For a delightful dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent, Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are the perfect treat. With a flaky, buttery tart crust filled with a smooth and creamy cheese filling, topped with sweet, juicy peach slices, and finished off with a honey drizzle, these tarts offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re a great choice for entertaining, special occasions, or a sweet end to a casual meal.

The delicate tart dough is both simple to make and a delicious base for the creamy filling. The fresh peach slices add a light, fruity note that pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese. A touch of honey drizzle infused with cinnamon and ginger adds an aromatic sweetness to complete the flavor profile. These mini tarts are small in size but big on flavor, making them the perfect bite-sized dessert to enjoy with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flaky, Buttery Crust

The homemade tart dough creates a light, flaky base that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

2. Fresh and Fruity

Fresh peaches provide a juicy and sweet contrast to the rich cream cheese filling.

3. Easy to Make

Though it sounds fancy, these tarts are surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner bakers.

4. Perfectly Sweetened

The honey drizzle with cinnamon and ginger adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

5. Customizable

Feel free to swap peaches for your favorite seasonal fruits like berries, plums, or apples, for endless variations.

Ingredients

Tart Dough

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Salt
Cold unsalted butter (cubed or grated)
Ice water
White distilled vinegar
Heavy cream (for brushing)
Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)

Filling

Fresh peach (sliced)
Cream cheese (room temperature)

Honey Drizzle

Honey
Lemon juice
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger

Variations

Berry Tarts: Swap the peaches for fresh blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a burst of berry flavor.
Spiced Pears: Replace the peaches with thinly sliced pears and add a pinch of nutmeg for a fall-inspired version.
Nutty Crust: Add finely chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans to the tart dough for extra texture and flavor.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based butter alternative for the dough.
Almond Cream Filling: Instead of cream cheese, fill the tarts with almond cream or marzipan for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Tart Dough

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the ice water and vinegar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass to cut out small circles of dough. Gently press the dough circles into a mini tart pan or a muffin tin, making sure the edges come up slightly over the sides.

Step 4: Blind Bake the Tart Shells

Brush the dough with heavy cream to give it a golden finish. Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the dough. Place the tart shells in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crusts are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk together the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a sweeter filling. Once the tart shells have cooled, spoon a generous amount of cream cheese into each shell.

Step 6: Add the Peach Slices

Top each tart with one or two slices of fresh peach.

Step 7: Make the Honey Drizzle

In a small bowl, mix together the honey, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger until well combined. Drizzle the mixture over the peaches and cream cheese filling.

Step 8: Serve

Let the tarts sit for a few minutes for the honey drizzle to set, then serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: Make sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from being too soft and difficult to handle.
Use Cold Butter: The colder the butter, the flakier your crust will be. Don’t skip the cubing or grating process to ensure the butter stays cold.
Choose Ripe Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches will yield the best flavor and texture for your tarts.
Don’t Overfill the Tarts: Leave a little room in the tart shells for the peach slices and honey drizzle to avoid overflowing.
Make Ahead: The tart dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.

How to Serve

These mini peach tarts are perfect for a light dessert or snack. Serve them as a sweet treat at a summer gathering, bridal shower, or brunch. Pair them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a glass of sparkling wine for a delightful afternoon. They can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but can still be eaten cold or at room temperature.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked tart shells before adding the filling. Once baked, allow the shells to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, fill the shells with cream cheese and peaches, then add the honey drizzle.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the tarts warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through. Add the honey drizzle after reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen peaches?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but fresh peaches will yield the best texture and flavor for this recipe.

2. Can I make these tarts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

3. How can I make the crust less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the crust if you prefer a less sweet, more neutral flavor to balance the sweetness of the filling.

4. Can I make a full-size tart instead of mini ones?

Yes, simply use a larger tart pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

5. Can I use a store-bought tart crust?

Yes, if you’re short on time, a pre-made tart crust can be substituted, though homemade dough offers a more buttery, flaky result.

6. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to blind-bake the crust to give it a crisp, firm base before adding the filling.

7. Can I use other fruits for the topping?

Definitely! These tarts work wonderfully with berries, nectarines, plums, or even apples in place of the peaches.

8. Can I prepare the tarts the day before?

Yes, you can prepare the tart shells and filling the day before. Simply assemble and drizzle with honey just before serving.

9. How do I make the honey drizzle thicker?

To thicken the drizzle, simply cook it in a small saucepan for a few minutes to reduce the liquid and intensify the flavors.

10. Can I use a different sweetener for the drizzle?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives to honey for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and flaky goodness in a bite-sized treat. With fresh peaches, a rich cream cheese filling, and a touch of honey drizzle, these tarts are a showstopper dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a special event or simply indulging in a delightful homemade treat, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy the freshness of summer in every bite!