Cherry Tart

Cherry tart: a summer delight

Baking is an art form and cherry tart is a masterpiece in itself. This recipe, perfect for warm summer days, brings a splash of freshness and a burst of flavors in every slice. Juicy cherries paired with a tender crust transform any meal into a feast. In this recipe, I'll show you step by step how to make a delicious tart that your friends and family will love.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 g Unirea margarine (60% fat)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- Flour and butter for lining the pan

For the filling:
- 250 ml cream (I recommend homemade cream, 100% fat)
- 170 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 whole egg
- 1 yolk
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 plate of pitted cherries

Step by step: preparing the tart

Step 1: Prepare the dough. Start by taking a large bowl and add the flour along with the salt. This is the beginning of a perfect base for your tart. Add the cold margarine and, using your fingertips, knead until the mixture is sandy. It is essential not to overwork the dough to get a tender crust.

Step 2: Prepare the liquids. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the lemon juice and water. This will add a touch of tartness that will counterbalance the sweetness of the cherries. Once you have a smooth mixture, add it to the flour and margarine mixture.

Step 3: Framming the dough. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding flour until it becomes smooth and easy to shape. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Then form the dough into a ball, wrap in clingfilm and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is crucial to allow the fat to cool and the dough to become easier to roll out.

Step 4: Prepare the tray. Choose a tart pan with a removable bottom. Grease it with butter to prevent sticking and coat it with flour, making sure all corners are coated. This simple trick will save your tart from a nasty dismantling moment.

Step 5: Bake the top. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface, taking care to get an even thickness. Carefully transfer the batter to the pan, trimming excess batter from the edges. Spread the dough with a fork from place to place to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pastry for 10 minutes, until light golden.

Step 6: Prepare the filling. While the cake is baking, start preparing the filling. In a bowl, combine the sugar, vanilla sugar, cream, salt, egg yolk and egg. Mix until smooth and creamy. Next, add the pitted cherries and stir gently with a spoon, being careful not to crush the fruit.

Step 7: Assemble the tart. Once the pastry is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the filling mixture over it. Spread the filling evenly to ensure every bite is equally delicious.

Step 8: Final baking. Place the tart back in the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, until the filling is set and has turned a golden hue. This is when the delicious cherry flavor will fill the entire kitchen.

Step 9: Cool and serve. Once baked, allow the tart to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully loosen the edges of the mold and transfer the tart to a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast.

Helpful hints:

- Fresh cherries are ideal, but you can also use frozen cherries. Be sure to let them thaw and drain well before adding them to the filling.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace the margarine with butter and the white sugar with coconut sugar or honey.
- Add some ground nuts to the filling for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are high in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and are low in calories. They contribute to heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Cherry tart can be a great choice for a light dessert, ideal for summer.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, you can experiment with peaches, plums or apples. Each variation will bring a unique flavor.

2. How long can I keep the tart?
The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but I recommend eating it freshly baked to enjoy its authentic taste.

3. Is it possible to make the tart gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but be sure to follow the instructions on the packet to get the right texture.

I invite you to try this cherry tart recipe and enjoy every bite! It's a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth, but will also remind you of warm summer days. Enjoy!