The moment the first bite of Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart hits your taste buds, you’ll feel like you just won a flavor lottery. Imagine buttery shortbread melting in your mouth while the sweet-tart cherry filling dances on your palate, all wrapped up in a comforting hug of vanilla. It’s like summer on a plate, and trust me, your dessert game will never be the same after this.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart
- How to Make Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What is a Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart?
- How do I store Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart?
- Can I use frozen cherries for this tart?
- What variations can I try with this recipe?
- Conclusion for Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart:
- 📖 Recipe Card
This tart isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience that whisks you back to childhood summer picnics with grandma, where everything was sweeter and life was simpler. Picture this: a warm afternoon, laughter echoing through the air, and the delightful aroma of cherries mingling with vanilla wafting from the kitchen. Perfect for special occasions or simply to brighten a mundane Tuesday, this Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is sure to delight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
- The balance of sweet cherries and creamy vanilla creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
- Its stunning presentation makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
- Versatile enough for summer picnics or cozy winter evenings, it fits any occasion!
Ingredients for Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the perfect flaky texture in your shortbread crust.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling; opt for fine sugar for better incorporation.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the shortbread base; sifted flour ensures a lighter texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors throughout the tart.
- Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for a richer flavor; imitation vanilla won’t do this recipe justice.
- Fresh Cherries: Pitted and halved; fresh cherries provide the best flavor but frozen can work in a pinch.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling while maintaining its juicy texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take a deep breath and imagine all that cherry goodness about to come together.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in all-purpose flour and salt until crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a tart pan.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Pop that crust into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it—nobody wants burnt shortbread!
Step 4: Make the Cherry Filling
While your crust cools, combine pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until thickened and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before pouring onto the baked crust.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tart
Once your cherry filling has cooled down (and you’ve resisted eating half of it), pour it over the shortbread crust evenly. Spread it out with care because we want every slice to be loaded with cherry goodness.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return your assembled tart to the oven for another 10-15 minutes just to meld those flavors together beautifully. Remove from oven and allow cooling completely before slicing.
Transfer to plates and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for the perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy every bite of this Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart—it’s not just dessert; it’s an invitation to relish life’s sweetest moments!
You Must Know
- This delightful Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a showstopper for any gathering.
- With its buttery crust and sweet cherry filling, it’s sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe.
- Perfect for brunch or dessert, this tart is as versatile as it is delicious.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your shortbread crust first to ensure it has time to cool before adding the cherry filling. While the crust bakes, pit and slice the cherries and whip up the vanilla mixture. This sequence guarantees efficiency and delightful results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap fresh cherries for frozen ones if you’re in a pinch. You can also add a sprinkle of almond extract for a nutty twist or top it with whipped cream for extra flair. Get creative; it’s your tart!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, let it come to room temperature or gently reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter when making your shortbread crust for that perfect crumbly texture.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain shape while baking.
- Always taste your cherry filling before adding sugar; the sweetness varies by fruit!
Sometimes, I whip this Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart up when I need a little pick-me-up after a long day. The smiles on my friends’ faces when they take a bite are absolutely priceless!
FAQs:
What is a Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart?
A Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is a delightful dessert that combines buttery shortbread crust with a sweet cherry filling and a hint of vanilla. This tart is perfect for any occasion, offering a balance of flavors and textures that will please your palate. The shortbread crust provides a rich base, while the cherry filling brings a burst of fruity goodness, enhanced by the aromatic vanilla.
How do I store Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart?
To keep your Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to five days when properly stored. If you want to make it ahead of time, consider freezing the tart without the filling. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before adding the cherry filling.
Can I use frozen cherries for this tart?
Yes, using frozen cherries is an excellent option for making a Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart. Just remember to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to your filling mixture. This ensures that your tart maintains its texture and flavor. Frozen cherries can be just as delicious as fresh ones and are often more convenient.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
You can experiment with different fruits or flavorings in your Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart. For instance, try replacing cherries with raspberries or blueberries for a twist on the classic recipe. Additionally, you could enhance the vanilla flavor by using vanilla bean paste instead of extract or adding almond extract for a nutty undertone. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion for Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart:
In summary, the Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors and textures to create an unforgettable experience. With its buttery shortbread crust and sweet cherry filling infused with vanilla, it’s perfect for gatherings or as an everyday treat. Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this tart even days later. Experimenting with variations allows you to personalize this recipe to suit your taste preferences!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a delightful Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart that features a buttery crust, luscious cherry filling, and a hint of vanilla—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together cold unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add sifted all-purpose flour and salt until crumbly dough forms.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a tart pan.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- While the crust cools, combine pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir gently until thickened and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before pouring onto the baked crust.
- Once cooled, pour the cherry filling evenly over the shortbread crust.
- Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes to meld flavors together.
- Allow cooling completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
