With so many ways to enjoy fresh cherries, these cherry tarts are one of my favorites. They can be served warm or chilled, and we like them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chocolate shavings.
Ingredients:
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
procedure:
Tart Crust:
1. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt to combine.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
5. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Cherry Filling:
1. In a bowl, combine the halved cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss to coat the cherries evenly. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Assembling the Tarts:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled tart dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Cut out rounds from the dough using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass. Press the rounds into the cavities of a muffin tin, gently shaping the dough to fit the molds.
4. Divide the cherry filling among the tart shells.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once the tarts are completely cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
These homemade cherry tarts are perfect for enjoying as a sweet treat on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of buttery crust and juicy cherry filling is simply irresistible!
