart shells instead of using store-bought ones?

Yes, homemade tart shells can be used. Simply prepare your favorite tart crust recipe, bake it, and then fill as directed.

6. Can I add a different glaze instead of apricot jam?

Yes, you can use any fruit jam or jelly, such as strawberry or raspberry, or even a honey glaze for a different flavor.

7. Can I make these tarts gluten-free?

You can make these tarts gluten-free by using gluten-free tart shells or making your own gluten-free crust.

8. Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese for the filling?

While whipped cream would create a lighter texture, it won’t have the same richness and creaminess as the cream cheese filling. If you prefer, you can mix whipped cream with cream cheese for a lighter filling.

9. How long can I store the tarts in the fridge?

The tarts will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.

10. Can I freeze these tarts?

Yes, you can freeze the tart shells and filling before adding the fruit. Assemble and freeze, and then top with fresh peaches when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are the perfect combination of rich, creamy filling and fresh, juicy peaches. They’re easy to make, incredibly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them for a special celebration or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these tarts are sure to become a favorite. With their beautiful presentation and delicious taste, these little bites of heaven are bound to impress your family and friends!