There’s something magical about a Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust that cradles a sweet-tart cherry filling, all topped with a delicate vanilla glaze. It’s like a little slice of heaven in every bite, perfect for those moments when you want to impress friends or just indulge yourself after a long day.
This delightful tart isn’t just a treat; it’s a showstopper at any gathering. I remember the first time I made it for my family. My youngest cousin, who usually turns her nose up at anything that isn’t chocolate, took one bite and declared it “the best dessert ever.” That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about here! Whether it’s for birthdays, holidays, or simply because it’s Tuesday—this tart is bound to bring joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for beginners
- Its delightful flavor profile combines sweet cherries with smooth vanilla notes
- Visually stunning, it makes an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table
- Versatile enough to be served warm or cold, this tart fits any occasion beautifully
Making this tart has brought smiles at family gatherings and sparked joy in my kitchen more times than I can count. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner ideas recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy blending into the shortbread crust.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten the crust and filling; opt for fine sugar to ensure smooth mixing.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to your crust; sifted flour ensures a light texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A must for that aromatic warmth; go for pure vanilla extract if possible.
- Fresh Cherries: Pitted and halved cherries give the tart its beautiful color and flavor; choose ripe ones!
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling while keeping it glossy and smooth; don’t skip this step!
- Lemon Juice: Balances sweetness with its zesty kick; fresh lemon juice works best.
- Powdered Sugar: Mix into your glaze for sweetness without grittiness; sift before using for best results.
- Milk or Cream: This brings richness to your glaze; use heavy cream for extra indulgence.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Tart Shell: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale in color.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until combined. The dough should resemble wet sand but hold together when squeezed.
Shape the Crust: Press the dough evenly into a tart pan’s bottom and up the sides. Use your fingers to create a slight edge—no one likes flat tarts!
Bake the Shell: Place in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when you smell that buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: While the crust cools, toss fresh pitted cherries with cornstarch, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Let them sit for about 10 minutes so they can mingle.
Fill and Bake Again!: Pour cherry mixture into cooled crust and spread evenly. Return to oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes until bubbly and set. The sight of those cherries bubbling away is simply irresistible!
Create the Glaze: While waiting, whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth. You want it drizzly but not too runny—think of pouring it over pancakes!
These steps are simple yet rewarding, guiding you through creating an incredible dessert that’s sure to win hearts (and stomachs).
With each step taken toward crafting this Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart, you’re not only baking but also creating memories that last longer than any dessert will—incredible flavor experiences await! Enjoy making this delightful treat! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart is a delightful combination of buttery sweetness and fruity tang
- This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to play with flavors and toppings
- The aroma of vanilla and cherries baking together will have your kitchen smelling like a dream come true
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy; this ensures a light texture. Then, gradually mix in flour for the perfect shortbread base before adding cherry filling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for your favorite fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, to create unique flavor combinations. A sprinkle of almond extract can also elevate the taste beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it warm, pop it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart, use high-quality butter for rich flavor
- Chill your dough before baking to help maintain its shape
- Be mindful not to overmix once adding flour; this keeps your tart tender and crumbly
Sometimes, I whip up this tart when friends visit. Their smiles after one bite? Pure gold! It’s moments like these that make baking so rewarding.
FAQ
What is the best way to prevent my shortbread from becoming too crumbly?
Ensure precise measurements and avoid overmixing after adding the flour.
Can I freeze the Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart?
Absolutely! Wrap it well and freeze it for up to three months.
How do I know when my tart is done baking?
Look for a lightly golden edge and a firm center; it should not jiggle.
Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the blissful layers of a Cherry Vanilla Shortbread Tart, where a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust embraces a sweet-tart cherry filling, all drizzled with a smooth vanilla glaze. This stunning dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. With its delightful flavor and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–4 tbsp milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until the dough resembles wet sand.
- Press the dough into a tart pan evenly, creating a slight edge.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden; let cool.
- In a bowl, toss cherries with cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice; let sit for 10 minutes.
- Pour cherry mixture into the cooled crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream until drizzly; pour over the cooled tart.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg