Well, hello baking buddies! Today, I’ve got a treat that’s going to make your taste buds dance: my Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart. 🍒🍫 Imagine golden puff pastry, loaded with juicy cherries cooked to perfection, drizzled with rich dark chocolate, and sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt. It’s sweet, it’s tangy, and it’s downright delicious. Ready to bake up some happiness with me?
Try my Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart recipe.
What you’ll need to make Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart
Serves: 8-10
- 1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
- 2 c. fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 oz dark chocolate, melted
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- Additional fresh cherries, for serving
- Flakey Sea salt, for sprinkling
Alright, let’s dive into the magic behind this Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart! First, we have the puff pastry—store-bought and super convenient, yet it bakes up into a golden, flaky delight. No need to fuss with homemade dough when this beauty does the trick! Next up, the cherries. Fresh or frozen, these little red jewels bring a sweet and tart punch that’s simply irresistible. Cooking them down with a bit of sugar transforms them into a luscious, jammy filling. Then there’s the dark chocolate—smooth, rich, and perfectly indulgent. When you melt it down and mix it with a touch of coconut oil, it becomes a dreamy drizzle that takes this tart to the next level. And the final touch? A sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s that little bit of extra magic that makes each bite pop. These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s easy to make but feels oh-so-special.
Try my Peaches and Cream Crumble recipe.
What you’ll need to do
Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 30 min
Alright, let’s bake up a delightful Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart!
1| First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C) and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to keep things tidy.
2| Take your thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out onto the prepared baking sheet. Now, here’s a neat trick: use a knife to lightly score a border about 1/2 inch from the edges. Be gentle, we want a nice frame but not to cut through! Then, give the pastry inside the border a few pricks with a fork.
3| Pop that beauty into the oven and bake for around 15 minutes, until it’s golden brown and puffy.
4| While that’s baking, let’s work on our cherry topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together your cherries and sugar. Let them get cozy for about 5-6 minutes, until they start to release their juices.
5| In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This is going to help thicken up our cherry goodness!
6| Pour that cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the cherries, stirring gently. Keep cooking for another 3-4 minutes until it all thickens up nicely. Once it’s thick enough to coat a spoon, take it off the heat and set it aside.
7| By now, your puff pastry should be nicely golden. Take it out of the oven and spread that luscious cherry mixture right inside the border you scored earlier. Spread it evenly, like you’re painting a masterpiece!
8| Back into the oven it goes for another 15 minutes or so, until the edges of the pastry are deep golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling with joy.
9| While your tart is finishing up, let’s jazz it up with some chocolate. Melt your dark chocolate (yum!) and stir in the coconut oil to make it extra glossy. Drizzle that chocolate goodness all over your tart, because why not?
10| Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-salty balance. And hey, don’t forget to garnish with a few extra fresh cherries to make it look as good as it tastes.
Voilà! Your Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart is ready to impress. Enjoy every bite and have fun baking!
Try my Decadent Chocolate Kahlua Tart recipe, next.
Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe
Here are some fun substitutions and improvisation ideas for your Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart:
1| Fruit Variations: If cherries aren’t your thing or you want to try something new, swap them out for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced strawberries. Each will bring its own unique flavor and color to the tart.
2| Chocolate Twist: Not a fan of dark chocolate? No worries! You can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier twist. You could also mix in some chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch.
3| Pastry Base Alternatives: If you’re looking for a different base, try using a graham cracker crust or a shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry. Each will give a different texture and taste to your tart.
4| Sugar Swaps: For a healthier option, replace the granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
5| Flavor Boosts: Add a splash of almond extract or vanilla extract to the cherry filling for an extra layer of flavor. You could also sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the mix.
6| Coconut Oil Alternatives: If you don’t have coconut oil, use butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil to mix with the melted chocolate.
7| Garnish Galore: Beyond fresh cherries, consider garnishing with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
8| Savory Twist: For a unique twist, add a bit of balsamic vinegar to the cherry mixture. The tangy-sweet combination is surprisingly delicious with the rich chocolate.
These substitutions and improvisations can help you customize the tart to your taste and make it uniquely yours!
Try my Decadent Salted Pretzel Brownies recipe.
Some useful tips for the recipe
Here are some useful tips to ensure your Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart turns out perfectly:
1| Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly: Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold when you roll it out. This will make it easier to handle and help it bake up nice and flaky.
2| Prevent Soggy Bottoms: To avoid a soggy crust, you can brush the puff pastry with a beaten egg before baking. This creates a barrier that helps keep the pastry crispy.
