There’s something magical about the combination of rich, dark chocolate and sweet, juicy cherries nestled in a flaky, buttery puff pastry. It’s a dessert that not only pleases the palate but also brings a touch of classiness to any occasion. I’m a sucker for a good dessert on Sunday afternoons, and this one is a hit with my family.
Why you’ll love this cherry puff pastry?
The simplicity — but I must say that the combination of chocolate, cherries, and butter puff pastry is a pleasant surprise for the taste buds. It is that delicious!
What you need to make the chocolate cherry puff pastry
- Unsalted butter – Butter is the heart of this recipe. It adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the pastry. Softening the butter ensures it spreads quickly over the puff pastry, creating a perfect base for our cherry filling.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed)—Puff pastry is a lifesaver in the kitchen. It provides that flaky, golden crust without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Thawing it ensures it puffs up beautifully in the oven. It’s a blank canvas ready to be transformed into a delicious dessert.
- Fresh or frozen cherries – bring a sweet-tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate. Whether you use fresh cherries at the peak of their season or frozen ones when unavailable, pitting them is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises when biting into the pastry. Garnishing with extra fresh cherries makes the dessert look stunning and adds a fresh, juicy element that contrasts with the rich, baked filling.
- Sugar—Sugar balances the fruit’s tartness. It also helps thicken the mixture, giving it a jam-like consistency that is perfect for spreading over the puff pastry.
- Cornstarch—Cornstarch is the thickening agent, ensuring the cherry filling isn’t too runny. It helps the juices from the cherries set, creating a luscious, spoonable mixture that stays in place when baked.
- Melted dark chocolate adds a deep, rich flavor that complements the cherries perfectly. Its melting creates a smooth, velvety drizzle that ties the whole dessert together. Dark chocolate’s slight bitterness balances the pastry’s sweetness and filling.
- Coconut oil – I mix the coconut oil with the melted chocolate to give it a glossy finish and make it easier to drizzle. It also adds a subtle hint of coconut flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
- Flakey sea salt for sprinkling—A sprinkle of flakey sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle adds a delightful contrast, enhancing the sweetness and making the flavors pop. It’s a simple touch that elevates the whole dessert.
Chocolate Cherry Puff Pastry Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 frozen puff pastry sheet thawed
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries pitted
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 ounces dark chocolate melted
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Additional fresh cherries for serving
- Flakey sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rollout the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle onto the prepared baking sheet.Using a knife, score a 1/2-inch border on the sides of the puff pastry, making sure not to cut all the way through. Using a fork, prick the puff pastry inside the border.
- Place the puff pastry into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- In the meantime combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Remove the puff pastry sheet from the oven and spread the cherry mixture inside the border of the puff pastry.
- Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the edges are deeply golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
- Stir the coconut oil into the melted chocolate and drizzle the chocolate all over the cherry tart. Top with flakey sea salt and additional fresh cherries.
- Serve with additional fresh cherries.
Achieve a perfect cherry puff pastry dessert
Here are a few tips to ensure your Chocolate Cherry Puff Pastry turns out perfectly every time:
- Make sure to preheat your oven thoroughly to ensure even baking.
- If your puff pastry begins to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Serve the pastry warm for the best flavor. The chocolate will perfectly melt, and the cherries will be soft and juicy.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Do you feel like a different variation?
- Try using raspberries, blueberries, or sliced apples for a different filling. Each fruit brings its unique flavor and texture to the pastry.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Milk chocolate or white chocolate can provide a sweeter contrast to the tart cherries. It’s a great way to add your own unique twist to this classic recipe. If you want to make this recipe vegan, it’s easy. Use plant-based butter and dairy-free puff pastry. Most grocery stores offer plenty of great options. This flexibility ensures that everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free puff pastry sheets and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Is frozen puff pastry the best option for this recipe?
Yes. The simplicity of this recipe is in not having to make your puff pastry from scratch. Frozen puff pastry is a fantastic option because it’s convenient and easy to use. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using it. Typically, this means leaving it at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes or until it’s pliable but still cold. Be gentle when unfolding it to avoid tearing. If you get a small tear, you can patch it with water and press the edges together. Thawed puff pastry will still bake up flaky and golden, making your dessert look and taste like it took hours to prepare, even though it didn’t.
What if I don’t have fresh cherries?
As mentioned in the ingredients, you can make this cherry puff pastry dessert from fresh or frozen cherries. Frozen cherries work just as well. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them before making the filling. This prevents excess moisture from making the filling too watery. Thaw the cherries by placing them in a colander over a bowl and letting them sit at room temperature. Thawing time will depend on the amount of fruit. For this recipe, 30 minutes to an hour should suffice. Drain off any liquid that collects in the bowl. If the cherries seem too wet, pat them dry with paper towels. Frozen cherries can be a great option, especially when cherries are out of season, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious dessert all year round.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The puff pastry will stay crisp, and the flavors will continue to meld. If you want to reheat the pastry, place it in a warm oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to crisp it up again. Avoid using the microwave for reheating as it can make the pastry soggy. If you have a toaster oven, that’s also a good option for reheating small portions. Properly storing and reheating the leftovers ensures you can enjoy this delightful dessert a day or two after making it.
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This Chocolate Cherry Puff Pastry always impresses me. It’s simple to make yet delivers a complex and delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a dinner party, or just enjoying it as a treat for yourself, it’s sure to be a hit.
I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. In the comments below, share your experiences and any variations you come up with. And remember to follow me on social media for more delicious recipes and baking tips.