Choc-Cherry Tarts

Susan, AKA Kiwicook
Susan, AKA Kiwicook

Susan, AKA Kiwicook

In her days as a recipe developer, Susan has created over 450 recipes. Her Dutch and New Zealander roots serve as a basis for her culinary inspiration.

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CHOC-CHERRY TARTS

What do you get when you combine a dark, chocolatey biscuit base, creamy white chocolate and mascarpone filling and fresh, tart cherries? A dessert made in heaven, that’s what.

Remember the gluten-free chocolate cookies I presented in the last post? Well, here they are in the tart base. And can I just say… wow – these little beauties certainly earned their keep in this recipe! Their deep dark, intense chocolate flavour contrasted beautifully with the white chocolate filling.

I found this fabulous recipe on Woolworths Online.com.au. However, as I wanted a gluten-free version, I adapted the crumb base, using home-made gluten-free cookies instead of store-bought ones. I also baked the base rather than simply refrigerating it, as I wanted to ensure it didn’t crumble – a common scenario with gluten-free products. I’m happy to report that it worked a treat, also providing a nice crunchy contrast to the rest of the dish. And while the tart cherries did a wonderful job of balancing the sweetness of the dessert overall, I did find the filling a tad too sweet for my liking. Next time, I might add some orange zest to it just to round out the flavours a bit.

This dessert represented a real coup for me – adapting a gluten-based recipe into a gluten-free one without compromising on taste or texture. It’s a darn good feeling and I’m still basking in the after-glow!

CHOC-CHERRY TARTS

CHOC-CHERRY TARTS

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 8 Servings

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 8.8 oz plain chocolate biscuits (or use this Gluten-free Chocolate Cookies recipe and halve it)
  • 4.4 oz butter, melted
  • 28-35 oz cherries
  • 2 Tbsp kirsch (or brandy)
  • 1/4 cup icing sugar, divided
  • 150 g white chocolate
  • 10.5 oz mascarpone (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup cream (whipped to soft peaks)

Instructions
 

  • Lightly grease 8 x 10cm (3-4 inch) (mine were 11cm) fluted, loose-based flan tins. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
  • Process biscuits in a food processor until they resemble fine breadcrumbs. Add melted butter and process to combine (use only enough butter to bind the mixture together when pressed between the fingers). Divide mixture between tins and press firmly over bases and sides. Freeze any left-over crumbs for a delicious dessert topping.
  • Bake in preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes – the aroma filling the kitchen will let you know when it’s ready; be careful not to burn them. Take the tarts out of the oven and leave them to cool on a wire rack. When sufficiently cooled, transfer them in their tins to the fridge to firm up.
  • Meanwhile, pit cherries and transfer to a bowl. Add kirsch, 1 tbs of the icing sugar and stir to combine. Set aside, stirring occasionally.
  • Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and put aside to cool a little.
  • Beat mascarpone and remaining icing sugar in a separate bowl until smooth.
  • When the chocolate is cooled, add it to the mascarpone and whisk well till combined. Fold in the whipped cream. If not using immediately, refrigerate.
  • Drain the cherries, retaining the liquid (if you don’t have enough liquid for serving purposes, you can always add a little orange juice and/or extra kirsch). Add the liquid to a small saucepan  on a moderately low heat and stir for a minute or two at a gentle simmer until the juice thickens slightly. Reserve for serving.
  • Take the biscuit bases out of the fridge. Carefully remove the bases from the tins (I set the tins on an upturned glass and gently pull down the tin sides) and set on serving plates. Spoon the chocolate mixture into the cases. Top with cherries and drizzle with a little of the cherry syrup to serve.
Keyword cherry tarts, choc-cherry tarts, chocolate tarts, tarts
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Susan, AKA Kiwicook
About The Author
Susan, also known as the Kiwi Cook, hails from Levin, New Zealand, and has a unique Kiwi-Dutch-British heritage that influenced her culinary upbringing. As an artist, tutor, writer, and editor, Susan dedicates her weekends to creating delectable dishes. Her food philosophy embraces moderation and listening to her body's needs.

Comments

  1. OMG this is so up my alley! I’m going to have to try this, not sure if I can still get good cherries

    Reply
    • Thanks Stacey. We’ve still got cherries coming through the supermarkets here – you should still catch the last of them. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Hi, I found this on FoodGawker and was hoping I could get your permission to post the recipe on my instagram recipe page (@foodie_recipes) as it looks delicious! I will tag you in the photo and put your website address on the post! Hope this is okay, thanks 🙂 x

    Reply
  3. Avatar

    Wow! Congrats on successfully converting this to a gluten free dish. It looks so sweet and creamy. . .the perfect little desert for those moments of decadence.
    http://www.theroadtohoney.com

    Reply
    • Thanks Lynn – I’m having to convert more recipes these days – all for one gluten-intolerant family member!

      Reply

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