Cherry & Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart

Savor the tempting flavors of Cherry & Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart - a delightful combination of cherries and chocolate in a flaky pastry.

The Cherry & Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart is a sumptuous dessert that melds the rich flavors of sweet cherries and decadent chocolate within a light, flaky puff pastry. This delightful treat is visually appealing and incredibly delicious, capturing the essence of cherries and chocolate in every bite.

Using simple, easily accessible ingredients like pre-made puff pastry, fresh or canned cherries, and high-quality chocolate, this tart can be crafted effortlessly in any home kitchen. The tart is perfect for those who love to indulge in luxurious desserts, without spending hours in the kitchen. Its balanced sweetness and texture make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, from festive celebrations to casual family dinners.

The ease of making this tart ensures that you can whip up a gourmet-like dessert even on short notice.

One of the standout features of the Cherry & Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart is its straightforward preparation process. Even novice bakers can achieve impressive results with minimal effort. The puff pastry’s ready-to-use convenience eliminates the need for complicated dough-making steps, allowing you to focus on assembling the tart. Simply roll out the pastry, layer it with luscious chocolate and juicy cherries, and bake until golden and bubbling. The ease of making this tart ensures that you can whip up a gourmet-like dessert even on short notice. Additionally, the combination of tart cherries and rich chocolate creates a delightful contrast and complexity that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether served warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert promises a memorable culinary experience.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
2 c. fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
6 T. sugar
1 T. cornstarch
¼ c. water
4 oz. dark chocolate, melted
2 t. coconut oil
Additional fresh cherries, for serving
Flakey Sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.

Roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, score a ½-inch border on the sides of the puff pastry, making sure not to cut all the way through. Using a fork, prick the puff pastry inside the border.

Place the puff pastry into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

In the meantime, combine the cherries and sugar in a small saucepan and place over medium heat.

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the water until smooth and set aside.

Allow the cherries to simmer for 5-6 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until lightly thickened, around 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Remove the puff pastry sheet from the oven and spread the cherry mixture inside the border of the puff pastry.

Return the tart into the oven and bake until the edges are deeply golden-brown and the cherry filling is bubbly, another 15 minutes.

Stir the coconut oil into the melted chocolate and drizzle the chocolate all over the cherry tart. Top with flakey sea salt and additional fresh cherries.

Helpful Tips and Variations for making Cherry & Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart

When making a Cherry & Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart, there are several helpful tips and variations to enhance your baking experience and elevate the final dish. Here are some to consider:

Helpful Tips:

1. Thawing the Puff Pastry Properly: Ensure your puff pastry is thawed properly before use. This usually means taking it out of the freezer and letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Working with slightly chilled but pliable dough helps maintain its flakiness.
2. Prevent Soggy Bottoms: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, you can pre-bake the puff pastry slightly before adding the filling. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork, place a piece of parchment paper over it, and add some baking weights or dried beans. Bake for about 10 minutes until it starts to puff up and turn light golden.
3. Juicy Fruit Management: If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them, then let them sit with a bit of sugar to release some of their juices. Drain excess liquid before adding them to the tart to prevent too much moisture.

Variations:

1. Fruit Blends: While cherries are classic, you can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile. These fruits pair beautifully with chocolate and add a unique twist to the tart.
2. Chocolate Choices: Play with different types of chocolate to vary the taste. Dark chocolate adds a deep, rich flavor, while milk chocolate provides a sweeter, creamier option. For a gourmet touch, consider using a chocolate hazelnut spread as the base layer.
3. Nuts for Texture: Adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios on top before baking can provide a delightful crunch and additional flavor complexity.

By incorporating these tips and variations, you can personalize the Cherry & Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart to suit your taste preferences and ensure a perfect bake every time.

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