These mini tartlets are a fruity delight, combining sweet peaches with creamy cheese all in a flaky crust. Perfect for a bite-sized treat!
Making these is a breeze! I love that they look fancy but are super simple to whip up. Plus, they disappear quickly at parties—everyone loves them! 🍑✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry saves time, but you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! Just be sure it’s well-thawed before using.
Cream Cheese: This is crucial for the creamy filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar taste.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for sweetness. If they’re out of season, canned or frozen peaches can work, but drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Other fruits like pears or berries could also be great substitutes.
Apricot Jam: This gives a beautiful glaze. You can substitute with peach or another fruit jam if apricot isn’t available. Honey can also work as a glaze for a different flavor!
How Do You Get Golden and Flaky Puff Pastry?
To achieve that perfect golden, flaky texture in your tartlets, handling the puff pastry with care is key:
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated. A hot oven makes the pastry rise well.
- Don’t over-knead or handle the pastry too much; this can make it tough.
- Keep the edges of the pastry clean and brushed with egg wash to enhance browning.
- Check on them while baking. Ovens can vary, so it might take a little less or more time. Aim for a rich golden color!
These small tips can make a big difference in the outcome of your tartlets. Enjoy making your delicious treats!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tartlets:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed if frozen
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, to prevent peach slices from browning)
- 2 tbsp apricot jam or glaze (for glazing)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking time, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Shape the Puff Pastry:
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry to flatten it a bit. Cut it into small squares, each about 3-4 inches wide. Place these pastry squares on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. This will be your delicious filling!
4. Brush with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture around the edges of the pastry squares to help them brown and get that lovely golden color while baking.
5. Fill with Cream Cheese:
Using a spoon, place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Spread it out gently, but be sure to leave a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
6. Add the Peach Slices:
Carefully arrange 2-3 thin slices of peach on top of the cream cheese layer. If you like, you can sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the peaches for extra flavor.
7. Bake Time:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The puff pastry should be golden brown and puffy—just what you want!
8. Glaze the Tartlets:
While the tartlets are baking, warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan or in the microwave until it’s slightly liquid. This will be your glaze to give the tartlets a nice shine.
9. Finish and Serve:
As soon as the tartlets are out of the oven, use a brush to apply the warm apricot glaze over the peach slices, giving them a lovely glossy finish. Let them cool slightly before digging in.
10. Enjoy Your Tartlets!
These mini peach and cream cheese tartlets are now ready to be enjoyed! They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
These tartlets have a flaky buttery crust, a smooth sweet cream cheese filling, and juicy fresh peaches glazed for sweetness and shine. Perfect for a summer snack or dessert!
FAQ for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tartlets
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can substitute with other fruits like nectarines, pears, or even berries. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness if using more tart fruits, like blueberries.
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
No worries! You can use phyllo dough or even store-bought pie crust as an alternative. Just be aware that the texture will differ slightly, but they’ll still be tasty!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can These Tartlets Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the cream cheese filling and cut the pastry squares in advance. Assemble the tartlets just before baking to ensure the pastry stays flaky and fresh!
