Cherry tarts are a delightful treat, perfect for when you want the sweet and tangy flavor of cherry pie without the commitment of making an entire pie. These individual servings are not only delicious but also make for an elegant presentation on any dessert table.
Cherry Tarts Recipe:
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Yield: 8 tarts
Ingredients:
For the Tart Shells:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Make the Tart Shells:
- In a food processor, pulse together the flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and pulse until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles larger than the tart tins. Press the dough gently into the tins, trim any excess, and prick the bottoms with a fork.
- Chill the tart shells for another 10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, and lemon zest. Cook until the mixture is thickened and the cherries have released their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Bake the Tart Shells:
- Line the tart shells with parchment paper and fill with baking beans.
- Blind bake the shells for 10 minutes, then remove the beans and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
- Fill the Tarts:
- Spoon the cherry filling into the baked tart shells.
- Bake the Cherry Tarts:
- Bake for another 5-10 minutes until the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tarts to cool in the tins for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cherry tarts, with their flaky crust and juicy filling, are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. They’re perfect for an afternoon tea, a festive occasion, or even as a luxurious everyday treat. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy your homemade cherry tarts, which are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike!