This cherry almond custard tart is a beautiful homemade dessert with a buttery crust, creamy almond filling, juicy cherries, toasted sliced almonds, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. It has the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, creamy, and fruity flavors in every slice.
This tart is elegant enough for holidays and special occasions, but simple enough to enjoy with coffee or tea on a cozy afternoon. The golden almond topping gives it a lovely crunch, while the cherries add a bright, sweet-tart flavor.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water
- Pinch of salt
For the Almond Custard Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
For the Cherries and Topping
- 1 cup pitted cherries, fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Mix until the dough begins to come together. Add another tablespoon of water only if needed.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the crust stay tender and flaky.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish.
Step 4: Form the Tart Shell
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Press it into the tart pan, trimming any excess around the edges.
Prick the bottom with a fork. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven.
Step 5: Make the Almond Custard Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
Stir in the almond flour, all-purpose flour, heavy cream, and salt. Mix until the filling is thick and creamy.
Step 6: Add the Cherries
Spread the almond custard filling evenly into the partially baked crust. Gently press the cherries into the filling, spacing them across the tart.
Step 7: Add the Almond Topping
Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top. Add a light sprinkle of granulated sugar to help the almonds turn golden.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the tart is golden on top and the center is set. The almonds should be lightly toasted and fragrant.
Step 9: Cool and Dust
Let the tart cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cherry almond custard tart with:
- Hot coffee
- Black tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- A drizzle of cherry sauce
Tips for the Best Tart
For the best flavor, use almond extract along with vanilla extract. It gives the filling a classic bakery-style almond taste.
If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them well before adding them to the tart. If using canned cherries, make sure they are drained so the filling does not become too wet.
Toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding them if you want an even deeper nutty flavor.
Storage
Store leftover tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let slices sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, or warm them slightly for a softer texture.
Final Thoughts
This cherry almond custard tart is a rich, elegant dessert with a buttery crust, creamy almond filling, sweet cherries, and crunchy almond topping. It is simple to make, beautiful to serve, and perfect for anyone who loves classic fruit-and-nut desserts.
