sour cherry recipe
The Best sour cherry recipe

Sour Cherry Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream
A refreshing dessert combining tart sour cherries with a buttery shortbread crust and creamy vanilla ice cream. Perfect for a light summer treat.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a food processor, pulse flour, butter, egg yolk, and sugar until mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press into a tart pan and chill for 15 minutes. -
2
In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Simmer over medium heat until cherries soften and mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Cool slightly before pouring into the crust.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch tart pan
- Oven
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Sour Cherry Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sour Cherry Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream
How do I choose the best sour cherries for this recipe?
Use fresh, firm, and slightly tart cherries with a deep red or burgundy hue. Avoid overly soft or mushy ones, as they won’t hold their shape well when cooking. If you can’t find fresh cherries, look for high-quality frozen sour cherries—just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using.
Can I substitute another fruit for sour cherries in this recipe?
While sour cherries are essential for their tartness and natural sweetness, you could experiment with tart cherries (like Montmorency) or even a mix of tart apples or plums. However, the flavor profile will differ, so adjust sugar or sweetener levels to your taste.
Why do the cherries need to be pitted before cooking?
Pitting prevents small, hard bits from breaking free and clogging your saucepan, which could make the dish grainy. For a quicker method, use a cherry pitter, but a knife and spoon work fine if you’re careful. Always remove pits before adding cherries to the pan.
How can I adjust the consistency of the cherry compote?
If the compote is too thick, simmer it uncovered for 2–3 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. If it’s too thin, reduce it further or add a splash of water or juice. For a thicker texture, let it cool slightly before serving—it’ll naturally thicken as it cools.
