The Coronation Cherry Tart A DeepDish Delight with Flaky Butter Crust

Classic Cherry Tart Delight

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:01 Hrs 5 Mins

Servings:8 generous slices

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour (300g), cold, plus extra for dusting
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter (225g), very cold, cubed
• 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
• ½ teaspoon Fine Salt (3g)
• 6–8 tablespoons Ice Water (90–120ml)
• 4 cups Fresh or Frozen Pitted Cherries (approx. 600g)
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (150g)
• ¼ cup Cornstarch (30g)
• 1 tablespoon Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice (15ml)
• ½ teaspoon Pure Almond Extract (2.5ml)
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (14g), cut into small pieces
• 1 large Egg, beaten with 1 tsp water (Egg Wash)
• 1 tablespoon Coarse Turbinado Sugar (15g)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Pastry Dough: Combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt) in a large bowl. Rub in the cold butter using fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Gradually stream in the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork. Divide dough into two discs (one slightly larger for the base), wrap tightly, and chill for at least 90 minutes.
• Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a bowl, gently toss the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Allow this mixture to sit for 15 minutes while the dough finishes chilling. (Optional: Briefly cook half the filling mixture in a saucepan until slightly thickened to ensure no runny center.)
• Assemble the Tart Base: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger dough disc to fit the pie plate, leaving an overhang. Gently transfer the dough to the plate. Trim the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Place the lined plate back into the fridge.
• Create the Topping: Roll out the second disc. Cut into strips for a traditional lattice, or place the whole piece over the filling and cut steam vents.
• Fill and Seal: Pour the cherry filling into the chilled bottom crust. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter. Attach the top crust/lattice. Crimp the edges securely to seal. Brush the entire top surface generously with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
• Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tart on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F, then immediately reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 40–50 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbling thickly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
• Cool Completely: Let the tart cool on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing. This is crucial to allow the starches to fully set and prevent a soupy center.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:453 kcal

Protein:4.6 g

Fat:20.9 g

Carbs:72.2 g

Fiber:0.8 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:5 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert, Pastry

Cuisine:British

Unveiling the Unforgettable: Why This Deep-Dish Tart Reigns Supreme

When the words "Classic Cherry Delight" echo through the culinary world, they summon images of deeply satisfying comfort and rich, vibrant fruit balanced by buttery pastry. Forget those flimsy, overly sweet imposters; the recipe we are diving into today focuses on creating a proper, deep-dish spectacle. This Coronation Cherry Tart is designed to be a true centerpiece, marrying the nostalgic essence of a comforting bake with the refined technique required for a shatteringly crisp crust. It’s sophisticated enough to anchor any holiday spread, yet possesses an innate, welcoming warmth that makes it perfect for a cozy evening treat. This isn't merely dessert; it’s an experience in texture and flavour contrast.

The Heritage of Comfort: What Makes This a True Classic Cherry Delight?

The allure of this particular Classic Cherry Delight Recipe lies in its commitment to traditional structure while embracing modern flavour enhancements. At its heart, it is a Cherry Pie Inspired Dessert , relying on the powerful combination of tart fruit and rich, enveloping pastry. We aim for that perfect balance—the filling must sing with bright, slightly acidic cherry notes, preventing the overall dessert from becoming cloying. The texture profile is equally important: we seek a foundation that is robust enough to hold the generous quantity of fruit, offering a substantial bite that characterizes great deep-dish baking. This depth elevates it beyond the typical Easy Cherry Dessert .

Beyond the Bake Sale: Elevating the Humble Cherry Filling

While many recipes rely on canned fillings, our approach demands the best from fresh or high-quality frozen fruit. The secret weapon here is the subtle inclusion of almond extract. This addition doesn't make the tart taste like marzipan; rather, it acts as a magnificent amplifier for the natural flavour of the cherries, deepening their complexity. By managing the thickening agents—cornstarch or tapioca starch—we ensure that the juices reduce beautifully during baking, resulting in a jewel-toned centre that holds its shape perfectly when sliced. This attention to detail transforms a simple bake into a truly memorable Creamy Cherry Delight .

A Nod to Tradition: Reimagining Mrs. Beeton's Grand Vision

While we are creating a contemporary masterpiece, the spirit honors those grand, historical bakes. This tart steps into the space often reserved for more formal Afternoon Tea Desserts . The inclusion of a substantial, buttery shortcrust pastry—rather than a crumbly No Bake Cherry Delight base—grounds the dessert in classic technique. This structure provides the necessary scaffolding for the heavy filling, ensuring that every forkful offers that satisfying juxtaposition of yielding fruit and crisp, yielding dough.

Setting Expectations: The Perfect Golden-Brown Finish

We aren't aiming for pale pastry; we seek rich, deep colour. The final bake, after reducing the heat, is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown finish that speaks of slow caramelization and thorough cooking of the dough. This rich exterior signals to the eater that they are about to enjoy something substantial and lovingly crafted, promising a flake that sings when cut.

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Assembling Your Arsenal: Essential Components for Superior Flavor

To achieve truly spectacular results in this Simple Cherry Delight Recipe , meticulous preparation of ingredients is non-negotiable. This recipe demands cold components for the pastry and high-quality fruit to anchor the filling. We are building layers of flavour and texture, meaning the quality of the basics—the flour, the butter, and the fruit itself—will dictate the final outcome.

The Golden Rule: Sourcing the Best Cherries for Your Delight

For optimal tartness and colour, sour cherries (like Montmorency) are ideal, though readily available sweet cherries work beautifully when balanced with the lemon juice. If using frozen cherries, ensure they are only partially thawed; they will release their moisture slowly, allowing the starch to manage it effectively during the initial high-heat blast of the oven. We want them plump and bursting, not mushy.

