I’m thrilled to share with you my refined recipe for a Cherry Puff Pastry Tart. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a culinary masterpiece that combines the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the sweet-tart allure of cherries, all elevated by subtle flavor accents that make it truly extraordinary.
The puff pastry tart has a rich history in French cuisine, dating back to the 17th century. This recipe takes that classic concept and gives it a modern twist with the addition of green tea powder and a strawberry puree, creating a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
What sets this Cherry Puff Pastry Tart apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The light, airy puff pastry provides a delicate base for the luscious cherry filling. The flaked almonds add a pleasant crunch, while the optional dusting of green tea powder introduces a subtle earthy note that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cherries.
As we delve into this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step, sharing insider tips and techniques I’ve honed over years of perfecting this dish. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create a dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates and make any occasion feel special.
Ingredients
For this delectable Cherry Puff Pastry Tart that serves 6-8 people, you’ll need:
- 500g (17.6 oz) puff pastry dough
- 400g (14 oz) cherries, pitted
- 30g (2 tbsp) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 50g (3.5 tbsp) water
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2-3 tbsp flaked almonds, for topping
- 1 tsp green tea powder (matcha), for dusting (optional)
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Cherry Filling
Let’s start by getting our oven ready and preparing our luscious cherry filling:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Ensure the rack is in the middle position for even baking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 400g of pitted cherries, 30g of granulated sugar, 1 tbsp of corn starch, and 50g of water.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the cherry mixture from heat and set aside to cool slightly. The filling will continue to thicken as it cools.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Now, let’s get our puff pastry ready:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your 500g of puff pastry dough into a rectangle approximately 35x25cm (14×10 inches).
- As you roll, periodically lift and turn the dough to ensure it’s not sticking to the surface. If it starts to stick, dust with a little more flour.
- Once you’ve achieved the desired size, carefully transfer the pastry to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the dough becomes too warm during this process, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
3. Assemble the Tart
Time to bring it all together:
- Spread the cooled cherry mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 2cm (3/4 inch) border around the edges. Use an offset spatula for even distribution.
- Gently fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a border. This not only looks attractive but also helps contain the filling.
- In a small bowl, beat one large egg. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the beaten egg over the folded edges of the pastry. This egg wash will give the crust a beautiful golden shine when baked.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of flaked almonds over the top of the tart, focusing particularly on the border. The almonds will toast as the tart bakes, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
4. Bake the Tart
Now for the magical transformation in the oven:
- Place the tart in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Keep an eye on your tart as it bakes. You’re looking for the pastry to become golden brown and puffed up around the edges.
- If you notice any areas browning too quickly, you can cover them with small pieces of aluminum foil.
5. Finish and Serve
The final touches that elevate this tart from delicious to extraordinary:
- Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- If desired, lightly dust the tart with green tea powder (matcha) using a fine-mesh sieve. This not only adds a beautiful color contrast but also introduces a subtle earthy flavor that complements the sweet cherries.
- Cut the tart into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference and the number of servings desired.
- Serve the tart warm, optionally with a drizzle of strawberry puree on the side or over the top. The fruity acidity of the strawberry puree beautifully balances the richness of the pastry and the sweetness of the cherry filling.
Nutrition Information
This Cherry Puff Pastry Tart recipe serves 6-8 people. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g
Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just created a Cherry Puff Pastry Tart that’s not just a dessert, but a work of art. This tart is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will delight the senses and impress anyone fortunate enough to taste it.
What makes this tart truly special is the attention to detail in every component. The flaky, buttery puff pastry provides a perfect canvas for the star of the show – the luscious cherry filling. The addition of flaked almonds brings a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while the optional green tea powder and strawberry puree elevate the tart from delicious to extraordinary, adding subtle flavor notes and visual appeal.
Remember, the key to a perfect puff pastry tart lies in temperature control. Keep your pastry cold until it’s ready to go into the oven, and make sure your oven is fully preheated. This ensures that your pastry will puff up beautifully, creating those heavenly, flaky layers.
This Cherry Puff Pastry Tart is incredibly versatile. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion dessert, yet simple enough for a weekend treat. It can be served as is for a delightful afternoon tea, or dressed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert.
As you savor each bite of this exquisite tart, take a moment to appreciate the interplay of flavors and textures you’ve created. The buttery crunch of the pastry, the sweet-tart burst of the cherries, the nutty crunch of the almonds, and the subtle earthy notes of the green tea powder all come together in perfect harmony.
So gather your loved ones, pour a cup of your favorite tea or coffee, and enjoy your homemade Cherry Puff Pastry Tart. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the sweet things in life. Bon appétit!
