Ground Cherry Curd Tart Recipe

This Ground Cherry Curd Tart Recipe is a delightful celebration of bright, tangy flavors wrapped in a buttery, tender crust. The luscious ground cherry curd offers a unique twist that enchants the palate with its sweet-tart balance, making this tart an irresistible treat for any dessert lover. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge yourself, this tart combines elegance and warmth in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this tart lies in its simplicity, using straightforward ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient has been chosen to provide that perfect buttery crust and the vibrant, creamy curd filling.

• 80 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust while ensuring it stays tender and crisp.
• 9 tbsp unsalted butter (softened): Gives the dough richness and flakiness, essential for a perfect tart base.
• 1 egg: Binds the crust ingredients and adds moisture for easy shaping.
• 185 g all-purpose flour: The foundation of the tart crust, lending structure without toughness.
• 47 g corn starch: Adds lightness to the crust, helping it stay delicate and crumbly.
• 1 pinch salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 batch ground cherry curd: (See recipe here) The star filling, bursting with tropical citrus notes and creamy texture.

How to Make Ground Cherry Curd Tart Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Tart Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cream the softened butter together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crust that practically melts in your mouth.

Step 2: Incorporating Eggs and Dry Ingredients

Add the egg to the butter-sugar mix and beat until everything is well combined. Then, gently fold in the flour, corn starch, and salt until the dough just comes together—taking care not to overmix, which can make the crust tough.

Step 3: Chilling and Shaping the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, top with another, and roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes or refrigerate it for 1 hour. This chilling step ensures the dough rolls out smoothly without sticking and helps maintain its shape during baking.

Step 4: Blind Baking the Crust

Once chilled, remove the top parchment and fit the dough into an 8-inch tart pan, pressing gently into the edges. Return it to the freezer for 10 minutes. Cover the crust with parchment paper and fill it with baking weights, dried beans, or rice to keep it from puffing up. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.

Step 5: Adding Ground Cherry Curd and Final Baking

Carefully remove the weights and parchment, then pour the batch of ground cherry curd into the baked crust. Pop it back into the oven at 350°F for an additional 10 minutes. This final bake helps set the curd perfectly within the crisp shell.

Step 6: Cooling and Setting

Let the tart cool at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling step allows the curd to firm up for clean slices and rich, smooth flavor with every bite.

How to Serve Ground Cherry Curd Tart Recipe

Garnishes

Decorating your Ground Cherry Curd Tart Recipe is an opportunity to get creative. Consider dusting it with powdered sugar, adding fresh ground cherries or other seasonal berries for a burst of color, or even sprinkling some toasted nuts for crunch. Each garnish enhances the tart’s visual appeal and taste.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, making every bite richer and more comforting. If you want to balance the tartness, serve it alongside a chilled glass of sparkling wine or a fresh herbal tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this tart on a rustic wooden board for that cozy, homey feel or use a sleek white platter to let the colors pop. You can also slice it into bite-size squares for a party or make mini tarts for a charming tea-time treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, your Ground Cherry Curd Tart Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled maintains the curd’s texture and keeps the crust crisp. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the tart unbaked by preparing the crust and freezing it in the tart pan after chilling. When ready to bake, add the curd fresh and follow the baking instructions. Freezing a fully baked tart is less ideal, but if needed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to warm the filling slightly without drying out the crust. Avoid the microwave to keep the texture intact and enjoy your tart just as freshly made.

FAQs

What are ground cherries, and where can I find them?

Ground cherries are small, golden-orange fruits encased in papery husks, with a sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of pineapples and tomatoes. You can find them at farmers markets, specialty grocery stores, or order them online, especially during late summer and fall.

Can I substitute the ground cherry curd with another fruit curd?

Absolutely! While the ground cherry curd gives this tart a unique tropical twist, lemon, passion fruit, or even raspberry curds make delicious alternatives that maintain the tart’s bright, refreshing character.

Is this tart gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour and corn starch, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How long does it take to make the Ground Cherry Curd Tart Recipe from scratch?

Including prep, chilling, baking, and setting times, expect about 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish. Much of that time is inactive chilling, so it’s perfect to prepare ahead or enjoy a relaxed baking session.

Can I make the dough by hand instead of using a mixer?

Yes! Simply cream the softened butter and powdered sugar by hand with a strong spoon or wooden spatula, then beat in the egg before folding in the dry ingredients. It may take a bit more elbow grease but yields equally delicious results.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about sharing a slice of Ground Cherry Curd Tart Recipe with loved ones. Its golden crust and vibrant curd capture the essence of summer in each bite, making it a memorable dessert that brings smiles around any table. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret savoring this sweet, tangy masterpiece!

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