Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sour Cherry Chocolate Tart is an irresistible balance of tart, rich, and sweet—all wrapped in a buttery, crisp tart shell. If you’re someone who loves bold flavors and stunning desserts, this one will steal your heart. The deep, velvety chocolate filling is complemented beautifully by the tangy pop of sour cherries, creating a luxurious dessert that feels fancy but is actually simple to make.
Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or when you just want to treat yourself to something decadent, this tart delivers flavor, texture, and elegance in every bite. Plus, it looks as impressive as it tastes!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the tart crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tbsp cold water
For the chocolate filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1 cup sour cherries (pitted, fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, if cooking cherries to thicken)
Directions
- Make the crust:
In a bowl or food processor, combine flour and powdered sugar. Add cold butter and pulse or cut in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg yolk and just enough cold water to bring the dough together. - Chill and roll:
Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Then roll it out on a floured surface and press into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim excess and prick the base with a fork. - Bake the crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the crust with parchment and fill with pie weights or beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 10 minutes until golden. Let cool completely. - Make the chocolate filling:
In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add vanilla extract. - Assemble the tart:
Pour chocolate filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top. Chill for at least 2 hours until set. - Add cherries:
Arrange pitted sour cherries over the set chocolate. For a saucy topping, heat cherries with sugar and cornstarch until slightly thickened, then cool and spoon over tart.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: Approx. 3 hours
Great for make-ahead entertaining or a special weekend bake.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
- No-Bake Crust: Try a chocolate cookie crumb base for a shortcut.
- Cherry Compote Topping: Simmer cherries with sugar and lemon juice for a glossy topping.
- Nut Crust: Add crushed almonds or hazelnuts for crunch and flavor.
- Mini Tarts: Use mini tart pans for individual servings—perfect for parties.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the whole tart (without fresh cherry topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Best served chilled or at room temperature. No reheating necessary.
FAQs
Can I use sweet cherries instead of sour cherries?
Yes, but reduce or skip the added sugar to balance the sweetness.
Do I need to cook the cherries?
No, raw cherries work beautifully. Cook them only if you want a glossy, saucy topping.
Can I use store-bought crust?
Absolutely. A ready-made tart crust or pie shell works fine in a pinch.
What chocolate is best?
Use good-quality dark chocolate—around 60–70% cacao—for a rich, smooth filling.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Bake the crust fully and let it cool before adding the filling. This keeps it crisp.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! This tart keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Conclusion
This Sour Cherry Chocolate Tart is elegance made easy—dark chocolate decadence meets bright, juicy cherries for a show-stopping dessert you’ll crave again and again. Whether it’s for a dinner party or a self-care night in, this tart is a stunning way to indulge in something both sophisticated and satisfying. 🍒🍫
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