Cherry tart is a scrumptious classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion you can imagine. Whether you are looking for a sweet treat to serve at a dinner party or a simple dessert to enjoy with your family, cherry tart is an awesome choice. Made with fresh or canned cherries, this dessert is easy to make and turns out always delicious.
There are many different variations of cherry tart, each with its own unique twist. Some recipes call for a simple crust made from flour, sugar, and butter, while others use a more complex crust made with almond flour or puff pastry. The filling can also vary, with some recipes using cherry preserves and others using fresh cherries or canned cherries in syrup.
Regardless of the recipe you choose, the key to making the best cherry tart is to use high-quality ingredients and to follow the instructions carefully. With only a little bit of practice, you can master the art of making cherry tart (art of tart, I love it!) and impress your friends and family with your baking skills.
Ingredients
Cherry tart is a classic dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Here are the ingredients you will need to make a superb cherry tart:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | all-purpose flour |
| 1/4 cup | sugar |
| 1/4 teaspoon | salt |
| 1/2 cup (1 stick) | chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes |
| 1 | large egg |
| 1/2 teaspoon | vanilla extract |
| 2 cups | cherries (about 50 cherries) |
| 1 cup | sugar |
| 1/4 cup | cornstarch |
| 1/2 teaspoon | almond extract |
| A few drops | red food coloring (optional) |
The crust is made with flour, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. The filling consists of cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, and food coloring (optional).
Make sure to use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor. You can also use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available. If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. Naturally, you can use canned cherries to make things quick and easy — although in my opinion fresh cherries make ultimately the best tart.
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the next section to learn how to make a delicious cherry tart.
Crust Preparation
When it comes to making the perfect cherry tart, the crust is just as important as the filling. Here’s how to prepare a delicious crust for your cherry tart:
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the chilled butter cubes to the bowl and mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Gently press the dough into a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
7. Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious, flaky crust that will perfectly complement your cherry filling.
Filling Preparation
There are many ways to prepare the filling for a cherry tart, but most recipes call for a combination of fresh or canned cherries, sugar, and some form of thickener, such as cornstarch or flour. Some recipes also include other ingredients, such as almond extract or vanilla custard.
If you prefer to use fresh cherries, you will need to pit them first. This can be a time-consuming process, but it is certainly worth it for the fresh, juicy flavor. To pit cherries, use a cherry pitter or a small knife.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherries (about 50 cherries)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- A few drops red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
1. Combine cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
3. Finally, add almond extract and red food coloring if desired.
4. Allow the filling to cool to room temperature before adding it to the crust.
Assembly and Baking
Now that you have prepared the crust and the cherry filling, it’s time to assemble the tart and bake it to perfection.
Instructions
1. Spoon the cherry filling onto the crust.
2. Bake the tart in a preheated oven at 375°F (190 °C) for 40—45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Let the tart cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
4. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Tips and Variations
When making a cherry tart, there are a few tips and variations to consider:
- Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries will give your tart the best flavor and texture. If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries instead.
- Experiment with different crusts: While a classic shortcrust pastry is the most common crust for a cherry tart, you can experiment with different crusts, such as a graham cracker crust or a puff pastry crust.
- Add almond extract: Almond extract pairs well with cherries and can add a delicious flavor to your tart. All in all, almonds go well with cherries and that’s why I prefer to add almonf extract to my cherry filling. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to your pastry cream or sprinkle sliced almonds on top of your tart.
- Try different cherry varieties: While sweet cherries are the most common variety used in cherry tarts, you can experiment with different varieties, such as sour cherries or Rainier cherries. Remember to adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Decorate with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of your cherry tart can add a nice touch and balance out the sweetness of the cherries. A dollop of double cream gives even more richness.
- For a more decadent cherry tart, consider adding a vanilla custard filling to the mix. To make the custard, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool before adding it to the cherry filling.
Whether you prefer a simple cherry filling or a more complex custard and cherry combination, the filling is an essential part of any cherry tart. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the perfect recipe for your taste buds.
Overall, making a cherry tart is a great way to showcase fresh cherries and create a fabulous dessert. With these tips and variations, you can customize your cherry tart and make it your own.
Conclusion
Cherry tarts are a palatable and easy dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. When cherries are in season, you can use fresh cherries and in other times of the year, canned cherries are your best bet.
With a variety of recipes available, you can choose the one that best fits your taste and skill level. Whether you prefer a classic tart with a flaky crust and sweet cherry filling, or a rustic tart with a more casual appearance, there is a recipe out there for you.
When making a cherry tart, it is important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cherries and flavorings to create a unique and personalized dessert.
One of the great things about cherry tarts is that they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or enjoy them cold with a cup of coffee for a mid-day snack.
With a little practice, you can master the art of a perfect cherry tart and enjoy this classic dessert for years to come.