Few desserts capture the feeling of summer quite like peaches. Juicy, fragrant, and naturally sweet, peaches bring warmth and brightness to everything they touch. When paired with rich cream cheese and nestled inside a buttery tart shell, they transform into something truly irresistible. These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dessert that feels elegant, comforting, and completely crave-worthy.

Designed to be individual-sized, these mini tarts are ideal for entertaining, brunch tables, baby showers, afternoon tea, or whenever you want a dessert that looks impressive without being complicated. Each tart features a tender, lightly crisp crust, a smooth and lightly sweetened cream cheese filling, and a topping of soft peaches that melt slightly as they bake, releasing their natural juices into the filling below.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can make it with fresh summer peaches at their peak, or use canned or frozen peaches when fresh fruit isn’t available. The cream cheese base is lightly flavored with vanilla, allowing the peach flavor to shine while still delivering that classic cheesecake-like richness. The result is a dessert that’s balanced, not overly sweet, and perfect for both casual and special occasions.

From an SEO standpoint, mini fruit tarts like these are hugely popular because they combine visual appeal with approachable baking techniques. Home bakers love recipes that look bakery-worthy but don’t require advanced pastry skills — and this one checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts

These tarts aren’t just delicious — they’re practical and crowd-friendly too. First, they’re portion-controlled, which makes them perfect for serving at gatherings without the need for slicing. Second, they can be made ahead of time and stored easily, making them stress-free for hosts. Third, the flavor combination is universally loved: creamy, fruity, buttery, and lightly sweet.

They also photograph beautifully. The contrast between golden crust, white cream cheese filling, and vibrant peach slices makes them perfect for food photography, Pinterest pins, and dessert spreads. Whether you’re baking for family or creating content, these mini peach tarts deliver every time.

Ingredients for Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar
Fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
Lemon juice
Cornstarch
Optional peach preserves or honey for glazing

Instructions: How to Make Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini tart pan or muffin tin.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork.
Press the dough evenly into the mini tart cavities, forming a shallow shell. Chill for 10 minutes.
Bake the tart shells for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into each tart shell.
Toss peach slices with lemon juice and cornstarch, then arrange them gently over the filling.
Return tarts to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, until peaches are tender and filling is set.
Cool completely, then brush peaches lightly with warmed peach preserves or honey for shine if desired.

Tips for Perfect Mini Tarts Every Time

Always start with cold butter for the crust. This ensures a flaky texture rather than a dense one. When pressing the dough into the pan, use the bottom of a small glass or spoon to keep the thickness even. For the filling, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. If your peaches are very juicy, pat them dry slightly before topping the tarts to prevent sogginess.

Variations and Creative Twists

These mini peach tarts are incredibly adaptable. Swap peaches for nectarines, apricots, or plums. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the cream cheese for warmth. For a crunchier topping, sprinkle sliced almonds or a light streusel over the peaches before baking. You can even make a savory version by reducing the sugar and adding herbs like thyme to the crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these mini tarts slightly chilled or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or sparkling water. For a plated dessert, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They also work wonderfully on dessert boards alongside cookies and fresh fruit.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Store Mini Peach and Cream Cheese Tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can be baked a day in advance, making them perfect for entertaining. Avoid freezing, as the cream cheese filling can change texture once thawed.

Fun Peach Dessert Fact

Peaches have been cultivated for over 4,000 years and were once considered a symbol of immortality in ancient cultures. Pairing peaches with dairy has long been a tradition in European pastries, making this tart a modern take on a classic pairing.