When the holiday season rolls around, there’s something truly special about bringing a homemade dessert to the table. The Christmas Cherry Almond Tart is my go-to treat when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy cherries nestled in a buttery almond crust creates a perfect harmony of tart and sweet, with a satisfyingly crisp finish. What I love most is how this tart manages to feel both festive and comforting, making it the ideal centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to escape the fast-food routine with something homemade, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to fill your home with the warm aroma of the holidays.
Why choose Christmas Cherry Almond Tart?
Simplicity meets elegance with this tart—perfect for all skill levels. Festive flavor bursts from juicy cherries paired with a rich almond crust. Time-saving prep means more moments for holiday cheer. Versatile crowd-pleaser suits family dinners or parties alike. Comforting and fresh, it brings warmth without heaviness, elevating your seasonal dessert game effortlessly.
Christmas Cherry Almond Tart Ingredients
For the Almond Crust
• All-purpose flour – Use a fine flour for a tender, flaky base that supports the filling perfectly.
• Unsalted butter – Chilled and cubed, it creates that signature buttery flakiness essential for this crust.
• Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tart cherries beautifully.
• Almond flour – Enhances the nutty flavor and gives the crust a delightful texture.
• Egg yolk – Helps bind the crust and adds richness without toughness.
• Salt – Just a pinch to brighten the almond notes and flavors in the crust.
For the Cherry Almond Filling
• Fresh or frozen tart cherries – The star ingredient whose vibrant tartness shines in this Christmas Cherry Almond Tart.
• Sugar – Adjust sweetness to complement the natural tartness of the cherries.
• Almond extract – A small splash brings out the almond flavor that makes this tart unforgettable.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the cherry juices so your filling sets perfectly without being runny.
• Slivered almonds – For a toasty, crunchy topping that adds texture and a gorgeous finish.
• Butter – Dotting the filling before baking enriches the mouthfeel and flavor depth.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Almond Tart
For the Almond Crust:
- Combine Flours & Sugar. In a bowl whisk all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar and salt until the mixture looks uniform and pale beige, promising a tender, flaky base.
- Cut in Butter. Add chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs resembling small peas.
- Shape the Crust. Stir in egg yolk, then add cold water a teaspoon at a time until dough clings into a smooth ball; press evenly into a 9-inch tart pan. Chill 30 minutes.
- Preheat & Bake Crust. Heat oven to 350°F. Line chilled crust with parchment and pie weights; bake 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake 5 more minutes until edges are golden.
For the Cherry Almond Filling:
- Mix Cherry Filling. In a bowl toss cherries with sugar, cornstarch and almond extract until fruit is evenly coated and juices turn glossy.
- Fill and Top. Spoon cherry mixture into warm crust; dot with butter and sprinkle slivered almonds for a toasty, nutty topping.
- Bake the Tart. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until filling bubbles and almond slivers are lightly toasted golden brown.
- Cool Completely. Let tart cool on a wire rack at least 1 hour to set the filling; serve slices at room temperature with festive flavor.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh mint.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Cherry Almond Tart Variations
Feel free to personalize your tart with these delightful twists that will make it uniquely yours!
-
Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with an equal amount of oat or all-purpose flour for a nut-free alternative without sacrificing flavor.
In this version, the tart will still hold together well and deliver that buttery richness. -
Boozy Cherry: Enhance the filling by soaking the cherries in a splash of cherry liqueur or bourbon for an adult twist.
This will infuse the tart with rich, complex flavors, making it sparkle at your holiday gatherings. -
Vegan: Substitute dairy and eggs with vegan butter and flaxseed meal mixed with water for an egg replacement.
Your tart will still be a luscious delight, full of festive cheer while catering to vegan diets. -
Spiced Filling: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for added warmth and a festive flair that shouts holiday spirit.
This delightful spice will elevate each bite, wrapping you in comfort with every piece. -
Chocolate Drizzle: Top off your tart with a warm chocolate ganache for a decadent finish that pairs wonderfully with cherries.
A drizzle of chocolate adds an irresistible richness that makes this dessert truly unforgettable. -
Fruit Medley: Combine tart cherries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a colorful filling that dazzles the eyes and palate.
Merging flavors and colors creates a beautiful centerpiece, perfect for all occasions. -
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a crust that everyone can enjoy without a second thought.
