These 5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts are a delightful dessert that’s quick, simple, and absolutely delicious. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a golden finish, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or an easy weeknight treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe delivers stunning results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires only five basic ingredients.
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute desserts.
- Bite-sized and ideal for sharing.
- Customizable with different fillings or toppings.
- A classic combination of buttery crust and sweet cherries.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Store-bought or homemade pie crusts
- Cherry pie filling
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or lemon juice (for glaze)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin pan or line with paper liners.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Roll out the pie crust and use a round cutter to create circles slightly larger than the muffin cups.
- Press each circle into the muffin cups to form mini tart shells.
- Add the Filling: Spoon a generous amount of cherry pie filling into each tart shell, ensuring each tart has a mix of cherries and syrup.
- Bake:
- Lightly beat the egg and brush the edges of the crust with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Glaze:
- Let the tarts cool slightly. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice to create a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled tarts.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature for a simple and delicious treat.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 mini tarts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Cherry Tarts: Add a layer of melted chocolate in the crust before adding the cherry filling.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the cherry filling before baking.
- Spiced Flavor: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cherry pie filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Coconut Glaze: Replace milk with coconut milk in the glaze for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked tarts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes, homemade filling works wonderfully and allows you to control the sweetness and flavor.
2. What if I don’t have a round cutter?
Use a glass or any circular object to cut the pie crust.
3. Can I make these tarts larger?
Yes, use a standard tart pan or ramekins for larger portions and adjust the baking time accordingly.
4. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Absolutely! Puff pastry adds a flaky texture and works well in this recipe.
5. Can I make the tarts ahead of time?
Yes, bake them a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving.
6. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Brush the crust with a thin layer of egg white before adding the filling to create a moisture barrier.
7. What other fillings can I use?
Try apple, blueberry, or peach pie filling for variety.
8. Can I omit the glaze?
Yes, the tarts are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and a polished finish.
9. How do I make these tarts vegan?
Use a plant-based crust and skip the egg wash. Substitute the milk in the glaze with a non-dairy alternative.
10. What can I serve with these tarts?
Serve with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra treat.
Conclusion
5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts are a quick and delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and simple glaze, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. Whip up a batch today and enjoy this classic, fuss-free treat!
Print
5-Ingredient Cherry Tarts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tarts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Description
These easy cherry tarts are a delightful dessert made with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick sweet treat, they feature a flaky pastry base, a fruity cherry filling, and a golden finish. Great for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 package (1 lb/450g) pre-made puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 can (21 oz/600g) cherry pie filling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4-inch squares or circles using a cookie cutter. You should get about 12 pieces depending on the size of your pastry.
- Assemble the Tarts:
- Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling (about 1–2 tablespoons) in the center of each pastry square or circle. Fold the edges slightly over the filling or leave them open for a rustic look.
- For a sealed edge, fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges with a fork to crimp.
- Add the Egg Wash:
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake the Tarts:
- Place the assembled tarts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Glaze (Optional):
- Let the tarts cool slightly. If desired, mix powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk to create a glaze and drizzle over the tarts.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a dessert or snack.
Notes
- Substitute cherry pie filling with any fruit filling, like apple, blueberry, or peach, for variation.
- These tarts are best enjoyed the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For added crunch, sprinkle the edges with coarse sugar before baking.