These mini peach and cream cheese tarts are the perfect sweet treat! With a tasty cookie crust and creamy filling topped with fresh peaches, they’re a delight for your taste buds.
Making these little tarts is super fun! I love how they look on the table, and everyone always wants to reach for seconds—who could resist such a juicy, creamy combo? 🍑
Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give a lovely crunch to the tarts. If you’re out, you can use finely crushed digestive biscuits or even Oreo crumbs for a chocolatey twist.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps in your filling. For a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese works well, but I’ve found that full-fat really makes the texture richer.
Heavy Cream: This is essential for the whipped texture in the filling. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream, but be aware it may add a slight coconut taste.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star of these tarts! If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute with nectarines or even canned peaches, drained well. Frozen peaches are also an option if you thaw and slice them properly.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Fluffy Cream Cheese Filling?
Getting your cream cheese filling just right is super important for these tarts! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with softened cream cheese; let it sit out for 30 minutes before beating.
- Beat it until smooth and creamy; this prevents lumps in your filling.
- When whipping your heavy cream, ensure your bowl and beaters are cold. This helps achieve stiff peaks faster.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and scoop from the bottom to keep the fluffiness.
The goal is to have a light, airy mixture. So be gentle when combining — you want it to stay fluffy!
Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Dessert Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or finely crushed digestive biscuits)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 2-3 fresh ripe peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
- Optional: fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert requires about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus 8 minutes for baking the crust. After assembling the tarts, you’ll want to refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to set. So, plan for some chill time before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crust bakes perfectly!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined, and then press about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of mini tart pans or a mini muffin tin lined with paper cups.
3. Bake the Crusts:
Place the crusts in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 minutes. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Whip the Heavy Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will give your mixture a nice, fluffy texture.
6. Combine the Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate it; you want the mixture to remain light and airy!
7. Fill the Tarts:
Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling evenly into the cooled tart crusts. Get creative—this is where your tarts can start looking beautiful!
8. Add the Peaches:
Arrange the freshly sliced peach slices artistically on top of each tart. They add a lovely pop of color and flavor!
9. Chill the Tarts:
Cover the tarts and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let everything set. It’s worth the wait!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, add optional garnishes like fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve these chilled and enjoy every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with nectarines, plums, or even berries like strawberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even layering on the tarts.
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. They taste great chilled, but make sure to consume them within this timeframe for optimal freshness!
Can I Make the Crust Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust ahead of time! Just bake and cool the crusts, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Once you’re ready, fill them with the cream cheese mixture and top with peaches.
Why is My Cream Cheese Filling Lumpy?
Lumpy filling usually happens if the cream cheese isn’t softened enough. Be sure to leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. If you still have lumps, try beating the mixture again until smooth.
