Hollandse Kersentaart

Hollandse Kersentaart Recipe - A Delicious Dutch Cherry Tart

Region / culture: Netherlands | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hollandse Kersentaart, or Dutch Cherry Pie, is a delicious and traditional dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This sweet and tangy pie is made with a flaky puff pastry crust, juicy sour cherries, and a creamy whipped cream filling. The combination of flavors and textures in this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Hollandse Kersentaart has been a popular dessert in the Netherlands for many years. Sour cherries are a common fruit in Dutch cuisine, and they are often used in pies, tarts, and other sweet treats. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a beloved favorite among Dutch families.

Ingredients

Puff Pastry

450 g of deep-frozen puff pastry and some flour for rolling

Filling

500 g of large sour cherries
0.13 liter of cherry juice
1 tbsp of cornflour
0.5 liter of double cream
50 g of sugar

Garnish

100 g of icing sugar
2 tbsp of gooseberry jelly
2 tbsp of hot water

How to prepare

Defrost the puff pastry according to the instructions on the package.
Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of approximately 3 mm.
Place the pie tin on top and cut out a piece that extends 1 cm beyond the bottom of the tin.
Transfer the pastry to a baking sheet and place it in the middle of a preheated oven.
Bake for about 10 minutes at 200°C.
Remove the pastry base from the oven and repeat the process to make two more bases.
Wash and drain the cherries.
Cook the cherries together with the cherry juice.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and add it to the cherries.
After 2 minutes, remove from heat and let it cool until lukewarm.
In a separate bowl, whip the cream with sugar until stiff peaks form.
Spread the cherries over one of the pie bases and place the second base on top.
Spread the whipped cream over the second base and smooth it out.
Mix icing sugar with gooseberry jelly and hot water.
Spread the mixture over the third base and let it dry.
Place the decorated top on the pie and garnish with whipped cream and cherries.
Keep the pie in the fridge until ready to serve.

Variations

Substitute the sour cherries with other fruits such as raspberries or blueberries.
Use a different type of pastry crust, such as a shortcrust or graham cracker crust.
Add almond extract or amaretto to the cherry filling for a nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to defrost the puff pastry according to the package instructions to ensure it rolls out easily.

- When rolling out the pastry, make sure it is evenly thick to ensure a uniform crust.

- Whipping the cream until stiff peaks form will give the filling a light and airy texture.

- Let the cherry filling cool slightly before assembling the pie to prevent the cream from melting.

- Garnish the pie with whipped cream and cherries for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hollandse Kersentaart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the puff pastry to an even thickness is key to a flaky and crispy crust.

- Whipping the cream until stiff peaks form will give the filling a light and airy texture.

- Cooking the cherry filling until thickened will prevent the pie from becoming too soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen cherries if fresh cherries are not available.

- Substitute the cherry juice with apple juice or cranberry juice.

- Use a store-bought pie crust if you don't have time to make puff pastry from scratch.

Make Ahead Tips

Hollandse Kersentaart can be assembled a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The pie is best enjoyed fresh, so try to assemble it as close to serving time as possible.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the pie with whipped cream, cherries, and a drizzle of cherry sauce for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Dust the pie with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Hollandse Kersentaart pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a special occasion, serve the pie with a glass of dessert wine or champagne.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Hollandse Kersentaart in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hollandse Kersentaart contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hollandse Kersentaart contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hollandse Kersentaart contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hollandse Kersentaart contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sour cherries are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system and fight inflammation.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream) and gluten (flour in puff pastry).

Summary

Hollandse Kersentaart is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hollandse Kersentaart is a classic Dutch dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This sweet and tangy pie is made with a flaky puff pastry crust, juicy sour cherries, and a creamy whipped cream filling. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and impressive dessert that will delight your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Hollandse Kersentaart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the Netherlands. My aunt was a fantastic baker, and she always had the most delicious treats waiting for us whenever we came to visit. One day, she decided to make this special cherry tart for us, and I was instantly captivated by the sweet aroma wafting through her kitchen.

As I watched her work, I was mesmerized by her skilled hands as she kneaded the dough and carefully arranged the cherries on top. She explained to me that this recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from our great-great-grandmother who had lived in a small town in the Dutch countryside.

My aunt shared with me the story of how our great-great-grandmother had learned the recipe from a kind neighbor who had immigrated from Germany. The neighbor had brought with her a love for baking and a treasure trove of delicious recipes, including this one for Hollandse Kersentaart. Our family had cherished this recipe ever since, making it a special treat for holidays and family gatherings.

After that day, I knew that I had to learn how to make this tart myself. I spent hours in my aunt's kitchen, watching her every move and memorizing the steps. She patiently guided me through the process, teaching me the importance of using fresh, seasonal cherries and the secret ingredient that gave the tart its unique flavor – a hint of almond extract.

When I returned home, I immediately set to work recreating the Hollandse Kersentaart in my own kitchen. I was determined to perfect the recipe and carry on the tradition that had been handed down to me. I experimented with different variations, adding my own personal touch to the tart while still staying true to the original flavors and techniques.

Over the years, I continued to hone my baking skills and share this cherished recipe with my own family. My children grew up watching me make the Hollandse Kersentaart, just as I had watched my aunt all those years ago. It became a staple dessert in our household, a symbol of our family's heritage and love for good food.

As I look back on all the memories tied to this recipe, I am filled with nostalgia and gratitude for the women who came before me and passed down their culinary wisdom. The Hollandse Kersentaart is more than just a dessert – it is a connection to my past, a reminder of the traditions that have shaped my family for generations.

And so, whenever I bake this tart and savor its sweet, tangy flavors, I am transported back to that sunny day in my aunt's kitchen, watching her create magic with a handful of cherries and a sprinkle of almond extract. The Hollandse Kersentaart will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and heritage that bind us together as a family.