Easy Chocolate Cherry Tart Recipe

Chocolate Cherry Tart is a delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate with the sweetness of cherries. This decadent treat is perfect for anyone who loves a mix of flavors. It features a smooth, creamy chocolate filling topped with fresh, juicy cherries, all resting in a buttery, flaky crust.

Its indulgent taste makes it a crowd-pleaser at parties and family gatherings. Whether served as a special occasion dessert or a simple indulgence, this tart will surely satisfy any sweet tooth. Let’s explore what makes this dessert a favorite among chocolate and cherry lovers.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cherry Tart

Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich, velvety chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart cherries, creating a mouthwatering balance of flavors. It’s a treat that satisfies both chocolate and fruit lovers.

Elegant Dessert: This tart isn’t just tasty; it’s visually appealing too. The glossy chocolate and bright red cherries make it a showstopper at any gathering or celebration.

Easy to Make: Although it may seem sophisticated, the chocolate cherry tart is quite simple to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and you can use ready-made ingredients for even quicker preparation.

Ingredients for a Chocolate Cherry Tart

Creating a delicious Chocolate Cherry Tart requires a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your tart crust, providing the structure and texture needed for a crisp, buttery finish.
• Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps create a delicate, smooth texture.
• Unsalted butter: The key to making a rich and flaky crust. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the level of salt in the recipe.
• Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together, resulting in a perfect texture.
• Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate, as it will be the star ingredient of the tart’s filling, providing that rich, indulgent flavor.
• Heavy cream: Essential for creating a creamy and smooth chocolate filling. It helps to balance the richness of the chocolate.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the overall taste of the tart.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Tart

1. Prepare the crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and water, then pulse until the dough starts to come together. Press the dough into a tart pan and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and weights. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool completely.
3. Make the chocolate filling: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and melted. Add the butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the tart: Once the crust has cooled, pour the chocolate filling into the tart shell and spread it evenly with a spatula. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours or until the filling has set.
5. Prepare the cherry topping: While the tart is chilling, toss the halved cherries with sugar (if using). Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out their juices.
6. Serve: Once the tart has set, top with the sugared cherries and slice to serve. Enjoy!

Chocolate Cherry Tart Variations

While the classic Chocolate Cherry Tart is already delicious, there are several variations you can try to suit your taste or the season:

• Dark Chocolate Cherry Tart: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
• White Chocolate Cherry Tart: For a sweeter and creamier filling, opt for white chocolate. It pairs wonderfully with cherries.
• Spiced Chocolate Cherry Tart: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the chocolate filling for a little extra warmth and kick.
• Nutty Crust: Replace part of the all-purpose flour with ground almonds or hazelnuts to add a nutty flavor to the crust.
• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Tart: Use dairy-free chocolate and substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative to make this tart vegan-friendly.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Tart

The Chocolate Cherry Tart is best served chilled or at room temperature. Here are some suggestions for serving:

• As a Standalone Dessert, Slice the tart into wedges and serve on its own, garnished with a few fresh cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add richness to the dessert.
• With a Drizzle of Fruit Sauce: For extra flair, drizzle some cherry compote or raspberry coulis on the plate before placing the tart slice.
• On a Dessert Platter: If you’re serving it at a party, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces to create a dessert platter with other sweet treats.

Storage Tips

To preserve the freshness and flavor of your Chocolate Cherry Tart, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the tart to enjoy it later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Avoid Freezing the Topping: If you plan to freeze the tart, it’s best to freeze it without the cherry topping, as the fruit can lose its texture when frozen. Add fresh cherries after thawing, if desired.

FAQs About Chocolate Cherry Tart