Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts – Sweet Bites of Summer Bliss

Nothing says summer quite like the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches. Now imagine pairing that with creamy, tangy cream cheese wrapped in a flaky, rustic tart crust — the result? Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts, also known as sweet bites of summer bliss. These delightful tarts are simple, packed with seasonal flavor, and just the right size for a little indulgence.

Whether you’re looking for a light dessert for a backyard brunch or just a way to use up those ripe peaches on the counter, this recipe checks all the boxes: easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious.

🍑 Why These Mini Tarts Are a Must-Bake

There’s a lot to love about these mini peach and cream cheese tarts:

• Not overly sweet — the cream cheese balances the juicy peach
• Uses simple pantry staples like flour, butter, and sugar
• The spiced honey drizzle adds a flavorful finishing touch
• A perfect small-batch recipe (no waste!)
• Ideal for customizing with your own twists

These rustic, open-faced tarts also let the natural beauty of peaches shine. You don’t need perfection — just love and good ingredients.

Want to know when peaches are at their juiciest peak? Check out the USDA Seasonal Produce Guide – Peaches to learn more about choosing the best fruit.

🧈 Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

Each bite of these tarts is built on balanced, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Tart Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, cold
• Ice water
• White vinegar
• Heavy cream (for brushing)
• Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)

For the Filling:

• Fresh peach (peeled or unpeeled)
• Cream cheese, full-fat recommended

For the Honey Drizzle:

• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger

Want to make your dough extra flaky? Follow these King Arthur Baking tips for flaky pie crust — they’re gold for pastry lovers!

🥄 How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts

Here’s your step-by-step guide to tart success:

1. Make the Dough
   • Combine flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Cut in cold butter until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
   • Stir in vinegar and ice water to form a scrappy dough.
   • Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
   • Thinly slice the peach and cream cheese.
   • Mix honey, lemon, cinnamon, and ginger for the drizzle.
3. Assemble the Tarts
   • Roll out dough and fold twice for layers.
   • Cut into 4 squares and fold edges up slightly.
   • Layer cream cheese and peaches.
   • Brush edges with cream and sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
   • Drizzle lightly with honey mixture.
4. Bake
   • Bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
5. Final Touch
   • Add more spiced honey drizzle after baking.
   • Serve warm — best enjoyed fresh!

🔄 Pro Tips for Perfect Tarts

• Use very cold butter for that flaky texture.
• Don’t skip the chill time for dough.
• Keep peach slices thin for even baking.
• Adjust tart size or shape as you like — rustic = freedom!
• If your cream cheese is too firm, soften it slightly before slicing.
• Store leftover dough in the freezer for up to 3 months (wrap tightly).

Want to store your cream cheese properly to avoid dryness or spoilage? Here’s a great resource from The Kitchn on how to store cream cheese.

🎉 Fun Variations to Try

Looking to get creative? These mini tarts are a blank canvas:

• Add a dash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese
• Top with crushed almonds or pistachios
• Try a mix of peaches and raspberries
• Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar
• Use store-bought puff pastry if you’re short on time

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These tarts are perfect:

• Fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Alongside a glass of peach iced tea or rosé
• As a brunch treat or elegant summer dessert

Make them the centerpiece at:

• Garden parties
• Summer picnics
• Afternoon tea gatherings
• Intimate weekend brunches

❓FAQs: You Asked, We Answered

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Frozen may release too much liquid, and canned might be too soft. Fresh is best.

Can I mix the cream cheese with sweeteners or flavors?
Absolutely! Add honey, cinnamon, or vanilla to your cream cheese if desired.

Can I freeze the tarts?
Not recommended once baked — the texture may suffer. But you can freeze the dough and assemble fresh later.

How long can I refrigerate the dough?
Up to 2 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it tightly wrapped.

Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes! Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for pastry.

What spices work well in the honey drizzle?
Try nutmeg, cardamom, or even clove for a twist.

🧁 Final Thoughts: Your Summer Dessert Awaits

If you love fruit-forward desserts, buttery crusts, and a dessert that looks as good as it tastes — these tarts are for you. They’re approachable, flexible, and most of all, pure summer happiness in handheld form.

Bake them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again every peach season. Because sweet bites of summer bliss should be savored, one tart at a time. 🍑