Sweet & Simple 5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts Recipe

Sweet memories often bloom around my favorite five-ingredient cherry tarts that capture childhood nostalgia with remarkable simplicity.

Pastry chefs might overcomplicate desserts, but this straightforward recipe celebrates pure flavor.

Buttery shells cradle vibrant cherry filling, creating a delicate balance between crisp and luscious textures.

Seasonal cherries bring natural sweetness that needs minimal enhancement from additional ingredients.

Delicate and elegant, these tarts look impressive without demanding complex techniques.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making this dessert perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quiet afternoon treats.

Let these cherry tarts become your new go-to recipe for effortless indulgence.

Making 5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts From Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Roll and Shape the Dough

Dust your countertop with a light flour sprinkle. Gently roll out the puff pastry and slice into cute 4-inch squares or circles. You’ll likely end up with about 12 charming little bases.

Step 3: Fill and Fold

• Cherry pie filling
• A sprinkle of love

• Crimp the edges with a fork for a sealed look
• Leave them open for a rustic, free-spirited appearance

Step 4: Golden Glow Prep

Grab a beaten egg and lovingly brush the pastry edges. This creates a beautiful golden-brown finish that’ll make mouths water.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tarts onto the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden color.

Step 6: Sweet Finishing Touch

• Powdered sugar
• A splash of milk

Drizzle this magical mixture over your tarts for an extra dose of deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Plate these little treasures warm or at room temperature. Perfect for dessert, snack time, or anytime you need a burst of joy!

Helpful Hints for 5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts Success

• Maximize Cherry Flavor: Use high-quality, sweet cherry pie filling for the most robust taste and vibrant color in your tarts.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the pastry before adding filling to absorb excess moisture and keep the base crisp.
• Perfect Pastry Technique: Work with cold puff pastry and handle it minimally to ensure maximum flakiness and beautiful layers when baked.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apple to transform this simple recipe into a versatile dessert that suits any occasion.
• Glaze with Precision: When drizzling the optional powdered sugar glaze, use a spoon or piping bag for an elegant, controlled finish that enhances the tarts' visual appeal.

Storage Tips for 5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts

• Store cooled cherry tarts in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual tarts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen tarts maintain quality for 2 months.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed tarts at 350F (175C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave, which can make pastry soggy.
• Let frozen tarts thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Best Pairings for 5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts

• Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, flaky pastry and rich cherry filling, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• A chilled Riesling or Moscato offers a light, sweet balance that enhances the fruity cherry notes and cuts through the buttery pastry.
• A robust espresso provides a bold, bitter counterpoint to the sweet tart, cleansing the palate and highlighting the cherry's natural sweetness.
• Whip cream with a touch of almond extract to add a nutty, sophisticated layer that brings out the tart's delicate flavors and adds luxurious texture.

Simple Swaps to Refresh 5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts

Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free pie crust or almond flour pastry dough. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or sensitive individuals.

Low-Sugar Cherry Mini Pies: Substitute regular cherry pie filling with sugar-free or no-sugar-added cherry preserves. Use stevia-based powdered sugar for optional glaze to reduce overall sugar content.

Vegan Cherry Pastry Bites: Swap eggs with plant-based egg replacer or aquafaba for egg wash. Use vegan puff pastry made from plant-based ingredients. Replace traditional filling with homemade cherry compote using maple syrup as sweetener.

Keto-Friendly Cherry Tart Cups: Create a low-carb version using almond flour or coconut flour pastry. Replace cherry pie filling with fresh cherries mixed with erythritol. Use cream cheese as base for added richness and reduced carbohydrate content.

5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts Questions and Answers

• Can I use homemade pie filling instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling works great and allows you to control the sweetness and texture. Just ensure the filling isn’t too runny to prevent leaking.

• What type of puff pastry works best for these tarts?

All-butter puff pastry provides the flakiest and most delicious results. Look for brands in the freezer section, and always thaw it according to package instructions before using.

• How do I prevent the tarts from getting soggy?

Don’t overfill the pastry squares and make sure to use a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pat the pie filling slightly dry before adding to reduce excess moisture.

• Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the tarts several hours before baking and keep them refrigerated. Just brush with egg wash right before baking to maintain the pastry’s crispness.

Why 5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts Deserve a Spot in Your Box

• These cherry tarts transform basic ingredients into stunning desserts with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
• Prepare these tarts in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• The recipe adapts beautifully for different occasions- from casual family snacks to elegant dinner party endings, delighting everyone from kids to sophisticated adults.
• No advanced pastry skills required! Even novice bakers can confidently create these picture-perfect tarts with simple techniques and just five ingredients.

What Goes Into These 5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts

• Puff Pastry: Light and flaky base for the tarts, provides a crisp and buttery foundation.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet and tangy fruit center that creates the core flavor of the tarts.

• Egg: Helps create a golden, shiny finish on the pastry edges and helps seal the tarts.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet glaze for additional flavor and visual appeal.
• Milk: Used to thin the powdered sugar for a smooth drizzling consistency.

• Flour: Used for lightly dusting the surface when rolling out pastry to prevent sticking.
• Parchment Paper: Provides a non-stick surface for baking and easy cleanup.

5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet and delicate 5-ingredient cherry tarts invite home bakers into a world of simple elegance. Silky cherry filling nestled in buttery pastry creates a delightful dessert that will charm guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (1 lb/450g) pre-made puff pastry sheets
• 1 can (21 oz/600g) cherry pie filling

Egg Wash and Glaze:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk

Garnish:

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking delicate cherry tarts.
2. Gently unfurl the puff pastry on a lightly dusted surface, transforming it into elegant rounds or squares using a precise cookie cutter, yielding approximately 12 delicate pastry bases.
3. Carefully distribute generous dollops of vibrant cherry pie filling at the center of each pastry piece, allowing for creative presentation – either tenderly folding edges inward or leaving them elegantly open for a rustic aesthetic.
4. For those desiring sealed edges, delicately crimp the pastry borders using fork tines, creating a decorative and secure boundary around the luscious cherry filling.
5. Enhance the tarts’ visual appeal by meticulously brushing exposed pastry edges with beaten egg, promising a rich, golden-brown finish during baking.
6. Strategically arrange the assembled tarts on the prepared baking sheet, then slide into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 15-20 minutes until achieving a perfectly puffed and bronzed appearance.
7. After removing from the oven, permit the tarts a brief cooling moment, optionally embellishing with a light drizzle of powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
8. Serve these delectable cherry tarts either warm or at ambient temperature, inviting guests to savor their flaky texture and fruity essence.

Notes

• Prevent soggy bottoms by ensuring your puff pastry is chilled and rolled thinly for maximum crispiness.
• Customize the filling by mixing different fruit preserves or adding a sprinkle of almond slivers for extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Create a dairy-free version by using plant-based egg wash alternatives like almond milk or maple syrup for golden browning.
• Enhance the tarts’ shelf life by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, maintaining their delicate crunch and fruity essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg