Cherry Tarts Recipe – Sweet and Tangy Treats

In terms of culinary delights, few dishes whisper comfort quite like cherry tarts. You’ll find that this recipe doesn’t just highlight the vibrant flavor of tart cherries—it transforms it into a symphony of sweet and tangy notes. By mastering the perfect flaky crust and luscious filling, you’re setting the stage for a dessert that can enhance any occasion. But before you reach for the cherries, there are some essential tips and insights that could make your journey in tart-making much smoother.

Key Takeaways

• Combine flour, salt, and sugar with shortening to create a flaky crust for cherry tarts.
• Use fresh or canned tart cherries, such as Montmorency, for a sweet and tangy filling.
• Mix cherry juice with sugar and cornstarch for a smooth, thickened filling.
• Bake tarts at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh, enjoying the vibrant cherry flavors.

History

The history of cherry tarts is deeply rooted in early American baking, dating back to when European settlers introduced their fondness for pies in the New World. Cherries, especially tart varieties like Montmorency, became a staple in regions where the fruit thrived, such as Michigan and the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, the Bakewell tart has a similar cultural significance in its own right, showcasing the importance of fruit-based desserts in culinary traditions.

• By the early 1900s, Michigan established a commercial tart cherry industry, with significant production along Lake Michigan.

• Traverse City Canning Company began shipping cherries to cities like Chicago and Detroit, marking the first cherry processing facility.

• In 1893, the first commercial cherry orchards were planted on Ridgewood Farm near Traverse City.

Cherry pie, and by extension cherry tarts, gained cultural significance, symbolizing love and nostalgia in American folklore. The legend of George Washington and his cherry tree links cherries to themes of honesty and integrity.

National Cherry Pie Day, celebrated on February 20th, honors this beloved dessert, emphasizing its popularity during all seasons, thanks to canned cherries.

Today, cherry tarts reflect regional traditions and the enduring legacy of cherries in American cuisine. They remain a cherished dessert that brings comfort and happiness, embodying the spirit of home cooking.

Recipe

Cherry Tarts Recipe

Cherry tarts are a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavor of cherries with a flaky, buttery crust. This classic recipe is perfect for special occasions or simply for indulging your sweet tooth. Whether you use fresh cherries when they’re in season or canned cherries for convenience, these tarts are sure to impress family and friends alike. Canned, frozen, or fresh cherries can be used year-round, making these tarts a versatile choice for any time of the year.

The combination of the cherry filling and the golden-brown pastry creates a beautiful and delicious treat that’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Creating cherry tarts may seem intimidating at first, but with this straightforward recipe, you’ll find it easier than you think! The process begins with preparing the pie dough, which serves as the foundation for your delicious filling. After letting the dough rest in the fridge, you’ll prepare the cherry filling with a balance of sweetness and brightness.

In the end, assemble the tarts and bake them to perfection. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have scrumptious cherry tarts ready to share.

Ingredients:
– 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup shortening
– 4 to 5 tablespoons cold water
– Fresh or canned cherries (2 cans for 14-1/2 ounces each)
– Sugar (to taste)
– Cornstarch (for thickening)
– Butter (to taste)
– Almond extract (optional)
– Food coloring (optional, for coloring the filling)
– A beaten egg (for brushing on crust)

Instructions:
Begin by mixing together the flour, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in the shortening until you achieve pea-sized crumbs. Gradually sprinkle in the cold water while mixing until the dough forms a ball. Chill the dough in the fridge for about an hour while you prepare the filling.

In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Drain the cherries, reserving one cup of the juice, and stir this juice into the sugar mixture until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened, then remove it from heat and mix in the cherries, butter, almond extract, and food coloring if desired.

Roll out the chilled dough into 8-inch round circles, spoon 1/4 cup of the filling onto the center of each circle, gently fold the crust over the cherries, and pleat as needed. Brush the tarts with a beaten egg and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Tips:
For best results, make sure to use very cold water and shortening when preparing the dough to guarantee a flaky crust. You can also experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in your filling for added flavor.

If you’re using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them and slice them in half before adding them to the filling mix. Finally, serving the tarts warm amplifies their flavors, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Enjoy your cherry tarts!

Final Thoughts

Enjoying cherry tarts is more than just savoring a delicious dessert; it’s an experience that highlights the beauty of seasonal fruits and simple baking techniques.

These tarts aren’t only versatile but also celebrate the best of summer by utilizing fresh cherries. You can make them in various forms and sizes, suited for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinners. Additionally, the recipe allows for individual servings which enhances enjoyment.

Here are a few key points to remember for ideal cherry tarts:

• Chill the dough: Allow it to rest for at least an hour for easier handling.
• Use fresh cherries: They provide superior flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
• Mind your baking temperature****: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for optimal results.
• Mix the filling well: Combine cherries with sugar and cornstarch for even distribution.
• Don’t overwork the dough: This helps maintain a flaky crust.

You can enjoy these tarts warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature, adapting them based on your taste preferences.

With a straightforward recipe and endless variations, cherry tarts are bound to become a beloved seasonal staple in your kitchen.

FAQ

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Steering through the world of cherry tarts can raise a few questions, especially if you’re new to this delightful dessert.

Here’s a quick FAQ to help you out.

What are the main ingredients?
You’ll need flour, shortening, water, cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Additionally, if you’re making a cheesecake tart, you may also need cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract.

How do I prepare the crust?
1. Mix flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add water gradually until a dough ball forms.
4. Chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour before rolling out.

What’s the baking temperature?
Bake tarts at either 400°F for 20-25 minutes or 450°F for 10-11 minutes, depending on your recipe.

Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! You can use cherry pie filling, fresh cherries, or even a custard filling with cherries.

What should I do after baking?
Allow the tarts to cool before serving. You can serve them immediately or refrigerate them for later use.

These answers should help you tackle your cherry tart-making journey confidently!

Enjoy baking this sweet and tangy treat.