With this swap, you won’t lose the flakiness, making it an inviting treat for all guests. -
Zest Infusion: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest into the filling for a bright, zesty balance against the sweetness of the cherries.
This small touch will bring a refreshing contrast that dances on your tongue, adding a burst of citrus joy.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cherry Almond Tart
Room Temperature: Store the tart covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its delicious freshness and crispy crust.
Fridge: If keeping longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container to preserve flavor and texture; cover with plastic wrap or foil.
Freezer: For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil—will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy warm, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, enhancing that inviting holiday aroma.
Make Ahead Options
The Christmas Cherry Almond Tart is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade dessert without last-minute stress! You can prepare the almond crust up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps, then refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. The cherry filling can also be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent moisture build-up. When you’re ready to bake, fill the pre-baked crust with the cherry mixture, dot with butter, sprinkle on the slivered almonds, and bake as instructed. This not only saves you time but ensures every bite of your Christmas Cherry Almond Tart is just as delightful!
What to Serve with Christmas Cherry Almond Tart?
When celebrating the holidays, a delightful spread transforms any gathering into a memorable feast.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, rich flavor complements the tartness of the cherries, creating a contrast that melts in your mouth. A scoop alongside warm tart makes every bite feel like a festive hug.
-
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it enhances the flavors without overwhelming them. A dollop on each slice adds a luscious, indulgent touch that guests will adore.
-
Hot Chocolate: A warm mug filled with rich cocoa and topped with whipped cream complements the sweet and tart notes, making every moment cozy and comforting.
-
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and nutty, these biscotti echo the almond flavors in the tart while adding a perfect texture contrast. Serve them alongside for a delightful nibble.
-
Fresh Berries Salad: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provides freshness and a pop of color, balancing the sweetness of the tart beautifully.
-
Sparkling Cider: This effervescent drink adds a festive touch and pairs wonderfully with dessert, offering a refreshing sip to cleanse the palate.
-
Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkling some over the tart brings richness and an elegant finish, enhancing the dessert with a touch of sophistication.
Expert Tips for Christmas Cherry Almond Tart
- Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Cherries: Opt for fresh tart cherries or fully thaw frozen ones and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling.
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Keep your almond crust cold before baking to ensure flakiness and prevent shrinking during baking.
- Don’t Skip Pie Weights: Using pie weights helps maintain crust shape; skipping them can cause bubbling or uneven edges.
- Balance Sweetness Carefully: Adjust sugar to complement the natural tartness of cherries without overpowering the almond notes.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the tart to cool fully to let the filling set perfectly for clean, beautiful slices.
Christmas Cherry Almond Tart Recipe FAQs
How do I know when cherries are ripe and perfect for the tart?
Look for fresh tart cherries that are deep red with a firm texture and a glossy shine. Avoid cherries with dark spots all over or wrinkles, as these can indicate overripeness or spoilage. If using frozen cherries, make sure they’re fully thawed and drained well to keep the filling from becoming watery.
What’s the best way to store leftover Christmas Cherry Almond Tart?
You can keep the tart covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve the fresh, crisp crust. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the tart from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Can I freeze the Christmas Cherry Almond Tart for later?
Absolutely! Wrap the whole tart tightly first in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the tart overnight in the refrigerator and then warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked aroma and texture.
Why did my almond crust shrink while baking, and how can I prevent it?
Crust shrinkage often happens if the dough isn’t chilled enough or if pie weights aren’t used during blind baking. To avoid this, make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking and always line the crust with parchment and pie weights. This keeps the crust in place, ensuring a perfect shape and crisp edges every time.
Is the Christmas Cherry Almond Tart safe for pets or people with nut allergies?
This tart contains almond flour and almond extract, so it’s not safe for anyone with nut allergies and definitely keep it away from pets. For nut allergies, I recommend using a classic shortcrust pastry without almond products and adjusting the filling with vanilla extract instead of almond extract. Always check ingredients carefully to keep everyone safe and happy.
Irresistible Christmas Cherry Almond Tart Recipe You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, and salt until uniform and pale beige.
- Add chilled, cubed butter and blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Stir in egg yolk and add cold water, a teaspoon at a time, until dough forms a smooth ball; press into a 9-inch tart pan.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line chilled crust with parchment and pie weights; bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract until well combined.
- Spoon cherry mixture into the warm crust; dot with butter and sprinkle slivered almonds on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until filling bubbles and almonds are lightly toasted.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
