Description
This Perfect Cherry Tart features a buttery almond-infused crust filled with a creamy, vanilla-scented custard and topped with fresh, juicy cherries. Baked until golden and set, this dessert balances sweet and tart flavors beautifully and is ideal for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 7 tablespoons sugar (scant ½ cup)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds or almond flour
For the Filling
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 eggs (fresh, at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Topping
- 1 pound cherries, pitted (fresh preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom by lightly greasing or lining it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cherries: Pit the cherries carefully and set them aside for topping the tart later.
- Make the Crust Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted and cooled butter with sugar. Stir in the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and finely ground almonds until a cohesive dough forms.
- Press Dough into Pan & Bake: Press the dough evenly into the base and sides of the prepared tart pan. Bake the crust in the oven for 15-18 minutes until it turns a golden brown color.
- Prepare Filling: Whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and flour in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Assemble Tart: Pour the custard filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then, arrange the pitted cherries evenly on top of the custard.
- Bake Tart: Return the tart to the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until the custard is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center indicating perfect texture.
- Cooling & Chilling: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, then chill it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to fully set before serving.
- Optional Serving Touch: Just before serving, dust the tart with powdered sugar and garnish with extra fresh cherries for enhanced presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is melted and cooled before mixing with sugar to prevent cooking the dough.
- Room temperature eggs help create a smooth custard filling.
- Using a tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easier to remove and serve the tart.
- Chilling the tart before serving improves texture and flavor consolidation.
- Substitute almond flour with finely ground hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor profile if desired.
