Mini Cherry Almond Tarts

Mini desserts have surged in popularity over the years, and it's easy to see why. Their bite-sized nature allows for indulgence without the guilt, making them a perfect treat for any gathering. Among the myriad of mini desserts, tarts hold a special place in the hearts of many. They are versatile, visually stunning, and can be filled with a variety of flavors. Today, we delve into the delightful world of Mini Cherry Almond Tarts—a charming blend of sweet cherries and nutty almonds that offers a symphony of flavors with every bite.

Discover the joy of baking with these delightful Mini Cherry Almond Tarts! These bite-sized treats combine the sweetness of cherries and the nuttiness of almonds, making them perfect for any gathering. Their stunning presentation and versatile nature allow them to shine on dessert tables, whether at a birthday party or a summer picnic. Learn to create these beautiful tarts from scratch with our easy step-by-step guide and impress your guests with a deliciously elegant dessert!

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Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the Almond Topping:

½ cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

Prepare the Tart Crust:

- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully combined.

- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, until firm.

Preheat the Oven:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Roll and Shape the Dough:

- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/8 inch in thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles that fit your mini tart pan or muffin tin.

- Gently press the dough circles into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared tart pans, ensuring there are no air pockets.

Prepare the Cherry Filling:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle bubble and thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

Fill the Tarts:

- Using a spoon, carefully fill each tart shell with the cherry filling, filling them about ¾ full to leave room for the almond topping.

Make the Almond Topping:

- In a small bowl, mix the sliced almonds with melted butter, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Stir until the almonds are evenly coated with the mixture.

Top the Tarts:

- Evenly sprinkle the almond topping over the cherry filling in each tart, distributing them well for an even crunch.

Bake:

- Place the filled tart pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the almond topping is toasted and fragrant.

Cool and Serve:

- Once baked, let the tarts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the mini tarts to a wire rack to cool further. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience. Enjoy your delightful treats!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

30 minutes | 1 hour | 12 servings

Optional Presentation Tips:

Arrange the mini tarts on a vibrant platter sprinkled with fresh mint leaves or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a beautiful and enticing dessert presentation.