As the sweet aroma of cherry and vanilla wafts through your kitchen, you can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you. This Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate, full of buttery goodness that crumbles perfectly with each bite. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert ideas recipe.
Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones, laughter filling the air as you slice into this beauty. Each piece reveals a luscious filling that dances between tart and sweet, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is easy to prepare, perfect for impressing guests without stress
- The flavor combination of sweet cherries and creamy vanilla creates an irresistible taste experience
- Its elegant appearance makes it a showstopper on any dessert table
- Versatile enough for summer picnics or winter holidays, it suits every occasion beautifully
I remember the first time I made this tart; my friends went wild over it! They practically begged for the recipe, which felt like winning a baking Oscar.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for achieving that perfect shortbread texture; sifted flour works wonders here.
- Unsalted Butter: Using high-quality butter adds richness and flavor that salted butter just can’t match.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the tart while providing the necessary structure to your shortbread crust.
- Powdered Sugar: For that melt-in-your-mouth texture in the crust; it’s like magic!
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla for a depth of flavor that elevates every bite.
- Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe, juicy cherries for filling; they will shine in your tart.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry mixture and keeps everything together beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity balances sweetness and enhances flavor, making the cherries sing!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy and light. Add all-purpose flour and powdered sugar gradually to form a dough.
Press and Bake the Crust: Lightly grease a tart pan with removable bottom. Press dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: While the crust cools, pit and slice fresh cherries in half. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and some sugar; stir until bubbling slightly.
Add Vanilla Magic!: Once bubbling, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow this delicious mixture to cool slightly so that flavors meld together like old friends reuniting.
Fill Your Tart Shell: Pour cooled cherry filling into your baked shortbread crust. Spread evenly to ensure each slice has an even amount of deliciousness!
Bake Again for Perfection!: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 25-30 minutes until filling is bubbly. Let cool completely before removing from pan to avoid any sticky situations!
With each step taken towards this delightful dessert, you’ll find yourself daydreaming about how good it will taste—and trust me, it will be worth every minute spent! Enjoy this Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart as a centerpiece at your next gathering or simply indulge yourself after a long day; you deserve it!
You Must Know
- Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors with a buttery texture
- The vibrant cherry notes beautifully complement the creamy vanilla, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or cozy nights in
- It’s an easy recipe that impresses every time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make your Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart shine, start by preheating your oven and preparing the crust. Then, mix your filling while the crust bakes for optimal efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. You can even add a pinch of almond extract to enhance the flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To enjoy it warm, simply pop it in a low oven for 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart comes together beautifully with fresh ingredients
- Always use cold butter for a flaky crust and don’t skip chilling the dough
- Taste your filling before pouring it into the crust to ensure sweetness is just right
Creating this tart reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, eagerly anticipating dessert. Their smiles as they took that first bite were priceless!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for the tart?
Yes, frozen cherries work well; just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.
How do I prevent my tart crust from being soggy?
Blind bake the crust before adding filling to keep it crisp and delicious.
What’s the best way to serve this tart?
Serve it chilled with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
Description
Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of sweet cherries with creamy vanilla, all enveloped in a buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings, this tart is as impressive as it is easy to make. With each slice, you’ll enjoy a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it the ultimate treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, beat together cold unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and powdered sugar to form a dough.
- Press the dough evenly into a greased tart pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- While the crust cools, combine fresh cherries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until bubbling.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract; let cool slightly.
- Pour the cherry filling into the baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg