Sweet And Tart: Irresistible Cherry Recipes

  • Zeina Al-Ait Master's degree, Computer Software Engineering, Lebanese University - Faculty of Sciences

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Cherries, this lovely fruit, grace us with their beauty at every stage of life. From their stunning blossoms, often called ‘’桜’’ (sakura) in Japan,1 painting the world pink and white in spring, to their delicious taste, cherries are incredible. Using them in recipes, especially in tarts, is a fantastic choice! You have probably noticed in cartoons that when characters enjoy ice cream, there is always a cherry on top. Let’s delve deeper into this wonderful fruit and discover more delightful recipes to tantalise your taste buds!

Cherries

Cherries are not just delicious; they are also brimming with nutritional goodness. Let’s discover the health benefits of this fruit together.

Nutritional benefits

Cherries are a nutritional goldmine packed into a small, shiny fruit. Low in fat and boasting a low glycemic index (GI), they offer a favourable choice for managing blood sugar levels.2

Additionally, their richness in fibre, potassium, magnesium, copper, and iron contributes to a range of health benefits. Potassium in cherries plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure, while their soluble fibre aids in lowering cholesterol levels.2

Cherries are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which help keep our immune system strong, our skin healthy, and our cells safe from damage.3

Red cherries get their colour from powerful compounds like anthocyanins and flavonoids. These act as superheroes inside our bodies, fighting off inflammation and protecting our cells from harm caused by free radicals.3

Cherry season

Cherries reach their prime season from late spring to early summer, generally spanning May to August.4 Sweet cherries tend to ripen earlier in this period, while sour cherries mature a bit later.4 The exact timing can vary depending on the type and location, but the most delicious and juicy cherries are commonly available during these warmer months.

Sweet delights: Cherry dessert recipes

Let’s embark on a flavorful journey as we dive into a collection of delightful and mouthwatering recipes.

Cherry tart

This cherry tart is a winner thanks to its creamy vanilla custard, fresh cherries, and hassle-free crust that does not need chilling or rolling. It is a dessert that is quick to make yet looks incredibly elegant.5

Cherry tart’s crust

This cherry tart’s crust requires basic ingredients like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt  either kosher or regular table salt. The addition of ground almonds in the crust serves a crucial role, forming a barrier to minimise any potential liquid from seeping into the pastry. This thoughtful touch helps ensure a crisp and delightful tart base for the creamy vanilla custard and fresh cherries to shine.5

Cherry tart’s filling

For the luscious filling, gather fresh or frozen pitted cherries, vanilla extract or essence, cream (heavy, whipping, or heavy whipping), white or light brown sugar, fresh large eggs, and either all-purpose or cake flour.5

The pie crust

This pie crust recipe is a game-changer. Using melted butter and skipping the chilling step, it creates a soft, seamless mixture that’s ready to use right away no rolling pin or floured counter needed.5 It is easy, defies the norm, and results in a beautifully crispy crust.

Lining the tart part

Get a 9-inch (24cm) tart pan with a removable bottom  no need to butter it; the dough is buttery already.5 

Do not worry if the dough seems scarce at first  it is enough! Take your time and distribute small mounds all over the pan’s bottom.5

Start by pressing the dough onto the sides and angles to ensure they’re well-covered. Then, move on to cover the bottom by scattering small pieces of dough and pressing them down.5 Work slowly, and the dough will cover the entire pan nicely, creating a perfect crust.5

Cherries

Cherries are small, round fruits that typically show up during the warmer months, but that can change depending on the weather. Now, for this pie, using fresh cherries works best, but if you can’t find them, frozen ones will do just fine.5

Pitting cherries

If you only bake occasionally with fresh cherries, getting a cherry pitter is a great idea.5 It is a handy tool that quickly removes the stone from the fruit in just a few seconds.5 The best part? The cherry stays whole, which is perfect for recipes like this tart.5

The vanilla custard

This cherry pie filling is a breeze to make. Just whisk together all the ingredients in a big bowl no cooking or beating required.5 You can use brown or white sugar, whichever you prefer.5

Assembling the tart

  1. Pre-baked crust: This step is important to make the crust crispy. Even though it might stay light-coloured, it will be dry on the surface.5
  2. Almonds: They are spread on the bottom to prevent sogginess as much as possible.5
  3. Pan size: Using the correct-sized pan ensures you use all the pie dough without leftovers. The cherries and custard should fill it to the top without spilling over.5
  4. Custard: Pour the filling into a jar for easier pouring. Take care to spread it evenly over the tart.5

Baking

It is best to bake the tart until the centre barely jiggles when you gently shake it.5 When you take it out of the oven, the custard will keep cooking and solidify while it cools.5

And bon appétit!

