Mini Brown Butter Peach Tarts

These Mini Brown Butter Peach Tarts are a delightful summer dessert that combines the crispiness of puff pastry with the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches. The brown butter, infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, adds a rich, caramelized depth to the tarts. Finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these tarts are perfect for any special occasion or a cozy evening treat.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares, about 3-4 inches in size.
3. Arrange the thinly sliced peach pieces evenly on top of each pastry square.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, cooking until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
5. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Drizzle the brown butter mixture generously over the peach slices.
7. Place the prepared tarts on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
8. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 mini tarts
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Substitutes: Swap peaches for other fruits like nectarines, plums, or berries for a different flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with adding ginger or allspice to the brown butter mixture for an extra layer of warmth.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the tarts with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for added sweetness and richness.
• Nuts: Add chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
• Pastry: Instead of puff pastry, you can use a shortcrust pastry for a more traditional tart base.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked tarts (before adding the brown butter mixture) and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Reheat the tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones? Fresh peaches are ideal for these tarts, but you can use canned peaches, drained well. Keep in mind that canned peaches may be softer and sweeter.
2. Can I make these tarts in advance? Yes, you can prepare the tarts and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
3. How do I make the tarts more decadent? Add a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese on top of the warm tarts, or drizzle with a rich chocolate sauce.
4. Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar? Brown sugar gives the tarts a caramelized flavor, but you can use white sugar if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
5. Can I make the tarts gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry in place of regular puff pastry to make these tarts gluten-free.
6. Do I have to serve the tarts with vanilla ice cream? While vanilla ice cream complements the warm tarts wonderfully, you can serve them with whipped cream, yogurt, or even a drizzle of honey instead.
7. Can I use a different type of pastry? Yes, shortcrust pastry or phyllo dough could also work, but puff pastry provides the best texture and crispiness.
8. Can I make these tarts larger? Absolutely! You can use a larger sheet of puff pastry and cut it into fewer, larger squares. Just increase the baking time accordingly.
9. What’s the best way to slice the peaches? Slice the peaches thinly to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release too much juice into the pastry.
10. Can I skip the brown butter? While the brown butter adds a unique, nutty flavor, you can simply melt regular butter and use that instead. The tarts will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Mini Brown Butter Peach Tarts are a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a flaky, buttery crust and juicy peach filling. The brown butter glaze with cinnamon and nutmeg adds a rich depth to these tarts, making them irresistible. Whether you serve them as a summer treat or as a special dessert at your next gathering, these tarts are sure to be a hit!

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