Irresistible Cherry Tart with a Crumbly Topping

Dive into the delightful flavors of this Irresistible Cherry Tart, a perfect blend of sweet and tart cherries encased in a buttery, flaky crust, and topped with a crumbly mixture of nuts and spices. This tart’s rich filling and crunchy topping create a wonderful contrast that makes every bite a treat for the senses.

Why You’ll Love This: The combination of juicy cherries with a hint of cinnamon and the buttery crust offers a timeless flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. The crumbly topping adds a delightful texture, enhancing the overall eating experience. This tart is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.

Perfect Occasion: This cherry tart is perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a special treat to enjoy on a cozy weekend. It’s also a fantastic choice for summer picnics or potlucks, where its refreshing taste can be enjoyed under the sun.

Decoration Tips: For a beautiful finish, sprinkle sliced almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts on top before baking to add an extra crunch. Once baked and cooled, a dusting of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives the tart a sophisticated look.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 150g butter, room temperature
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 1 cup sugar

For the Filling:

• 1 jar of cherry preserves or frozen cherries
• 1 packet vanilla pudding mix (37g)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• A pinch of cinnamon

For the Crumbly Topping:

• Reserved dough
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Optional: sliced almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the butter, flour, egg, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and sugar. Knead until the dough is smooth. Reserve a mandarin-sized piece of dough for the topping.
   • On a floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of about 5mm. Grease a tart pan with butter and carefully lay the dough in the pan, forming a slight edge around the sides.
   • Prick the base and sides of the dough with a fork.
2. Make the Filling:
   • Drain the cherries, reserving the juice. In a saucepan, combine one cup of the cherry juice with the vanilla pudding mix and sugar, and bring to a simmer. Add the cherries and reduce heat.
   • Cook until the mixture thickens. Stir in a pinch of cinnamon and remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Tart:
   • Sprinkle some sliced almonds or nuts at the bottom of the crust if using. Pour the cherry mixture over the crust.
   • Mix the reserved dough with two tablespoons of flour and crumble it over the cherry filling. Top with more almonds or nuts if desired.
4. Bake the Tart:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the tart for about 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the tart to cool in the pan before removing. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
   • Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Enjoy! This cherry tart offers a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a delightful texture contrast from the crumbly topping, making it a must-try dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite.