Cherry Delight Tarts

Cherry Delight Tarts

Cherry Delight Tarts are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. These charming, individual tarts combine a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious cherry filling that is both sweet and slightly tart. The moment you take a bite, you’ll be greeted with the irresistible flavors of fresh cherries, enhanced by lemon juice to brighten every mouthful. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply treating yourself, these tarts will evoke feelings of joy and indulgence, making them worth every minute in the kitchen. With a Recipe format and Step-by-Step instructions, you’ll find that this delightful dessert is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you more time to enjoy the smiles of your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of Cherry Delight Tarts lies not only in their exquisite taste but also in their simplicity. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor. With just a handful of common pantry staples, you’ll be whisking up something truly special without breaking a sweat. These tarts are family-friendly, meaning you can invite your children or loved ones to join in the fun. They’re also quick to prepare, allowing you to whip up a batch in under an hour, giving you more time to share these treats or savor them yourself.

Ingredients for Cherry Delight Tarts

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Offering a lovely base for a flaky, tender crust.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed – Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – Adds a delicate sweetness to the crust.
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water – Helps to bind the dough together.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted – The star of the show, providing a burst of flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances the tartness of the cherries.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Thickens the filling for the perfect consistency.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Enhances the cherry flavor and adds brightness.
• 1/4 cup water – Needed to create the filling.
• Whipped cream – A luscious topping that adds creaminess.
• Fresh cherries for garnish – Elevates the presentation and taste.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheating the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tarts cook evenly and achieve that golden-brown crust.

2. Preparing the Tart Pan: Lightly grease a tart pan or mini tart pans to prevent sticking. This step is essential to ensure easy removal once the tarts are baked.

3. Making the Tart Shells: In a food processor, combine the flour, chilled cubed butter, and sugar. Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This helps to incorporate the butter into the flour without overworking it. Gradually add the cold water, pulsing one tablespoon at a time until the dough starts to come together.

4. Rolling the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times until smooth. Roll the dough out to fit your tart pan(s). Carefully press the rolled dough into the pan, trimming any excess.

5. Preparing for Baking: Prick the bottom of your tart shell with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake the shells for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once ready, set them aside to cool.

6. Creating the Cherry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Cook while stirring gently until the mixture thickens, and the cherries release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

7. Assembling the Tarts: Spoon the cooled cherry filling into the tart shells, dividing it evenly. Top each tart with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh cherries for a vibrant touch.

8. Serving: These delectable Cherry Delight Tarts can be served chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion.

Tips & Tricks

• Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your butter is chilled. This creates a flakier crust. You can also chill your mixing bowl and utensils for even better results.
• Customize Your Filling: While cherries are delicious, feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a fruit medley.
• Lemon Zest Twist: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling will give it an extra pop of flavor.
• Extra Sweetness: If you prefer your tarts sweeter, adjust the sugar in the filling. However, keep in mind that the natural sweetness of the cherries is a highlight of this dish!
• Storage Tips: If you have leftover tarts, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Cherry Delight Tarts can be elegantly plated with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa for an added touch. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Pair them with a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea to complement the fruity flavors stunningly. They also make a wonderful treat when enjoyed with coffee during brunch gatherings, making every moment feel special.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in Cherry Delight Tarts, you might wonder about their nutritional value. Each tart has roughly 250 calories, with the following breakdown:

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugars: 15g

Enjoying tarts like this is an occasional indulgence, but they provide happiness in every bite. Pairing them with fresh fruits can allow for a balanced dessert option.

Storing Tips & Variations for Cherry Delight Tarts

To ensure freshness, store any uneaten Cherry Delight Tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer preservation, these tarts can be frozen. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

For those looking to create healthier swaps, consider using whole wheat flour for added fiber or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option. For variations, experiment with different fruit fillings like seasonal berries or even a mix of apples and cherries for a unique twist.

Conclusion for Cherry Delight Tarts

Now that you’ve experienced the joy of Cherry Delight Tarts through this delightful recipe, it’s time to bring a bit of sweetness into your kitchen. This recipe embodies the perfect balance of flavors and the joy of baking. Make these tarts soon, and you’ll be sharing smiles and flavors that your family and friends will savor!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work beautifully in this recipe! Ensure they are pitted and slightly thawed before using.

2. How can I tell when the tart shells are done baking?
The tart shells are done once they turn a golden brown. Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

3. Do I have to use whipped cream for topping?
No, while whipped cream adds a lovely texture and flavor, you can also use a dusting of powdered sugar or serve with ice cream.

4. Can I prepare the tarts in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tart shells and filling in advance. Assemble them right before serving for the best results.

5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
For best results, store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Cherry Delight Tarts

Cherry Delight Tarts are a delightful dessert combining a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious cherry filling, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 tarts

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Tart Shell

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Offering a lovely base for a flaky, tender crust.
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, chilled and cubed Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar Adds a delicate sweetness to the crust.
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water Helps to bind the dough together.

For the Cherry Filling

• 1.5 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted The star of the show, providing a burst of flavor.
• 0.5 cups granulated sugar Balances the tartness of the cherries.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the filling for the perfect consistency.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Enhances the cherry flavor and adds brightness.
• 0.25 cups water Needed to create the filling.

For Serving

• Whipped cream A luscious topping that adds creaminess.
• Fresh cherries for garnish Elevates the presentation and taste.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a tart pan or mini tart pans to prevent sticking.
3. In a food processor, combine the flour, chilled cubed butter, and sugar. Pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add cold water, pulsing one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently until smooth, and roll it out to fit your tart pan(s).
6. Prick the bottom of the tart shell with a fork to prevent bubbling.
7. Bake the shells for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Making the Filling

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water.
2. Cook, stirring gently, until the mixture thickens and cherries release juices, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assembly

1. Spoon the cooled cherry filling into the tart shells evenly.
2. Top each tart with a generous dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh cherries.

Serving

1. These tarts can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use cold ingredients for a flakier crust. Customize filling with other fruits if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.