The Cherry Tart recipe you’ve shared is a delightful blend of British inspiration and classic pastry technique, perfect for impressing friends and family alike with its Pavlova-like topping and delicious cherry filling. Originating from England, this recipe combines the ease of preparation with a stunning presentation, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight treats and special occasions.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Cherry Tart
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Description: An open cherry pie with a Pavlova-like topping, easy to make and sure to wow your guests.
- Recipe Category: Pie
- Keywords: Dessert, Fruit, European, Kid Friendly, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy
- Yield: 1 pie
Ingredients
The ingredients list includes pantry staples and a few specialized items for creating the perfect pastry and filling:
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Pastry:
- Plain flour
- Salt
- Icing sugar
- Cornflour
- Margarine
- Water
- Egg yolk (for binding)
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Filling:
- Cherries (fresh, pitted)
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Ground almonds
- Almond essence
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on the recipe’s yield):
- Calories: 656.7
- Total Fat: 38.1g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 109.1mg
- Sodium: 141.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 70.3g
- Fiber: 4.8g
- Sugars: 32.2g
- Protein: 10.7g
Instructions
This recipe is broken down into clear steps to ensure each component—from the pastry to the filling—is prepared with care to achieve the best results:
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Prepare the Pastry: Start by sifting together the dry ingredients—flour, salt, icing sugar, and cornflour. Rub in the margarine (or mixed lard/margarine) until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Bind it together with egg yolk and water, knead lightly, then roll out.
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Blind Bake the Pastry: Line a 9-inch pie dish with the rolled out pastry. Bake blind (pre-baking the pastry without filling) at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes to ensure a crisp crust.
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Prepare the Filling: While the pastry bakes, prepare the cherry filling. Arrange the pitted cherries in the pre-baked pastry case.
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Make the Topping: Mix sugar, eggs, ground almonds, and almond essence until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the cherries.
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Bake to Perfection: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake the tart for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cherry tart hot or cold, accompanied by cream and/or ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Baking Tips
- Baking Blind: This technique involves lining the pastry with baking paper filled with baking beans or split peas. This prevents the pastry from puffing up and ensures an even, crisp crust.
- Flavor Variations: Consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the filling or sprinkling flaked almonds on top for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Cherry Tart recipe not only promises a delicious outcome but also invites you to enjoy the process of baking. From its origins in England to your kitchen, this dessert encapsulates the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a centerpiece for a gathering, this tart is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire, showcasing the timeless appeal of fruit-filled pastries with a delightful twist.
