Peach tart with cream cheese

Peach and Cream Cheese Tart

When summer makes its presence felt with its enticing aromas, there is nothing more pleasant than a tart with fresh peaches and a lightly flavored cream cheese. This recipe is not just a culinary indulgence but also a way to take advantage of seasonal fruits, bringing them into the spotlight. I will show you step by step how to prepare this delicious tart, and in the end, you will have a sweet masterpiece that will delight any table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the tart base:
- 100 g salted nuts (you can also use roasted nuts for a more intense flavor)
- 50 g sugar
- 100 g flour
- 50 g butter (at room temperature, cut into cubes)
- 1 egg (medium, fresh)
- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 100 ml whipping cream (make sure it's cold)
- 150 g cream cheese (choose a quality cream cheese, like Philadelphia)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a fresh taste)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla sugar (for an extra flavor)
- Peaches (a few, sliced thinly)
- Grapes (a few berries, for decoration)

Preparation

1. Preparing the tart base:
Start by grinding the nuts very finely until you get a powder. They will provide a crunchy texture and delicious flavor to your tart. Mix the ground nuts with the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Make sure the ingredients are well integrated.

2. Forming the dough:
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredient mixture and add the cubed butter and egg. Start kneading with your hands until you get a homogeneous dough. If the dough is too soft, add a little flour, and if it is too hard, you can incorporate a few tablespoons of milk. The goal is to achieve a non-sticky dough.

3. Chilling the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step is essential as it helps firm up the butter, providing a crunchy base.

4. Preparing the tart pan:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a tart pan with butter and remove excess flour. After the dough has been in the fridge, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface into a round sheet, slightly larger than the diameter of the pan.

5. Baking the base:
Carefully place the sheet of dough in the tart pan, making sure to cover all the edges. Trim the excess dough from the edges and gently level the surface. Cover with parchment paper and fill with beans to prevent puffing. Bake the tart base for 25 minutes. After this period, remove the paper and beans, then bake for another 5 minutes until it becomes slightly golden.

6. Cooling the base:
Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool on a rack. It is important for the base to be completely cool before adding the filling.

7. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and lemon juice for 2-3 minutes until creamy and smooth. In another bowl, whip the cream with the vanilla sugar until it reaches a firm texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese using a spatula to maintain the air in the whipped cream.

8. Assembling the tart:
Fill the interior of the tart with the cream cheese, leveling it with a spatula. Decorate with thin slices of peach and a few grapes for a pleasant appearance. This decoration not only looks good but also adds a touch of freshness.

9. Final cooling:
Refrigerate the tart for at least a few hours, but ideally, leave it overnight. This time allows the flavors to blend and helps the tart base soften a bit, making it easier to slice.

10. Serving:
When you are ready to serve, cut the tart into slices and enjoy every bite. It is perfect as a dessert for a gathering with friends or a family meal. You can accompany the tart with a glass of white wine or a cold lemonade to highlight the fruity flavors.

Useful tips:
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as apricots or plums, depending on the season. You can also add chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving has approximately 250-300 calories, and peaches are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthy and nutritious ingredient.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can try mascarpone or ricotta for a creamier version.
- How can I store the tart? The tart can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh.

Conclusion
Now you have all the necessary information to prepare a peach and cream cheese tart that will surely impress! This recipe is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to enjoy summer and its fresh fruits. Remember that cooking is an art, and every recipe can have a personal touch. So don't hesitate to add your own variations and experiment! Enjoy!