3| Even Scoring: When scoring the border of your puff pastry, use a ruler or a straight edge to ensure even lines. This helps the edges puff up evenly and creates a nice frame for your filling.
4| Use a Sharp Knife: When scoring the pastry, use a sharp knife and be gentle. You want to score just enough to create a border without cutting all the way through the pastry.
5| Simmering the Cherries: Keep an eye on the cherries while they simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. If they seem too thick, add a splash of water to loosen them up.
6| Cornstarch Slurry: Make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water thoroughly to avoid lumps. Adding it to the cherries while they’re simmering will help thicken the filling nicely.
7| Cool the Tart Slightly: After baking, let the tart cool for a few minutes before drizzling the chocolate. This helps the chocolate set nicely on top without melting all over the place.
8| Chocolate Drizzle: For a professional-looking drizzle, use a spoon or a small piping bag to control the flow of the melted chocolate. You can also use a fork for a more rustic look.
9| Serve Fresh: This tart is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or within a few hours of baking. The puff pastry will be at its crispiest and the flavors at their peak.
10| Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat in a warm oven to regain some of the crispiness.
These tips should help you make a delicious and impressive Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart every time!
Try my French-Style Apple Tart (Tarte Tatin) recipe.
Some serving suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to make your Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart even more delightful:
A la Mode: Serve warm slices of the tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melting over the warm tart is a match made in dessert heaven.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice. You can even flavor the whipped cream with a touch of vanilla or almond extract for extra deliciousness.
Powdered Sugar: Dust the tart with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar before serving. It adds a lovely, elegant touch and a bit of extra sweetness.
Fresh Berries: Garnish each slice with a few fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Mint Leaves: Add a few fresh mint leaves as a garnish. They not only look beautiful but also add a refreshing flavor contrast to the sweet tart.
Yogurt or Creme Fraiche: For a slightly tangy and creamy accompaniment, serve slices with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or creme fraiche on the side.
Chocolate Shavings: Grate some extra dark chocolate over the top of the tart for an added layer of chocolatey goodness.
Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes over the top for a delightful crunch and a hint of tropical flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the tart before serving.
Coffee or Tea: Pair your tart with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of the tart go wonderfully with a rich, hot beverage.
These serving suggestions will not only enhance the flavor of your tart but also make it look and feel even more special!
Some storage suggestions
Here are some storage suggestions to keep your Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart fresh and delicious:
1| Short-Term Storage: If you plan to enjoy the tart within a day, you can store it at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
2| Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the tart in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 3 days. Just note that the puff pastry might lose some of its crispiness in the fridge.
3| Reheating: To bring back the puff pastry’s crispiness, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore some of the tart’s original texture.
4| Freezing: If you need to store the tart for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
5| Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen tart, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some of the crispiness.
6| Individual Portions: If you anticipate eating the tart over several days, consider slicing it into individual portions before storing. This way, you can take out and reheat only what you need, keeping the rest fresh.
7| Protect the Chocolate Drizzle: If the tart is drizzled with chocolate, make sure it’s completely cooled and the chocolate is set before wrapping and storing. This will prevent the chocolate from smudging.
By following these storage tips, you can ensure your Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart stays tasty and enjoyable for as long as possible!
Try my Cherry Clafoutis recipe.
And there you have it, folks! My Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart is your ticket to dessert perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, this tart brings the wow factor every time. So, gather your ingredients, whip it up with love, and savor every bite. Get ready to impress—it’s baking time! 🥧💫
Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart
Cherry Bliss in a Tart! 🍒✨ Treat yourself to my Cherry and Chocolate Puff Pastry Tart—crispy puff pastry, a burst of cherry goodness infused with just the right sweetness, and a luxurious chocolate drizzle. It's a dessert dream come true, perfect for any occasion. Let’s bake something amazing today!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
-
Step 2:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, score a 1/2-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.
-
Step 3:
Place the puff pastry into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
-
Step 4:
In the meantime, combine the cherries and sugar in a small saucepan and place over medium heat.
-
Step 5:
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the water until smooth and set aside.
-
Step 6:
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.
-
Step 7:
Remove the puff pastry sheet from the oven and spread the cherry mixture inside the border of the puff pastry.
-
Step 8:
Return the tart into the oven and bake until the edges are deeply golden-brown and the cherry filling is bubbly, another 15 minutes.
-
Step 9:
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. Have fun!
