Flaky Puff Pastry with Sweet Peach & Creamy Cheese
These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are bite-sized summer desserts that combine buttery puff pastry, tangy cream cheese, and juicy peaches for a sweet, flaky treat. With a golden crust, honey-kissed fruit, and a hint of cinnamon—these tarts are perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a quick dessert.
A rustic, easy-to-love dessert that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥐 Puff Pastry Magic: Light, crispy, and golden—bakes into perfect tart shells.
- 🧀 Creamy Cheese Base: A sweetened cream cheese layer adds richness and balances fruitiness.
- 🍑 Peachy Perfection: Fresh peaches caramelize slightly in the oven for a juicy, tender finish.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: From fridge to oven in under 10 minutes—ideal for last-minute cravings.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Perfect at picnics, potlucks, or family breakfasts.
Ingredients (Makes 6 tarts):
For the Tarts:
- 1 sheet puff pastry , thawed (or premade tart shells for shortcut)
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese , softened (or vegan cream cheese for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or powdered sugar for smoother texture)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
- 1 ripe peach , thinly sliced (or canned, drained)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (or cardamom for exotic flair)
For Egg Wash & Garnish:
- 1 large egg , whisked with 1 tbsp water (or milk for dairy-free glaze)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting – optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat —set aside.
Unroll puff pastry and cut into 6 equal squares (about 4×4 inches each).
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat:
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
until smooth and spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
Place each pastry square on the baking sheet.
In the center of each, spread 1–2 tbsp cream cheese mixture , leaving a 1-inch border.
Top with peach slices (about 3–4 per tart).
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon .
Step 4: Fold & Brush
Fold the edges inward slightly to create a rustic tart shape.
In a small bowl, whisk egg + water and brush over the pastry edges for a golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes , or until pastries are golden and puffed.
Let cool for 5 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar (optional).
Step 6: Serve Warm & Rustic
Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy while warm.
Each bite brings together:
- Buttery, flaky puff pastry layers
- Silky, sweet cream cheese base
- Juicy, honey-kissed peach pockets
- And that classic cinnamon finish
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Use Cold Hands: Helps shape and fold pastry without sticking.
- 🧁 Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause tarts to leak or become soggy.
- 🍑 Peach Prep: Use slightly firm peaches to avoid excess moisture—soft ones can be used but drain well.
- 🥟 Egg Wash Hack: Ensures a bakery-style golden crust—skip for paleo or vegan versions.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked tarts for up to 12 hours.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream .
- Great with a glass of iced tea, lemon water, or sparkling wine .
- Ideal for brunch, lunch boxes, or casual get-togethers .
Nutritional Information (per tart, makes 6 – approximate):
(With regular puff pastry and cream cheese – per serving)
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~8g
These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts prove that desserts don’t need fancy tools to be unforgettable. With their crispy crust, creamy center, and fresh peach finish—they’re a must-bake for lovers of bold, comforting handhelds.
So go ahead and make this tonight… because once you taste it—you’ll be making it again and again!
Additional Notes:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour tart shells.
- Vegan Swap: Replace cream cheese with vegan alternative and use flax egg wash.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days—reheat in oven for best texture.
- Flavor Hack: Add a splash of lemon juice to the peaches for extra brightness.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Bake ahead and refrigerate—reheat gently before serving.
Pro Tip: For a glazed finish , brush baked tarts with extra honey or apricot jam after baking.
Serving Idea: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios over the tarts for extra crunch.
History Fun: These tarts blend French pastry technique with American Southern flavors—a modern twist on classic fruit desserts.
