The sweet aroma of Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart wafts through the kitchen, immediately transporting you to a sunny afternoon picnic with friends. Each buttery bite combines the tartness of fresh cherries with a hint of vanilla, creating a delightful explosion of flavors that makes your taste buds dance. For more inspiration, check out this explore dinner recipes recipe.
This scrumptious treat is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Imagine sitting on your porch, savoring each slice while sipping iced tea and reminiscing about lazy afternoons spent in the sun. Trust me, this tart promises an unforgettable flavor experience you won’t want to miss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a perfect last-minute dessert option
- The combination of sweet cherries and creamy vanilla creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love
- Its beautiful appearance makes it an impressive centerpiece for any gathering
- Plus, it pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or ice cream for those who want to indulge!
One time, I made this tart for my friends’ barbecue, and they all asked for the recipe—talk about a crowd pleaser!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor and better texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps create that signature shortbread texture.
- Fresh Cherries: Select ripe cherries; their sweetness balances the tartness perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for an authentic flavor kick.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors in this delightful tart.
- Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Tart Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your tart pan by greasing it lightly with butter. This ensures easy removal once baked.
Make the Shortbread Base: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add flour and salt gradually, mixing until crumbly yet cohesive.
Add Vanilla and Lemon Zest: Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest into your batter until evenly distributed. This will elevate the flavors beautifully as they meld together.
Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer your shortbread mixture into the prepared tart pan. Press it evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides using your fingers or a spatula.
Prepare Cherry Filling : Pit and halve your fresh cherries before tossing them in sugar. Let them sit briefly so they release their juices—a delightful cherry syrup awaits!
Bake Your Tart : Pour the cherry filling over your shortbread base evenly before baking in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma will be heavenly!
Enjoy guiding your guests through this delightful journey of flavors as they savor each bite of this Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart!
You Must Know
- Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for surprising guests
- The buttery texture pairs beautifully with the fresh cherries, creating an irresistible dessert that appeals to all ages
- Your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the shortbread crust; chill it while mixing your cherry filling. Bake the crust first for a crispy base, then add the filling and bake again until bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for raspberries or blueberries if you’re feeling adventurous. A splash of almond extract can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop slices in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a crumbly yet sturdy crust, ensure your butter is very cold before mixing
- Pitting cherries can get messy; use a straw or cherry pitter for efficiency
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some sea salt on top before serving!
Sharing this Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart recipe reminds me of the time I baked it for my best friend’s birthday. The look on her face was priceless when she took that first bite!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Pre-bake the crust until golden brown to lock in its crispiness.
What other toppings pair well with this tart?
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream adds delicious creaminess to each slice.
Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is a delightful summer dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with fresh cherries and a hint of vanilla. This easy-to-make tart is perfect for outdoor gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Each slice offers a sweet yet tart flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds craving more. Serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a tart pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until crumbly.
- Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest; combine well.
- Press the mixture into the prepared tart pan evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Toss pitted cherries in sugar and let sit briefly to create syrup.
- Pour cherry filling over the shortbread base evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg