# Recipe: Cherry Almond Tarts for Valentine’s Day
Time:
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Bake Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 45 minutes
Introduction
Celebrate love and togetherness with these Cherry Almond Tarts. Nothing says romance better than a homemade dessert that warms up the heart and tickles the sweet tooth. Perfectly fit for Valentine’s Day, these tarts are treasures of tangy cherry preserves, a crumbly buttery crust, and the nutty hint of almonds.
Why make this recipe
Add a personal touch to your Valentine’s Day celebrations with these homemade treats. These tarts combine the sweetness of cherries with the crunchy texture of almonds, making every bite utterly satisfying.
How to make Cherry Almond Tarts
Ingredients
For the Crust:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
– 1 cup cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
– 1/2 tsp almond extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse together flour and powdered sugar.
3. Add diced butter and vanilla extract, processing until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture evenly into 6 small tart pans.
5. In a bowl, mix cherry preserves with almond extract.
6. Spoon the cherry mixture evenly into the prepared tart crusts.
7. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of each tart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Allow tarts to cool slightly before removing from pans.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to serve Cherry Almond Tarts
Serve these tarts fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. Complement them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How to store Cherry Almond Tarts
Store these tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a longer shelf-life, refrigerate them and enjoy within a week.
Tips to make Cherry Almond Tarts
1. Make sure your butter is cold for a flakier crust.
2. Using a food processor for the dough ensures a short crust, which is crumbly and tender.
Variations
1. Substitute cherry filling with raspberry or strawberry for a different flavor twist.
2. Use pecans or walnuts as an alternative to almonds
FAQs
– Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry preserves?
– Yes, you can. Pit them and cook with sugar until it thickens and use as filling.
– How should I store these tarts if I want to freeze them?
– Wrapped tightly in freezer wrap or a heavy-duty freezer bag, these tarts will last for up to three months in the freezer.
– Can I use whole wheat flour for the crust?
– Yes, however, the crust will be denser than the one made with all-purpose flour.