Mini Brown Butter Peach Tarts: A Buttery Summer Dessert You’ll Love

Avatar photo
By Linda
Posted on
Mini Brown Butter Peach Tarts

Have you ever wondered how something so small could pack such an incredible flavor punch? These delightful Mini Brown Butter Peach Tarts treats combine the nutty richness of browned butter with the sweet juiciness of fresh peaches in perfect individual servings that will leave your guests impressed.

The magic of these mini tarts lies in their perfect balance of textures – a buttery, flaky crust paired with caramelized peaches and that distinctive brown butter flavor that elevates this dessert from simple to sophisticated. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these Mini Brown Butter Peach Tart creations are versatile enough for any occasion.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple yet transformative ingredients to create your perfect Peach Tart masterpieces. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the complex flavors that make these mini tarts so irresistible.

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with almond flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

  • 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced (about 2 cups when sliced)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (coconut sugar works as a less refined alternative)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for browning)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (arrowroot powder is a good substitute)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar for sprinkling
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Timing

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes (including dough chilling)
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

These Mini Brown Butter Peach Tart treats come together in under an hour, which is approximately 30% faster than traditional full-sized tarts. The mini format not only speeds up baking time but also creates the perfect crust-to-filling ratio for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt until combined. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough – this is key for a flaky texture.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up again, resulting in a more tender crust. If you’re short on time, place the dough in the freezer for 10 minutes instead.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

In a light-colored skillet (to better see the color change), melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns amber and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully as it can burn quickly! Remove from heat immediately and pour into a heat-safe bowl to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine sliced peaches, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Pour the browned butter over the mixture and gently toss until peaches are evenly coated. The warm butter will slightly soften the peaches and help the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Form the Tarts

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove dough from refrigerator and divide into 6 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 5 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough circles to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Place a generous spoonful of the peach filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go around. The center should remain open. Brush the dough with a little water and sprinkle with turbinado sugar and sliced almonds if using.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 22-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. For even browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking time. Allow the tarts to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

Each Mini Brown Butter Peach Tart contains approximately:

  • Calories: 320 per serving
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 3g

These mini tarts offer a moderate calorie dessert option with the benefit of real fruit. Each serving provides approximately 8% of your daily fiber needs and contains beneficial antioxidants from the fresh peaches.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make these delightful tarts a bit more nutritious? Try these smart substitutions:

  • Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutrients while maintaining a tender texture.
  • Reduce sugar by 25% and add a tablespoon of honey for natural sweetness that complements the peaches perfectly.
  • Use Greek yogurt in place of 2 tablespoons of butter in the crust for less saturated fat and a protein boost.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter in the crust (though you’ll lose the brown butter flavor in the filling).
  • Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the crust for omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber.
Mini Brown Butter Peach Tarts

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your mini tarts with these creative serving ideas:

  • Serve warm with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or gelato for a classic contrast of hot and cold.
  • Drizzle with a touch of local honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-savory balance.
  • Pair with a dollop of lightly whipped cream infused with a touch of bourbon for an adult dessert option.
  • Create a breakfast treat by serving alongside Greek yogurt drizzled with maple syrup.
  • For a stunning brunch presentation, arrange on a wooden board with fresh berries, mint leaves, and edible flowers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sidestep these pitfalls for perfect mini tarts every time:

  1. Overworking the dough – This develops gluten and results in tough rather than flaky crusts. Pulse ingredients just until combined.
  2. Using underripe peaches – They won’t soften properly during baking. Choose peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
  3. Burning the brown butter – It can go from perfect to ruined in seconds. Remove from heat as soon as it smells nutty and turns amber.
  4. Overfilling the tarts – This leads to spillover and soggy crusts. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per mini tart.
  5. Not allowing enough cooling time – The filling needs time to set. Patience results in tarts that hold their shape when served.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the deliciousness of your mini tarts with these storage strategies:

  • Room temperature: Store completely cooled tarts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Refrigeration: Extend freshness to 4-5 days by refrigerating in a sealed container. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
  • Freezing: These tarts freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep refrigerated. The peach filling can be made 1 day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

These delightful Mini Brown Butter Peach Tarts transform simple ingredients into an impressive dessert that balances rustic charm with elegant flavor. The brown butter adds a nutty complexity that elevates the natural sweetness of fresh peaches, all wrapped in a tender, flaky crust.

Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch, afternoon tea, or dinner party finale, these individual tarts are sure to impress. We’d love to hear how your tarts turned out! Share your baking success in the comments below, or tag us in your social media posts with #MiniBrownButterPeachTarts. Happy baking!

Tags:

You might also like these recipes