Puff pastry is a versatile and delicious base for making an array of sweet desserts. When paired with juicy cherries, it transforms into a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of cherry puff pastry dessert recipes, including classic options like cherry puff pastry tarts and strudels, while also offering tips on substitutions, variations, and storage. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this guide will help you create the perfect cherry puff pastry dessert every time.
Ingredients
To create a cherry puff pastry dessert, the ingredients are simple yet flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
Puff Pastry
The key to any puff pastry dessert recipe is, of course, the puff pastry itself. You can purchase pre-made puff pastry at most grocery stores, but for a homemade touch, you can also prepare it from scratch. This flaky dough will form the delicious base for your dessert.
Fresh or Frozen Cherries
Cherries are the star of this recipe. Fresh cherries can be used when in season, offering a bright, sweet flavor. Alternatively, frozen cherries are a convenient option and work just as well when fresh ones aren’t available.
Sugar
Granulated sugar is typically used to sweeten the cherries. Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the sugar amount.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps thicken the cherry filling, creating a jam-like consistency that holds together well in puff pastry desserts. It also helps prevent any leakage from the pastry.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice balances the sweetness of the cherries and adds a subtle tartness that elevates the flavor profile of the dessert.
Butter
Butter is used to brush the edges of the puff pastry before baking, ensuring a golden, crispy finish. It also adds richness to the pastry.
Egg Wash (Optional)
An egg wash—beaten egg with a splash of water—is brushed over the puff pastry before baking. It gives the dessert a shiny, golden crust once baked.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, follow these easy steps to make a delicious cherry puff pastry dessert.
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
Start by washing the cherries thoroughly and removing their stems and pits. If you’re using fresh cherries, chop them in half. For frozen cherries, simply thaw them and drain excess liquid.
Place the cherries in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice, stirring until well combined. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cherries have softened and the filling has thickened. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
While the cherry filling cools, roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, you may need to let it thaw before working with it. Roll the pastry to your desired thickness—about 1/8 inch thick is a good starting point.
Cut the puff pastry into squares, rectangles, or circles, depending on your preferred shape for the dessert.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
Once the filling has cooled, spoon a small amount onto the center of each pastry piece. Be sure to leave a border around the edges to ensure the pastry can be folded without spilling the filling.
If you’re making a tart or strudel, you can fold the pastry over the filling or roll it up into a log shape. For a more intricate look, create a lattice pattern by cutting thin strips of pastry and weaving them over the filling.
Step 4: Brush with Butter and Egg Wash
For a glossy finish, brush the top of the assembled pastries with melted butter. If you’re using an egg wash, lightly brush the edges of the pastry with a mixture of beaten egg and water.
Step 5: Bake the Pastries
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cherry puff pastry desserts to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, or store them for later!
Substitutions
You can easily customize your cherry puff pastry dessert by swapping some ingredients. Here are a few ideas for substitutions:
- Cherries: If fresh cherries are out of season or unavailable, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. Even canned or jarred cherries can work in a pinch, though fresh or frozen are preferred for texture.
- Butter: If you prefer a dairy-free dessert, you can replace butter with a plant-based option such as margarine or coconut oil.
- Cornstarch: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickening agent, although the result may not be as smooth.
- Egg Wash: For a vegan option, skip the egg wash and brush the pastry with a bit of almond milk or soy milk for a golden finish.
Variations
Cherry puff pastry desserts are incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun variations to try:
Cherry Puff Pastry Tart
To make a cherry puff pastry tart, you can use a round tart pan. Simply press the puff pastry into the pan, create a border, and fill it with your cherry mixture. Bake until golden, then serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Cherry Puff Pastry Strudel
A cherry puff pastry strudel is made by rolling the filling inside a sheet of puff pastry. This classic dessert is perfect for slicing into portions. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cherry and Almond Puff Pastry
For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped almonds over the cherry filling before folding or rolling the puff pastry. This variation adds texture and a rich flavor.
Equipment
Here are the essential tools you’ll need to make cherry puff pastry desserts:
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the puff pastry to the desired thickness.
- Saucepan: For cooking the cherry filling.
- Baking Sheet: A flat surface for baking the pastries.
- Parchment Paper: Helps prevent the pastries from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash or butter to the pastry.
- Tart Pan or Pie Dish (Optional): If making a tart, a tart pan will help you achieve a perfect shape.
Storage
Cherry puff pastry desserts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, here’s how:
- Room Temperature: Allow the pastries to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, store the pastries in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry again.
- Freezing: Cherry puff pastries can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Top Tip
For the flakiest puff pastry, make sure not to overwork the dough. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, keep it chilled before using it, and work quickly to avoid it getting too soft.
For more mouthwatering cherry dessert, try our Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
What is a cherry puff pastry tart?
A cherry puff pastry tart is a dessert made by baking puff pastry with a sweet cherry filling. The pastry can be shaped into a round tart shell, filled with cherries and sugar, then baked until golden and flaky.
Can I make cherry puff pastry strudel in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cherry puff pastry strudel ahead of time, assemble it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
How do I make a cherry puff pastry recipe without a tart pan?
If you don’t have a tart pan, you can simply bake the cherry puff pastry free-form on a baking sheet. Use a square or rectangular shape for a rustic look, or fold the pastry edges up to create a border.
Stay Connected
Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for daily updates, drool-worthy food photos, and exclusive cooking tips.
1 thought on “Cherry Puff Pastry Dessert Recipes: Easy & Delicious Ideas”