Cherry mini tarts with meringue

Mini tarts with cherries and meringue

If you are looking for a quick, delicious dessert with an impressive appearance, mini tarts with cherries and meringue are the perfect choice. These little delights not only bring a splash of color to your table but also an explosion of flavors that will captivate you with every bite. Whether you serve them at a gathering with friends or as a personal treat, these pastries are ideal at any time.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Ingredients

*For the tart dough:*
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250-260 g flour
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 80 g granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 400 g cherries (pitted)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for cherries)
- Zest of one orange
- 1 tablespoon flour (for filling)
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 egg whites
- 125 g granulated sugar (for meringue)

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the tart dough. In a large bowl, add the soft butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer or spatula, mix until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Add the egg and mix well, then gradually incorporate the flour and a pinch of salt. Finally, add the milk to obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands.

2. Forming and baking the crust
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). On a floured work surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5 mm. Cut circles from the dough using a glass or special tart cutter, and place them in the mini tart molds. Gently press on the edges to create an even base. Make a few small holes with a fork in the bottom of each tart to prevent puffing during baking.

3. Preparing the cherry filling
In a bowl, combine the pitted cherries with one teaspoon of granulated sugar, the orange zest, and one tablespoon of flour. This mixture will add a fresh flavor and improve the texture of the filling.

4. Filling the tarts
Fill each tart with the cherry mixture, being careful not to overfill them so that the filling does not spill during baking.

5. Preparing the meringue
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and shiny meringue. This part will add an airy texture and a perfect contrast to the tart cherries.

6. Finalizing and baking
Use a teaspoon to add meringue on top of each tart, forming peaks or patterns according to your preferences. Bake the mini tarts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden and the crusts are lightly browned.

7. Cooling and serving
After baking, let the mini tarts cool in the molds for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and let them cool completely on a rack. These tarts are delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Chef's Tip
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the meringue. Also, feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, to create interesting variations of the recipe.

Nutritional Benefits
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, having a high content of vitamins C and A. They also contribute to heart health and can help reduce inflammation. Combined with meringue, these mini tarts become a tasty and relatively healthy dessert, especially when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I replace cherries with other fruits?
Absolutely! You can use cherries, peaches, or any other seasonal fruits you like. Just make sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.

- How can I store the mini tarts?
They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

- What drinks pair well with mini tarts?
These pastries pair wonderfully with a fruit tea or a sweet white wine, enhancing the fruity flavors.

Surely, mini tarts with cherries and meringue will become a favorite among your friends and family! Don't forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and express your creativity in the kitchen. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: for the tart dough: 125 g butter 250-260 g flour 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 80 g granulated sugar for the filling: 400 g cherries (pitted) 1 teaspoon granulated sugar orange zest 1 tablespoon flour 1 egg yolk 2 egg whites 125 g granulated sugar

 Tags:  fruit cake cherry cake cake recipes recipes with sour cherries cake