Mastering the Shortcrust: Flours, Fats, and Freezing Tips

The success of the buttery pastry hinges entirely on temperature control. Using ice-cold, cubed unsalted butter is essential for creating steam pockets during baking, which results in that sought-after flakiness. The flour must be combined quickly with the fat—the less handling, the better. After mixing, dividing the dough into two discs (one slightly larger for the base) and wrapping them tightly before chilling for a minimum of 90 minutes is the most crucial step for developing a pastry that avoids the dreaded soggy bottom often associated with Graham Cracker Crust Desserts imitators.

Building the Core: Specifics for the Tart's Rich Interior

The filling ingredients are straightforward, but the ratios matter deeply. The sugar (about ¾ cup) is adjusted to taste depending on the inherent sweetness of the cherries. The cornstarch is the structural binder, working in tandem with the fruit's natural pectin and the small tablespoon of butter dotted on top just before sealing, which enriches the texture and sheen of the finished filling.

Tools of the Trade: Necessary Equipment for Deep-Dish Success

While this isn't overly complicated, a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate is key, as it allows for a substantial layer of fruit. Having a rolling pin handy, along with large bowls for mixing, covers the essentials. For those looking for the absolute smoothest texture, a food processor can cut the butter into the flour in seconds, though the classic 'rubbing in' method provides superior control over texture development.

The Assembly Line: Step-by-Step Construction of Your Masterpiece

Once your components are prepped and chilled, the assembly process moves quite swiftly. It’s a dance between getting the pastry rolled out and getting the filling nestled securely inside.

Crafting the Butter-Rich Dough: Techniques for Zero Toughness

Begin with the larger dough disc. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out evenly, ensuring you turn the dough frequently to prevent sticking and maintain an even thickness, about 1/8th of an inch. Gently drape this into your deep-dish plate, trimming the overhang to about an inch. Return this lined base to the refrigerator immediately. While it chills, roll out the second disc. This is where you decide between a traditional lattice—requiring careful cutting and weaving—or a simple, vented top crust, which is often easier for beginners striving for a perfect bake.

Simmering the Jewel-Toned Filling: Reducing Juices for Intensity

As the dough rests, the cherries macerate with the sugar and starch. Before placing the raw fruit into the shell, consider a pro move: briefly simmer half the filling mixture in a small saucepan until it just begins to thicken. This preemptive step ensures you have zero risk of weeping or runniness, guaranteeing that your final Classic Cherry Delight slices cleanly. Once thickened slightly, combine it with the rest of the raw fruit mix.

Designing the Topping: Lattice Work vs. Rustic Crumble Application

If opting for a lattice, weave the strips tightly and ensure the edges are crimped securely to the bottom crust using water or egg wash as glue. If you prefer a simpler route, lay the top crust over the fruit, seal the edges, and cut several generous slits in the centre to allow steam to escape, preventing the crust from ballooning unattractively. Before baking, brush the entire surface generously with an egg wash (one egg whisked with a teaspoon of water) and scatter coarse turbinado sugar over the top for that fantastic, sparkling crunch.

The Crucial Cool Down: Allowing Your Classic Cherry Delight to Settle

This is arguably the most testing stage. Once removed from the oven, the filling will be molten. Place the tart on a wire rack and allow it to cool completely—aim for at least three hours, or until merely warm to the touch. This resting period is vital; the starches need time to fully hydrate and set the viscous liquid into a spoonable, cohesive filling, ensuring every slice holds its structural integrity.

Troubleshooting & Next-Level Enhancements for Your Tart

Even with the best intentions, baking can throw curveballs. Knowing how to adjust mid-bake or how to infuse extra personality into the bake will ensure consistency.

Flavor Twists: Incorporating Spices and Zests for Unique Profiles

To push the flavour profile beyond tradition, consider adding a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of cinnamon to the dry ingredients of the crust. For the filling, a small amount of finely grated orange zest (about ½ teaspoon) alongside the lemon juice introduces a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness of the pastry beautifully. For those who enjoy a touch of warmth, a mere whisper of black pepper in the filling mixture can surprisingly enhance the cherry’s natural sweetness.

The Science of Storing: Keeping the Crust Crispy for Days

Because this tart relies on a buttery shortcrust, storing it correctly is key to maintaining that lovely texture. Avoid refrigerating immediately if possible, as the humidity can soften the pastry quickly. Cover the cooled tart loosely with foil or a cake dome and keep it at a cool room temperature for up to 24 hours. If longer storage is required, move it to the refrigerator, but allow it to come back to room temperature for at least an hour before serving to soften the butter slightly and revive the crust's texture.

Anatomy of Indulgence: Understanding the Nutritional Snapshot

This is a truly indulgent dessert, characterized by a significant contribution of fats from the butter-rich pastry. While it offers complex carbohydrates from the flour and natural sugars from the cherries, it should certainly be savoured as a treat. The high fruit content does lend a good boost of dietary fibre, making it feel marginally more virtuous than many purely cream-based desserts.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing the Perfect Accompaniment

While spectacular on its own, a perfect slice of this deep-dish wonder begs for a cool counterpart. The sharp contrast of cold dairy against the warm, spiced fruit is divine. Consider serving it with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream—its creaminess is a perfect foil. For a more traditional, less sweet approach, a spoonful of crème fraîche or even homemade clotted cream provides a luxurious, slightly tangy counterpoint that completes the experience of this stellar Classic Cherry Delight .