There’s something magical about cherry tartlets that makes them a must-have at every gathering. Imagine the sweet-tart burst of cherries nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, emerging from the oven like little jewels beckoning you to indulge. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, instantly transporting you to sun-drenched orchards where the cherries were plucked at their peak ripeness.
These delightful morsels are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just treating yourself on a Thursday evening because why not? Cherry tartlets don’t just please the palate; they evoke memories of family gatherings and laughter, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cherry tartlets are surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing even novice bakers to shine.
- The flavor profile balances sweet and tart perfectly, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy.
- Their vibrant red color adds stunning visual appeal to any dessert table.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed warm or cold, making them suitable for any season!
I still remember the first time I made cherry tartlets; my friends devoured them in minutes and declared me a culinary genius.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe cherries for that perfect sweet-tart balance; pitting can be therapeutic if you’re into that sort of thing.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best for creating a flaky crust; it’s the foundation of your pastry magic.
Unsalted Butter: Use chilled butter for optimal flakiness in your crust; trust me, it makes all the difference.
Sugar: A little sweetness enhances the natural flavors of the cherries; adjust based on your taste.
Vanilla Extract: For an aromatic boost that complements the cherries beautifully; it’s like a warm hug in liquid form.
Salt: A pinch helps balance out sweetness and enhance flavors; don’t skip this crucial step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Tartlets
Prepare Your Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in chilled butter using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water gradually until dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that flaky texture everyone loves.
Make Cherry Filling: While waiting for the dough, pit and slice fresh cherries into halves. In a bowl, mix cherries with sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
Roll Out Dough: After chilling, roll out your dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut circles large enough to fit into your tartlet pans—think of them as little pastry frisbees!
Assemble Tartlets: Gently press dough circles into tartlet pans. Fill each crust with the cherry mixture while ensuring an even distribution of fruit for that perfect bite every time.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place tartlets in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. The smell wafting from your oven will be simply irresistible!
Now you have perfectly baked cherry tartlets that are sure to impress friends and family alike! Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or allow them to cool completely for an elegant dessert display!
You Must Know
- Mastering Cherry Tartlets can transform your dessert game.
- The balance of tart cherries and sweet pastry creates a delightful treat.
- Plus, they are perfect for impressing guests at any gathering!
- Enjoy the summer vibe with every delicious bite.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the pastry. Once chilled, roll it out and fill your tartlet pans. While they’re baking, prepare the cherry filling to ensure everything is fresh and warm when served.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding almond extract to your filling for an unexpected twist. You can also swap out cherries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches to keep things exciting throughout the seasons.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a low oven to restore their flaky texture before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly flaky pastry, ensure all ingredients are cold before mixing.
- Blind-bake your crust slightly to prevent sogginess.
- Always taste your cherry filling; balancing sweetness is key for flavor perfection.
Sharing my first attempt at making Cherry Tartlets brings laughter. I mistook salt for sugar, resulting in a hilariously disastrous yet memorable dessert that my friends still joke about today!
FAQ
How do I make the pastry for Cherry Tartlets?
Use flour, butter, sugar, and water; mix until crumbly then chill before rolling out.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work well; just drain excess liquid before using them in the filling.
What can I serve with Cherry Tartlets?
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Cherry Tartlets
Cherry Tartlets are a delightful dessert that features sweet-tart cherries nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for any occasion, these mini tarts evoke cherished memories and warm feelings with every bite. Easy to make, they are sure to impress your family and friends while adding a splash of vibrant color to your dessert table. Enjoy them warm or cold, with or without a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water until the dough forms. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the cherry filling by mixing pitted cherries with sugar and vanilla extract.
- Roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thick and cut circles for tartlet pans.
- Press dough into pans, fill with cherry mixture, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cherry tartlet (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating almond extract into the cherry filling. Swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches for seasonal variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in a low oven.
