Heavenly Cherry-Vanilla Phyllo Pie: A Dream Dessert

Embark on a delicious culinary journey with this Sweet Cherry and Vanilla Phyllo Pie, a sublime creation that combines the creamy, sweet flavor of vanilla pudding with the tart burst of cherries, all wrapped in crisp phyllo dough. This dessert is an exploration of textures and flavors, with each layer of phyllo adding a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, rich filling. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying phyllo dough for the first time, this recipe promises a perfect indulgence that's as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Why you'll love it: This tart stands out for its elegant simplicity and the delicious combination of vanilla and cherry. Homemade vanilla custard enriched with white chocolate provides a luxurious depth of flavor, while morello cherries provide a tangy counterbalance that cuts through the sweetness. This pie is not only delicious but also visually impressive, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. It's also relatively easy to prepare, with the layering process adding a therapeutic element to the cooking experience.

Perfect occasion: Perfect for a festive celebration, a dessert for a family dinner or as a special treat during the holiday season, this Cherry Vanilla Custard Phyllo Tart will fit perfectly into any event. It's also a great choice for summer picnics or spring gatherings, as the cherries impart a seasonal freshness that's hard to resist.

Decorating Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle the tart with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also garnish it with some fresh cherries and mint leaves for a touch of color and freshness. If you're serving it at a dinner party, offering it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make it even more delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of phyllo dough (15 sheets)
• 2 packets of vanilla pudding mix
• 500 ml of milk
• 100g white chocolate
• 125 g butter, room temperature
• 300 ml of yogurt
• 100 ml of oil
• 3 eggs
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 12 tablespoons of semolina
• 400 g pitted cherries
• 3 tablespoons of semolina (additional for the cherries)

1. Prepare the custard:
   • Heat 300 ml of milk until boiling. Mix 200ml of cold milk with the vanilla pudding mix, then add it to the boiling milk and cook according to the package directions. Stir in white chocolate until melted and combined. Allow to cool slightly before stirring in the room temperature butter until smooth.
2. Prepare the filling:
   • In another bowl, mix the yogurt, oil, eggs, sugar, baking powder and 12 tablespoons of the semolina until well combined.
   • In another bowl, mix the cherries with 3 tablespoons of semolina.
3. Assemble the pie:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
   • Lay out five sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with the yogurt mixture (except the top sheet). On the top sheet, spread 3 tablespoons of custard and 3 tablespoons of the cherry mixture, then roll well.
   • Repeat with remaining leaves to make three rolls total.
   • Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with the remaining yogurt mixture.

4. Cook:
   • Bake for about 30 minutes or until the phyllo is golden and crisp.
   • Let cool completely, then sprinkle with icing sugar.

Enjoy your sweet cherry and vanilla phyllo pie, a treat that combines the comfort of custard with the joy of fresh cherries, wrapped in layers of flaky, golden pastry. This is a dessert that is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth!