Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts

Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts: A Delightful Summer Treat

Introduction

These Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts are a perfect dessert for summer, combining the freshness of juicy peaches with the creaminess of cheese and a buttery, flaky tart crust. Drizzled with honey and accented with spices like cinnamon and ginger, these mini tarts are as beautiful as they are delicious. They’re a lovely, simple dessert for any occasion, from backyard gatherings to elegant dinners. Let’s dive into the recipe and create these sweet, satisfying treats!

Ingredients

Tart Dough:

• 3/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold (cut into cubes or grated)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
• 1/4 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing dough)
• Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling dough)

Peach Tart Filling:

• 1 fresh peach, half cut into slices
• 3 to 4 ounces cream cheese

Honey Drizzle:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

1. Make the Tart Dough

• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the butter until the pieces are about the size of peas.
• In a measuring cup, mix 2 tablespoons of ice water with the vinegar. Add this to the dough mixture and stir until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too dry, add more ice water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
• Squeeze the dough to ensure it holds together. Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven.
• Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle, then fold it into thirds like a business letter. Roll again, fold once more, and then roll the dough into a 9×9-inch square. Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces.

3. Assemble the Tarts

• Place the pastry squares on a baking sheet. Fold up the edges of each square about 1/4 inch to form a border.
• Add 2 slices of cream cheese to the center of each pastry square.
• Drizzle a small amount of the honey mixture over the cream cheese. Then, arrange the peach slices on top of each tart.

4. Brush and Bake

• Brush the edges of the dough with heavy cream and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
• Drizzle more of the honey mixture over the peaches and cream cheese.
• Bake the tarts for 18-22 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the peaches are slightly caramelized.

5. Cool and Serve

• Let the tarts cool slightly on a wire rack. Just before serving, drizzle more honey over each tart for added sweetness.
• Serve the tarts warm, and enjoy the perfect combination of flaky crust, creamy filling, and juicy peaches!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 4 mini tarts
• Calories: 220 kcal per tart

Tips for Success

• Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and water are cold when preparing the dough. This helps create a flaky pastry crust.
• Peaches: Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture and flavor. Overly soft peaches may release too much juice and make the tarts soggy.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Make your own cinnamon sugar by combining 1/4 cup of sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a delightful spiced touch.

Final Thoughts

These Peach and Cream Cheese Mini Tarts are a delightful way to enjoy fresh peaches in a beautiful and delicious dessert. The buttery tart dough, sweet honey drizzle, and creamy center make these mini tarts irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just as a weekend treat, these tarts are sure to impress. Enjoy the taste of summer with every bite!

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