Chocolate cherry pastries

Chocolate Cherry Pies

I invite you to discover a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the tart sweetness of cherries. These chocolate cherry pies are perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a quick and comforting dessert after a long day.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 pies

Recipe Story

Pies are a traditional dessert in many cultures, with deep roots in culinary history. They can be filled with various ingredients, from fresh fruits and sweets to chocolate, as is the case with today’s recipe. Cherries, with their distinctive flavor, pair perfectly with chocolate, bringing a balance of sweet and sour.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g brown sugar
- 1 packet of bourbon vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 100 ml Vermouth (or another white wine)
- 1 teaspoon coconut essence (optional)
- 350 g flour
- 70 g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the filling:
- Pitted cherries from a jar (about 5-6 cherries per pie)
- 12 tablespoons cherry syrup from the jar
- 10 g cornstarch
- 12 teaspoons butter (for topping)
- 12 teaspoons granulated sugar (for topping)

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 190°C (375°F). This will ensure that your pies bake evenly and turn golden and delicious.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease a muffin tin with butter or oil, making sure all the cups are well coated. This will prevent the dough from sticking and make it easier to remove the pies after baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. These dry ingredients will form the base of your dough.

In another bowl, cream the butter with the brown sugar and vanilla sugar until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. Add the egg and continue mixing, then incorporate the Vermouth and coconut essence.

Once the wet ingredients are well combined, add the dry ingredient mixture and mix until a homogeneous dough forms. Set aside a portion of the dough for later use.

Step 4: Form the Pies

On a floured surface, roll out the remaining dough to about 5 mm thick. Use a 7-9 cm round cutter to cut circles from the dough. Place the circles into the muffin cups, gently raising the edges to form a small "nest" for the filling.

Step 5: Fill the Pies

Place 5-6 cherries in each dough "nest." In a small bowl, mix the cherry syrup with the cornstarch, then pour a tablespoon of this mixture over the cherries in each pie. This will help thicken the filling and prevent the juice from leaking during baking.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Tear pieces from the reserved dough and break them into small bits. Scatter these pieces over the filling for a rustic look. Add a teaspoon of butter and a teaspoon of sugar on top of each pie for a delicious topping.

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pies for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

After baking, let the pies cool completely before removing them from the pan. This will allow the dough to set, making them easier to remove.

Helpful Tips

- Choosing Cherries: If you don’t have jarred cherries, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to sweeten them a bit, as they may be more tart.
- Variations: You can try substituting cherries with other seasonal fruits, like cherries or raspberries, for a different experience.
- Serving: These pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can also enjoy them alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Nutritional Benefits

These chocolate pies are not only delicious but can also offer some nutritional benefits. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, contributing to better immunity. Cocoa, on the other hand, contains flavonoids that may improve heart health. However, moderation is key, considering the amount of sugar and fat in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of alcohol?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of wine or liqueurs that complement the flavors of chocolate and cherries.

2. How can I store the pies?
These pies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. How can I enhance the flavor?
By adding a few drops of almond essence or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough mixture, you can introduce a fragrant and interesting note.

Conclusion

Chocolate cherry pies are a versatile dessert, perfect for any occasion. With a blend of flavors and textures, they are sure to become your new favorites. So put on your apron and start your culinary adventure! Don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 100 g butter 100 g brown sugar 1 packet bourbon vanilla sugar 1 egg 100 ml vermouth 1 teaspoon coconut essence 350 g flour 70 g cocoa powder teaspoon baking powder teaspoon baking sodaFor the filling pitted sour cherries from compote 12 tablespoons juice from the sour cherry compote 10 g food starch 12 teaspoons butter 12 teaspoons granulated sugar

 Tags:  the plates chocolate sour cherries