Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with these Spicy Cherry Tarts, where the natural sweetness of cherries meets a subtle kick of spice, all encased in flaky puff pastry and finished with a luscious hot honey drizzle. This modern twist on a classic dessert is perfect for those seeking to elevate their culinary repertoire.

Historical Background

Cherry tarts have long been a beloved dessert across various cultures, celebrated for their vibrant flavor and versatility. Traditionally, these tarts feature a buttery crust filled with sweet or sour cherries, often enjoyed during the cherry harvest season. This contemporary rendition introduces a spicy dimension, showcasing the adaptability of this timeless treat.

Regional Variations of Cherry Tarts

While the classic cherry tart is cherished worldwide, regional interpretations abound. In France, the Clafoutis is a renowned variation, featuring cherries baked in a flan-like batter. Conversely, the Manchester Tart from England combines a shortcrust pastry with raspberry jam, custard, and a cherry topping. This spicy version introduces a contemporary twist, infusing heat to complement the cherries’ natural sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups sweet cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons water
½ tablespoon cornstarch
½ tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Cheese Filling:

2.5 ounces goat cheese, softened
¼ cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions

For the Egg Wash:

1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

For the Hot Honey Drizzle:

2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted

Equipment Needed

Medium saucepan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Knife or pizza cutter
Pastry brush
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, water, cornstarch, lemon juice, and granulated sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened goat cheese, ricotta, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet.
Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Using a knife, lightly score a border about ¼ inch from the edges of each square, being careful not to cut all the way through.

4. Assemble the Tarts:

Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, spreading it evenly within the scored border.
Top the cheese layer with about 1 tablespoon of the cooled cherry filling.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash.
Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash.

5. Bake:

Bake the assembled tarts in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the tarts to cool slightly.

6. Prepare the Hot Honey Drizzle:

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and melted butter until well combined.

7. Serve:

Drizzle the warm hot honey over the slightly cooled tarts.
Serve the tarts warm or at room temperature.

Spicy Cherry Tarts with Hot Honey Drizzle

Recipe by JadCourse: Uncategorized

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

150-200 kcal per serving

kcal

Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling:
2 cups sweet cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons water
½ tablespoon cornstarch
½ tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Cheese Filling:
2.5 ounces goat cheese, softened
¼ cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
For the Egg Wash:
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
For the Hot Honey Drizzle:
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine pitted cherries, water, cornstarch, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and cherries soften. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Cheese Filling: Blend softened goat cheese, ricotta, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, cut into 12 equal squares, and score a border about ¼ inch from the edges without cutting through. Place the squares on a prepared baking sheet.
Assemble the Tarts: Place 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Add 1 tablespoon of cooled cherry filling on top. Create an egg wash by whisking an egg with water, then brush it over the edges of each pastry.
Bake: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips

Puff Pastry Handling: Ensure the puff pastry remains cold before baking to achieve optimal flakiness. If it becomes too warm during preparation, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Cherry Selection: Both fresh and frozen cherries work well in this recipe. If using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Customize the heat of the hot honey drizzle by varying the amount of hot sauce to suit your preference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Pastry: Adding too much filling can cause the tarts to overflow during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash not only gives the pastry a beautiful golden hue but also adds a slight sheen. Don’t omit this step.
Not Cooling the Filling: Assembling the tarts with warm filling can lead to a soggy pastry base. Ensure both the cherry and cheese fillings are cooled before assembly.

Other Uses of Cherries with Puff Pastry

Cherries’ natural sweetness and vibrant color make them a delightful addition to various puff pastry desserts across Europe. Here are some notable examples:

Cherry Puff Pastry Swirl (Italy): This Italian dessert combines rolled puff pastry with a filling of cherries and dark chocolate, creating a visually appealing spiral that’s both flavorful and elegant.

Sour Cherry Strudel (Central Europe): A quick and easy version of the traditional strudel, this recipe uses puff pastry to encase a filling of sour cherries, offering a modern twist on a classic treat.

Cherry Danish (Various): These pastries feature puff pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and fresh cherries, making for a delicious breakfast or dessert option.

Cherry Turnovers (Various): Made with puff pastry and a cherry filling, these turnovers are topped with a sweet glaze, offering a simple yet delightful dessert or snack.

Maraschino Cherry Puff Pastry Strudels (Various): Utilizing maraschino cherries, these puff pastry strudels are slightly sweet without being overwhelming, making them a festive treat.

Honeycomb Cake (Russia): This cake consists of layers of spiraling puff pastry tubes filled with tart cherry and layered with dulce de leche buttercream, offering a unique and indulgent dessert experience.

These desserts showcase the versatility of puff pastry and cherries, highlighting the creative ways different cultures incorporate these ingredients into their culinary traditions.