Cherry and Walnut Tart

Cherry and walnut tart - a classic delicacy, perfect for indulgent moments or to impress guests. This recipe combines the tart flavor of cherries with the crunchy texture of walnuts, creating a dessert that will transport you to pleasant memories. Let's explore each step of preparing this tart together, adding some useful tips and interesting information to achieve a truly perfect result!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Necessary ingredients

- 220 g margarine (ideal for baking)
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 10 drops of lemon essence
- 11-12 tablespoons flour (heaped)
- 100 g roasted, chopped walnuts
- 1 jar of pitted cherries (approximately 400 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg (for brushing the tart)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Nutritional information

This tart contains, on average, 250-300 calories per serving. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, while walnuts provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals, making this dessert not only delicious but also nutritious.

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the soft margarine and sugar. Mix well with a spatula or mixer until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. It is important that the margarine is at room temperature for proper incorporation.
2. Adding the yolks: Incorporate the 3 yolks, one at a time, mixing constantly. This step will help achieve a fine texture.
3. Flavoring: Add the grated lemon zest and lemon essence for extra flavor. These ingredients will enhance the taste of the tart.
4. Incorporating the flour: Start adding the flour, one tablespoon at a time. Mix well after each addition. You will obtain a crumbly dough, which is perfect for our tart.
5. Forming the dough balls: Divide the dough into two balls: one larger and one smaller. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This resting time will help the dough become easier to roll out.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the cherries: Remove the cherries from the jar and place them in a strainer. Let them drain well so they do not add excess moisture to the tart. If you prefer sweeter cherries, you can sprinkle them with a little sugar and let them macerate for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the tart

1. Rolling out the dough: Take the larger ball of dough out of the fridge. On a floured work surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3 mm. Make sure the dough fits the size of the tart pan you are using.
2. Forming the base: Grease the tart pan with margarine and dust it with flour. Place the rolled out dough in the pan, ensuring the edges are well covered.
3. Adding the walnuts: Evenly sprinkle the chopped roasted walnuts over the surface of the dough in the pan. The walnuts will add a crunchy texture and delicious flavor.
4. Adding the cherries: Place the cherries over the walnuts, spreading them evenly. If desired, you can also add a few drops of vanilla essence for an even more pleasant taste.

Step 4: Decorating and baking

1. Grating the dough: Take the smaller ball of dough out of the fridge. Use a grater with large holes to grate the dough over the cherries, creating a crunchy crust.
2. Brushing with egg: Beat a whole egg and, using a brush, lightly brush the surface of the tart. This step will help achieve a beautiful golden color during baking.
3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tart in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy. You will smell a pleasant aroma of cherries and walnuts throughout the kitchen!

Step 5: Cooling and serving

1. Cooling: After the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack.
2. Decorating: Once it has cooled completely, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.
3. Serving: The cherry and walnut tart can be served warm or cold. It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. You can also pair it with herbal tea or aromatic coffee for a perfect moment of relaxation.

Variations and suggestions

- Variations of the filling: You can experiment with other fruits, such as cherries, peaches, or blueberries, depending on the season. Each variation will bring a unique note to the tart.
- Enhancing the flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to intensify the flavor. These spices pair wonderfully with cherries and walnuts.
- Alternative flour: You can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour, adjusting the quantity according to the type of flour chosen.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to let them thaw and drain well before using them.
2. How do I store the tart? The tart can be stored at room temperature, covered, for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.
3. What other desserts can I try? If you enjoy the combination of nuts and fruits, you can also try an apple and walnut cake or a fruit crumble.

The cherry and walnut tart is a simple yet impressive recipe that will bring a touch of joy to every meal. I hope this recipe inspires you to try it and enjoy delicious results! Enjoy your meal!