Cherry tart
Cherry Tart: a summer dessert that combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with a delicious buttery and vanilla texture. This dish is not just a simple recipe, but a story, a memory of moments spent in nature, picking ripe cherries, accompanied by laughter and good cheer. This weekend, I received a bag full of fresh cherries, and after satisfying our fruit cravings, we decided to turn this treasure into a fabulous dessert!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 250 g butter (at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 240 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 400 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 500 g fresh pitted cherries
- 400 ml cherry syrup (or blackberry syrup, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
Step by step:
1. Preparing the filling.
We start with the cherries to ensure they are ready before we tackle the crust. We clean the cherries of their stems and pits, being careful not to fall prey to "enemies" (even in the kitchen, there might be temptations!). Once cleaned, we place them in a pot, add 400 ml of cherry syrup, and let them simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until they soften and release their delicious juice.
2. Thickening the filling.
In a small bowl, we mix the two tablespoons of sugar with the vanilla pudding and add a few tablespoons of the hot cherry syrup. We mix well to avoid lumps. After the cherries have cooked, we add the pudding mixture and continue to stir over low heat until the mixture thickens. We remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Preparing the crust.
In a large bowl, we cream the softened butter with the sugar until we achieve a creamy and homogeneous texture. Then, we add the egg yolks one at a time, continuing to mix. In another bowl, we combine the flour with the baking powder and salt, then gradually incorporate this mixture into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. The dough will be sticky, but that’s normal!
4. Assembling the tart.
We preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). We line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it well with butter. We take 2/3 of our dough and spread it evenly on the bottom of the tray, gently raising it along the edges. We pour in the cherry filling and level it well, then use the remaining dough to form small pieces on top, creating a rustic and appealing effect.
5. Baking.
We place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and appetizing. Once baked, we let the tart cool in the tray, then transfer it to a serving platter.
6. Finishing touches.
Before serving, we dust the tart with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and an extra touch of sweetness. It can be served warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream, which will add a delicious contrast.
Helpful tips:
- Cherries: Make sure to use well-ripened cherries, as they will add a more intense flavor. You can also experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as sour cherries or peaches.
- Dough: If you want a less sticky dough, try adding a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as it should remain soft and pleasant.
- Vegan option: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the egg yolks with a mixture of ground flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds + 2 tablespoons of water = 1 egg yolk).
Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals, making them a healthy choice. They can also help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. The cherry tart, although a dessert, can provide considerable nutritional value due to its natural ingredients.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess water.
- How can I store the tart? The tart can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- What drinks pair well with cherry tart? A sweet white wine or fresh lemonade are perfect to complement this dessert.
This cherry tart is not just a dessert, but also an opportunity to gather with loved ones, share beautiful moments, and create unforgettable memories. So, let yourself be inspired by this simple and delicious recipe and enjoy every slice!
Ingredients: 240 g sugar 2 egg yolks 400 g flour 1 baking powder 250 g butter 1 pinch of salt For the filling: 500 g pitted cherries 400 ml cherry syrup (I had blackberry syrup) 2 tablespoons sugar 1 packet of vanilla pudding
