Cherry tart

Cherry tart is a classic dessert, perfect for celebrating the summer fruit season or for bringing a touch of freshness at any time of the year. This simple yet elegant recipe will impress you with its delicious taste and perfect texture. Moreover, it is a quick recipe that can be prepared even by beginners. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients for the crust:
- 200 g flour
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 50 g sugar (half of the total amount)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 100 g sugar (the remaining amount)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (to bind the filling)
- Grated zest of one lemon

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter with half of the sugar (50 g) until fluffy and light in color. This process is essential for achieving an airy texture. Add the vanilla, grated lemon zest, and vanilla essence. Mix well to combine the flavors.

2. Adding dry ingredients: Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture and continue mixing. Then, sift the flour and salt on top and gently mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Do not over-knead, as this will make the dough too elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

3. Preparing the filling: If using fresh cherries, wash them and remove the pits. If using frozen cherries, let them thaw and drain excess water. In a bowl, mix the cherries with the remaining sugar (100 g), vanilla sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the cherries can release their juice.

4. Assembling the tart: Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a tart shape, making sure to cover the edges as well. Prick the base of the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Pour the cherry filling into the center of the tart.

5. Baking: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the dough is golden and the cherries are cooked. Let the tart cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a rack.

6. Serving: Dust powdered sugar over the tart for an elegant and decorative look. You can also add a few mint leaves for a color contrast and a touch of freshness. The cherry tart is served warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Helpful tips:
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as cherries or peaches, to vary the recipe.
- Instead of cornstarch, you can use almond flour for a denser filling and a distinct flavor.
- If you want a tart with a more intense flavor, add a few drops of rum or amaretto to the filling.

This cherry tart is a quick and simple dessert, but with a delicious impact, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every slice and let your friends and family marvel at your cooking skills!

 Ingredients: 6 eggs, 125 g butter, 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 packet baking powder, zest of one lemon, vanilla essence, powdered sugar, cherries, 1-2 packets vanilla.