Cherry and chocolate dessert pot

Nutritional value

A single 109g serving (excluding any serving suggestions) contains 115 KCal, 17.6g of carbohydrates, 1.3g of fibre, 5.3g of protein, 2.4g of fat, 1.4g of saturates, 15.0g of sugars, and 0.07g of salt.6

Ingredients

This recipe calls for 225g of fresh cherries, 2 tablespoons of artificial sweetener, 1 level teaspoon of cornflour blended with 1 tablespoon of cold water, 100g of quark or low-fat soft cheese, 2 tablespoons of skimmed milk, and half a level teaspoon of vanilla extract. Additionally, for the chocolate sauce, you will need 25g of dark chocolate broken into pieces, 1 heaped teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, half a level teaspoon of cornflour blended with half a tablespoon of cold water, and 1 level tablespoon of golden syrup.6

Steps

  1. Prepare Cherries: Cut the fresh cherries in half, removing the pits. Keep aside 4 whole cherries for decoration.
  2. Cook Cherries: Place the halved cherries in a small pan with 50ml of water and 1 tablespoon of artificial sweetener. Cook them on low heat for 3–4 minutes until they become soft.
  3. Thicken Cherries: Mix the cornflour with cold water, then add it to the cherries, stirring until it thickens.
  4. Cool Cherries: Remove the pan from heat and let the cherries cool. Stir occasionally to avoid  skin from forming on top.
  5. Prepare Quark Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the quark, skimmed milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining sweetener until the mixture becomes smooth.
  6. Make Chocolate Sauce: In another pan, combine the dark chocolate pieces, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornflour mixed with cold water, and golden syrup. Heat and stir until the mixture becomes smooth. Let it cool to avoid skin forming.
  7. Assembly: Spoon the cherry mixture and the quark mixture into small serving glasses. Top each glass with a whole cherry for decoration. Chill the desserts before serving.6

And bon appétit!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones in the recipes?

Yes, frozen cherries are a suitable alternative if fresh ones are not available. Thaw them before use and adjust for any excess liquid that might result.

What is the best way to pit cherries without a cherry pitter?

If you do not have a cherry pitter, using a sturdy straw or the tip of a spoon can be effective. Alternatively, carefully slice around the cherry’s pit with a knife and remove it by hand.

How do I store fresh cherries to keep them fresh longer? 

Store unwashed cherries in the refrigerator and wash them just before using. They can stay fresh for several days when refrigerated properly.

Can I make the cherry recipes with canned cherries?

Canned cherries can be used as a substitute, but they might have a different texture or taste due to the preservation process. Drain the excess liquid before using it in recipes.

Are there any allergy considerations with cherries? 

While cherries are not a common allergen, some individuals might be sensitive or allergic to them. It is advisable to check for any personal allergies or sensitivities before consuming them.

Summary 

The article delves into the world of cherries, from their beauty in blossoms to their delicious taste, highlighting their nutritional benefits, which include being low in fat, having a low glycemic index, and being rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. It details the prime cherry season from late spring to early summer and offers delightful cherry-based recipes, especially focusing on a tantalising cherry tart with a hassle-free crust and luscious vanilla custard filling. The recipe steps are broken down for easy comprehension, from preparing the crust to assembling the tart. Additionally, it introduces a cherry and chocolate dessert pot recipe, providing a simple yet delicious way to enjoy cherries. The article aims to educate readers about cherries’ versatility and nutritional value while inspiring them to try out these mouthwatering recipes.

References 

  1. Cherry blossoms (Sakura) in japan [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Dec 8]. Available from: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011.html
  2. Diabetes UK [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 8]. What’s in season: cherries. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/cooking-for-people-with-diabetes/seasonal-cooking/whats-in-season-cherries
  3. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 8]. The cherry on top: 8 health benefits of cherries. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-cherries
  4. LaBonte A. Cherry season [Internet]. 100 Days of Real Food. 2023 [cited 2023 Dec 8]. Available from: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/cherry-season/
  5. Montenegro P. Vintage Kitchen Notes. 2022 [cited 2023 Dec 8]. The best cherry tart. Available from: https://vintagekitchennotes.com/bill-grangers-fresh-cherry-tart/
  6. Diabetes UK [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 8]. Cherry and chocolate dessert pot. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/recipes/cherry-and-chocolate-dessert-pot

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Zeina Al-Ait

Master's degree, Computer Software Engineering, Lebanese University - Faculty of Sciences

Zeina Al-Ait is a computer science graduate with expertise in health, particularly diabetes. She has authored several articles on this subject, emphasizing diabetes awareness and challenging conventional health perspectives. Zeina is currently pursuing studies in bioinformatics to expand her knowledge in the field.

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