There’s something so magical about summer afternoons spent amidst the bustle of kitchen clatter and the sweet aroma of fresh fruit wafting through the air. As a child, I remember the joy of my grandmother’s kitchen, where ripe peaches, fresh from the farmers’ market, would be transformed into delightful treats. Those moments were filled with laughter, stories, and indulgence—especially when she pulled out her famous peach cream cheese tarts! Not only were they a brilliant burst of flavor, but they were also incredibly simple to whip up. Today, I want to share my version of this family treasure—Peach Cream Cheese Tarts—a delightful and simple dessert that will make your summer gatherings unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in.
- Refreshing sweetness of peaches perfectly balanced with creamy cheese.
- A beautiful presentation that wows without all the fuss!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking adventure, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe makes about 12 delightful tarts, perfect for sharing (or not!).
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (but not too soft!)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature is key for creaminess)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use real if you can!)
- 2 cups peaches, peeled and sliced (fresh is best, but canned will work in a pinch)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep those peaches vibrant)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the peach juices)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands a little floury and create some peachy magic!
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
- Make the Tart Crust: In a bowl, mix together flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt until crumbly. Then, use your hands to form a dough. If it feels too dry, add a tiny splash of cold water.
- Roll It Out: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut rounds slightly larger than your tart tins.
- Assemble the Tarts: Press each round into a greased tart tin, ensuring an even layer on the bottom and up the sides. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the bottom (this prevents puffing!).
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the crusts with the beaten egg, which will give them a lovely golden sheen.
- Bake the Crusts: Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix the Peaches: In another bowl, gently toss the peach slices with lemon juice, cornstarch, and a sprinkle of sugar. This enhances their sweetness and keeps them from getting too watery!
- Layer the Ingredients: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each tart shell, spreading it out evenly. Then top with the sweetened peaches.
- Bake Again: Return the filled tarts to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the peaches are bubbly and the crust is golden.
- Cool: Allow the tarts to cool in their tins for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Pro Tips & Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up a little, here are a few playful twists:
- Fruity Variations: Swap the peaches for other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or cherries. Seasonal is always best!
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for an autumn twist.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before baking for an extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Serving Suggestions
These Peach Cream Cheese Tarts are just begging to be paired with your favorite cup of coffee or herbal tea. Think about setting up a little dessert table for friends, layering them on charming platters and garnishing with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. They also shine when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—pure summer bliss!
Storage Tips
To keep the magic alive longer, store any leftover tarts in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. If you want to make these ahead of time, you can also freeze the tarts (without the peach filling) for about 1 month. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before filling and baking. Reheating them? A quick 5-minute spin in a warm oven will revive that freshly baked goodness!
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in your tarts. Frozen peaches can be just as sweet and juicy!
How do I know when the tarts are done baking?
The tarts are done when the edges of the crust are golden brown, and the peach filling is bubbly. They should have a nice golden color on top!
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the crust ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling it out.
What can I do if my filling is too runny?
No worries! Next time, try using a bit more cornstarch, or allow the filling to set a bit in the fridge before adding it to the tarts.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Peach Cream Cheese Tarts that are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. I can’t wait for you to try these at home. Whether it’s a picnic, a potluck, or just a Tuesday afternoon, these adorable tarts will brighten any day. Please share how your tarts turned out in the comments or tag me on social media. Let’s spread the summer love one tart at a time!
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Delightful PEACH CREAM CHEESE TARTS Easy Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in easy peach cream cheese tarts This delightful dessert combines sweet peaches and creamy cheese for a perfect treat Perfect for any occasion
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 calories
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams
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