Kick off your week with this delectable puff pastry tart filled with creamy custard and topped with luscious syrup-soaked cherries. This dessert is a delightful fusion of crispy, golden puff pastry and smooth, rich custard, complemented by the tangy sweetness of cherries. Simple to prepare yet irresistibly delicious, this tart is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This: This puff pastry tart offers a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors. The flaky, buttery pastry encases a velvety custard that’s bursting with vanilla and a hint of rum, creating a luxurious filling. The cherries add a delightful pop of color and a burst of tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the custard. Easy to make with ready-made puff pastry, this dessert is perfect for those who want to create something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Occasion: This tart is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special breakfast, a festive brunch, or a delightful dessert to end a meal. It’s particularly suited for gatherings where you want to offer a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Serve it at family get-togethers, holiday celebrations, or casual coffee afternoons with friends.
Decoration Tips: To give your tart a professional finish, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top just before serving. For an extra touch of elegance, you can add a few fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. If you want to enhance the cherry flavor, drizzle a bit of the cherry syrup over the top or around the edges of the plate.
Ingredients:
- For the tart:
- 2 packs of round puff pastry, ready-made
- Milk for brushing the surface
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
- Syrup-soaked cherries (quantity as desired)
- For the custard:
- 500ml milk
- 50g cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 2 whole eggs
- 100g sugar
- Vanilla essence to taste
- 1/2 cup rum
Instructions:
- Prepare the custard: In a saucepan, whisk the eggs with the sugar until pale and creamy. Add the vanilla essence, rum, and cornstarch, mixing well. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously. Place the saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a tart pan with one sheet of puff pastry, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up. Pour the cooled custard into the tart shell and spread evenly. Add the syrup-soaked cherries on top, drizzling a bit of their syrup for added flavor.
- Cover the tart: Cut the second sheet of puff pastry into a slightly smaller circle to cover the tart. Seal the edges by pressing the two layers of pastry together. Brush the top with milk and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Adjust the baking time according to your oven.
- Cool and serve: Let the tart cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy this delightful Puff Pastry Tart with Custard and Cherries, a perfect blend of creamy and crispy that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!