If you’re looking for a show-stopping pastry that’s easy to throw together but feels utterly special, you’ve got to try these Mini Plum Tarts! Think flaky butter puff pastry, a creamy tang of sweetened cream cheese, and the gorgeous pop of fresh, juicy plums glistening on top—all baked into tempting little tartlets perfect for brunch, tea, dessert… or honestly, any excuse you find. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, Mini Plum Tarts bring elegance and seasonal flavor to every bite, and you’re about to fall in love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into something so pretty and satisfying. Each one has a purpose: crisp, buttery pastry, luscious filling, a touch of citrus, and the sweet sparkle of sugar to bring out the best in juicy plums.
- Butter puff pastry sheets: The secret to a shattering, buttery crust—keep them chilled for best results!
- Cream cheese (at room temperature): This adds creamy richness and a smooth filling.
- Icing/powdered sugar: Dissolves perfectly into the filling, adding gentle sweetness without any grittiness.
- Fine lemon zest: Just a hint brings out the plums’ brightness and keeps things fresh.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and makes everything taste like a bakery treat.
- Fresh plums: The stars of the show—choose ripe but firm fruits for easy slicing and beautiful presentation.
- Egg (beaten): Provides a shiny golden finish around each tartlet.
- Demerara sugar: Sprinkled on the edges, it bakes into a delicious, golden crunch.
How to Make Mini Plum Tarts
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Take your butter puff pastry out of the freezer and set it aside. You want it thawed enough to cut, but still firm and cold—if it gets too warm, just pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes so you get maximum flakiness when baked.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, icing sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Use hand-held beaters or a stand mixer, and whip everything until it’s super smooth and creamy. This will be your luscious filling, so set it aside for a moment while you work on the plums.
Step 3: Slice the Plums
Cut your plums in half and remove the stones (they pop out easily with a gentle twist). Use a sharp knife to slice each half into slim, even slices—about half a centimeter thick. Thinner slices look lovely when you fan them on top of each tart and bake to a glisten.
Step 4: Cut and Prep the Pastry Circles
Take your two sheets of chilled puff pastry. Using a 7cm (2½-inch) round cookie cutter, cut 9 circles from each sheet. For a true bakery touch, use a smaller cutter to gently mark a 1cm border inside each circle (don’t cut all the way through). Use a fork to prick just the centers—this keeps the edges puffed and the center flat after baking.
Step 5: Add Filling and Fruit
Spread about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the middle circle of each pastry round. Then, arrange your plum slices on top, fanning them out or layering for extra beauty. The contrast of juicy plums on cloud-like filling is what makes these Mini Plum Tarts irresistible!
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg, then sprinkle each with a half teaspoon of demerara sugar. This step gives that glorious golden, slightly crunchy border that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Transfer your tarts to a baking tray and slide them into the hot oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the pastry edges are deeply golden and crisp and the plums look glossy and juicy. Use a spatula to transfer the baked Mini Plum Tarts to a rack—they’ll be very hot! Let them cool for several minutes before serving, so the filling sets just a bit.
How to Serve Mini Plum Tarts
Garnishes
A little finishing touch goes a long way! Dust the tops with an extra sprinkle of icing sugar, add a mint leaf for color, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true patisserie experience. For a festive feel, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of local honey also pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
Mini Plum Tarts shine on a brunch or dessert platter—set alongside seasonal berries, a bowl of fresh yogurt, or some crisp sparkling wine for a special treat. They’re also perfect with afternoon tea or alongside nutty biscotti for textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation to the next level by stacking the tarts in a pretty pyramid on a cake stand, lining them up with other mini pastries, or wrapping a few in parchment and ribbon for a sweet gift. Personalize each tart with a tiny tag for guests, or serve with tiny forks for fuss-free elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any left (they do disappear quickly!), keep the cooled Mini Plum Tarts in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delightfully fresh for up to 2 days, and the flavors continue to meld beautifully overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze these tarts after baking—simply let them cool, then wrap each one tightly in plastic and pop them into a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost in the fridge and refresh in the oven or toaster for best texture.
Reheating
To revive that irresistible crispiness, place the tarts on a baking tray and warm in a preheated 160°C (325°F) oven for 5–7 minutes. They come out nearly as perfect as fresh, with crisp pastry and warm, juicy fruit!
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Absolutely! While Mini Plum Tarts are fabulous as written, you can swap in apricots, peaches, nectarines, or even thinly sliced apples or pears—whatever you have in season. Each fruit gives its own unique twist to this versatile recipe.
What if I can’t find butter puff pastry?
If butter puff pastry isn’t available, regular puff pastry will work just fine. The all-butter version is extra flaky and rich, so use it if you can find it—but don’t let that stop you from making these tarts. Either way, be sure to keep your pastry cold for the best result.
Can I make Mini Plum Tarts ahead of time?
For best texture, bake them the day you plan to serve, but you can assemble the tarts up to the point of baking and refrigerate them a few hours in advance. Baked leftovers store well and can easily be reheated as described above.
What size cookie cutter should I use?
A 7cm (2½-inch) round cutter is ideal for bite-sized treats, but don’t worry if yours is a little bigger or smaller. Just adjust the amount of filling and fruit accordingly, keeping the tarts petite for easy handling and even baking.
Are Mini Plum Tarts suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet, colorful fruit and flaky pastry, and the individual size makes them easy for little hands to hold. If preparing for young children, peel the plums if you like, or opt for softer fruits.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about pulling a tray of warm Mini Plum Tarts from the oven—the kitchen fills with that heavenly, cozy aroma and you know you’ve made a treat everyone will be talking about. Give these tarts a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a most-requested recipe in your home. Nothing beats the joy of sharing homemade pastries, and these are sure to charm anyone who takes a bite!
Print
Mini Plum Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 tartlets
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these delectable Mini Plum Tarts! A perfect combination of buttery puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and fresh plums, these tartlets are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 2 sheets butter puff pastry – 22 ½ cm (9” square)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese – at room temperature
- 3 tablespoon icing/powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon fine lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Plums and Others:
- 9 fresh plums
- 1 egg – beaten
- 4 tablespoon demerara sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry, keeping it cool. Mix cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Prepare Plums: Halve and slice plums thinly.
- Cut Pastry: Cut pastry circles, add cream cheese, plum slices, and demerara sugar.
- Bake: Brush with egg, sprinkle sugar, and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving with ice cream.
Notes
- Butter puff pastry is recommended for best results.
- Adjust sugar measurements based on your country’s tablespoon size.
- Number of plums may vary based on size.
- Nutritional information is an estimate for one tart.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
- Calories: 217 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 102mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
