Crumbly Cherry Pie Recipe: A Perfect Treat Made with Your Favorite Seasonal Fruits

Unleash the delicious flavors of summer with this crumbly cherry pie recipe, versatile enough to incorporate any of your favorite fruits such as raspberries, apples and more. The recipe uses preserved cherries from the summer harvest but pairs wonderfully with any fruit of your choice. It combines a soft, buttery base with a lush, fruity filling, topped with a golden, crumbly crust.

Why you'll love it: This tart is a testament to the versatility and simplicity of home baking. The rich texture of the dough and the tart's robust cherry filling provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a hit for everyone who tastes it. It's a great way to use seasonal fruits and enjoy a delicious dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Perfect occasion: Ideal for a family gathering, a picnic or as a comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. This pie is perfect for baking lovers looking to impress at a bake sale or brunch.

Decorating Tips: Once cooked and cooled, sprinkle the tart with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the fruit flavors. Garnishing with additional fresh mint leaves or fresh cherries can also enhance its visual appeal.

Ingredients:

• 200 g softened butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon (100 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (50 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 large tablespoon of yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1 sachet of vanilla
• 4-4.5 cups flour (add gradually)

For the cherry sauce:

• 500 g cherries (pitted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 heaping teaspoon of starch (mix with 2-3 tablespoons of water to dissolve)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cherry sauce:
   • Start by making the cherry sauce. Remove the stones from the cherries, add the sugar and the dissolved starch mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until boiling. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.

2. Prepare the dough:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened margarine with the sugar, oil, yogurt, egg and vanilla. Gradually add the flour until you obtain a soft dough. Reserve a tangerine-sized piece of dough for garnish and freeze it.
3. Assemble the pie:
   • Divide the remaining dough into 12 equal parts. Press each piece into tart pans. Add the cooled cherry sauce to each. Grate the frozen dough over the cherry sauce.
4. Pastry shop:
   • Preheat the oven to 175°C (347°F). Bake the tartlets for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before unmolding.

5. The finishing touch:
   • Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy this delicious crumbly cherry pie, a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of any season with a touch of homemade goodness!