Cherry pie

Cherry tart: a delicacy that combines the juicy sweetness of the fruits with a creamy texture and a flaky crust, perfect for those who love refined desserts. This recipe is not only simple but also offers the opportunity to experiment with flavors and ingredients, bringing a touch of joy to every slice. Additionally, the cherry tart is ideal for serving on special occasions or simply as a personal indulgence after a long day.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 100 g flour
- 20 g starch
- 1 egg
- 3 g sugar
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 70 g butter (melted and cooled)

For the filling:
- 1 small glass of sugar (approximately 150 g)
- 2 eggs (1 yolk and 1 white)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 30 g starch
- 500 g cheese (preferably 250 g cottage cheese and 250 g fine cheese)
- 60 g butter (melted)
- 500 g cherries (juicy, pitted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the crust
Start by combining the flour with the baking powder and starch in a large bowl. This mixture will contribute to the slightly crumbly texture of the crust, essential for a delicious tart. Then add the egg, sugar, and melted butter. Use your hands to incorporate the ingredients, forming a homogeneous dough. Don’t worry if the dough seems a bit crumbly; that’s a good sign!

Step 2: Chilling the dough
Once you have the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step is crucial to give the dough the perfect consistency so that it doesn’t deform during baking.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the melted butter with the sugar, essences, orange and lemon zest, egg yolks, starch, and cheese. Use a spatula or a spoon to mix everything together. If you prefer a less fine texture, mixing by hand is perfect.

Step 4: Beating the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and lemon juice until foamy. This step will add a slight aeration to your filling. Once the egg whites are ready, gently fold them into the cheese mixture using a spatula and mixing from the bottom up to avoid losing volume.

Step 5: Preparing the cherries
Remove the pits from the cherries and place them in a bowl with 1 glass of sugar, letting them sit for a few minutes to release their juice. After they have rested, drain the cherries well. This step will prevent the tart from becoming too wet.

Step 6: Assembling the tart
Prepare a cake pan by lining it with parchment paper. Take ¾ of the chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface, forming a disc that fits your pan. Use the cake pan to cut out a circle from the dough. Place the circle in the pan, and from the remaining dough, form a rope to place around the edge of the pan to create a crust.

Step 7: Filling and baking
Spread the cheese mixture in the tart pan, then carefully place the drained cherries on top. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the tart for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, but after 40-50 minutes, brush the surface with a beaten egg yolk to achieve a golden color and an appetizing appearance.

Step 8: Cooling and serving
Once the tart is ready, let it cool completely before slicing. It can be served cold, with a drizzle of cherry syrup on top for added flavor. This tart is perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of sweet white wine for an unforgettable combination.

Helpful tips for a perfect result
1. Choose fresh cherries: Buy juicy cherries, preferably from local sources, to ensure an intense flavor.
2. Use room temperature ingredients: When preparing the filling, it’s better for the cheese and butter to be at room temperature for even mixing.
3. Add cinnamon: A teaspoon of cinnamon in the filling can add a note of warmth and complexity.
4. Experiment with other fruits: You can replace the cherries with cherries or blueberries for a different version of the tart.
5. Storage: If you have leftover tart, keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered, to maintain its freshness.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? Yes, but make sure it is well drained to avoid excess moisture.
- How can I make the tart less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and choose more tart cherries.
- What other desserts can I try? If you enjoy the combination of flaky crust and fruit fillings, try apple tart or cheesecake with berries.

This cherry tart is not only a delicious dessert but also a perfect way to bring a touch of joy to everyday life. Enjoy every slice and cherish the time spent in the kitchen!