2bleu’s Georgia Peach Cream Cheese Tart: A Taste of Sunshine

The first time I encountered a dessert echoing the spirit of 2bleu’s Georgia Peach Cream Cheese Tart, it was at a small, sun-drenched café in Savannah. The air hummed with cicadas, and the scent of magnolias hung heavy. This tart, with its delicate, shatteringly crisp phyllo crust cradling a sweet, tangy cream cheese filling and crowned with glistening, jammy peaches, was a revelation. It was more than just a dessert; it was a perfect encapsulation of a Southern afternoon, light enough to be refreshing after a humid day, yet decadent enough to feel like a treat. The interplay of textures – the airy crunch of the phyllo, the smooth, cool cream cheese, and the tender, slightly chewy fruit – is simply divine.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 tart
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 12 sheets phyllo dough
• Nonstick cooking spray

For the Cheese Filling

• 2 (8-ounce) packages reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup Splenda sugar substitute (or granulated sugar)

For the Fruit Topping

• 1⁄2 cup Splenda sugar substitute (or granulated sugar)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1 (3-ounce) box sugar-free peach gelatin
• 2–3 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced thinly
• Whipped topping (optional, for serving)

Equipment Needed

• Tart pan (9 or 10-inch)
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Spatula or offset spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork
• Baking sheet (optional, to catch drips)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully unroll the phyllo dough. It’s crucial to keep the unused sheets covered with a slightly damp towel to prevent them from drying out, as phyllo can become brittle very quickly.
3. Begin layering the phyllo sheets in your tart pan. For each sheet, lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray before placing it in the pan. Overlap the sheets slightly, allowing them to go up the sides of the pan. You’ll use all 12 sheets.
4. Once all the sheets are layered, trim any excess dough that hangs over the edges of the tart pan. This will create a neater finish.
5. Using a fork, gently poke holes all over the bottom and sides of the phyllo crust. This prevents the dough from puffing up unevenly during baking.
6. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as phyllo can burn quickly.
7. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. While the crust is cooling, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened reduced-fat cream cheese and the 1⁄2 cup of Splenda (or sugar).
2. Beat these ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. A spatula or an electric mixer on low speed works well here.
3. Once the phyllo crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the cooled phyllo crust.
4. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to allow the cream cheese filling to set. This is a crucial step for the tart to hold its shape when sliced.

Prepare the Fruit Topping

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1⁄2 cup of Splenda (or sugar) and the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk them together to break up any lumps of cornstarch.
2. Gradually whisk in the 1 1⁄2 cups of water until the mixture is smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and becomes clear. This usually takes a few minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
5. Add the sugar-free peach gelatin to the hot mixture and stir until it is completely dissolved.
6. Stir in the sliced fresh peaches.
7. Let the fruit topping cool slightly at room temperature. It should still be pourable but not piping hot.
8. Once cooled slightly, pour the fruit topping evenly over the chilled cream cheese filling in the tart crust.
9. Refrigerate the tart for another 2 hours, or until the fruit topping is completely set.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Phyllo Handling: The key to working with phyllo is speed and moisture control. Have all your ingredients pre-measured and ready to go. Keep the stack of phyllo you’re not actively using covered with a damp, not wet, kitchen towel. This maintains just enough moisture to keep it pliable without making it gummy.
• Crust Crispness: Don’t skip the poking of holes in the crust. This allows steam to escape, preventing bubbles and ensuring a uniformly crisp base.
• Cream Cheese Texture: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. Lumpy cream cheese won’t create that smooth, luscious layer we’re aiming for.
• Gelatin Dissolving: Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the hot liquid. Undissolved gelatin can lead to a grainy texture in the topping.
• Cooling the Topping: Cooling the fruit topping slightly before pouring it over the cream cheese prevents the cream cheese from melting prematurely. However, don’t let it set completely in the saucepan, or it will be difficult to spread.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Georgia Peach Cream Cheese Tart is best served chilled. To serve, carefully remove the tart from the pan if it has a removable bottom, or slice directly from the tart pan. A dollop of whipped topping on each slice is a delightful and classic addition, adding an extra layer of creamy indulgence.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Due to the delicate nature of the phyllo crust, it’s best to consume it within this timeframe for optimal crispness. This tart is not suitable for freezing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	282.3 kcal
Calories from Fat		94 g
Total Fat	10.5 g	16 %
Saturated Fat	5.6 g	27 %
Cholesterol	30.6 mg	10 %
Sodium	455.1 mg	18 %
Total Carbohydrate	40.3 g	13 %
Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4 %
Sugars	21.4 g	85 %
Protein	7.7 g	15 %

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Other Fruits: While peaches are quintessential Georgia, this tart is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to use other fruits like berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), plums, or apricots. For a mixed fruit version, use about 3 cups of mixed sliced fruit. You can also use frozen fruit, but be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the topping mixture.
• Sweetener: If you prefer to use regular sugar, substitute it for the Splenda at a 1:1 ratio.
• Gelatin Flavor: Experiment with different gelatin flavors! A sugar-free strawberry or mixed berry gelatin would also be delicious.
• Crust Alternative: For a quicker crust, a pre-baked graham cracker crust or even a store-bought puff pastry sheet (baked according to package directions and then filled) could be used, though they will offer a different texture and flavor profile than the delicate phyllo.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh peaches without peeling them?
A: While you can, the skin can sometimes be a bit tough. Peeling them ensures a smoother texture in the fruit topping.

Q: My phyllo dough is tearing, what can I do?
A: Work quickly and keep the dough covered. If small tears occur, they usually seal up when layered and won’t significantly impact the final tart.

Q: How long does the fruit topping take to set?
A: It typically takes about 2 hours in the refrigerator for the gelatin to fully set the fruit topping.

Q: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the crust and cream cheese filling a day in advance. Add the fruit topping closer to serving time for the freshest texture.

Q: Is this tart suitable for someone with a dairy allergy?
A: No, this tart contains cream cheese and would need significant modifications to be dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

This Georgia Peach Cream Cheese Tart is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. It’s the perfect dessert for a summer picnic, a backyard barbecue, or simply when you crave a little ray of sunshine on your plate. The delicate crunch of the phyllo, the cool, tangy creaminess of the cheese, and the sweet, slightly tart burst of peach make for an unforgettable experience. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, savor each bite, and share the joy with loved ones. It’s a dessert that whispers of warm breezes and sweet Southern hospitality.