Puff Pastry Cherry Crostata: An Easy & Elegant Dessert Recipe

Craving a delightful dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal effort? Look no further than this incredibly simple yet stunning puff pastry cherry crostata! This recipe combines the flaky, buttery goodness of puff pastry with the sweet-tart burst of fresh or frozen cherries, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to elegant dinner parties.

This crostata is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, and toppings to create your own unique variations. The possibilities are endless!

## Why You’ll Love This Puff Pastry Cherry Crostata

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort. The use of store-bought puff pastry makes it incredibly quick and easy to assemble.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The rustic charm of the crostata, combined with the vibrant red cherries, makes it a visually appealing dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of buttery puff pastry and sweet-tart cherries is simply irresistible.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by using different fruits, spices, and toppings.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** This crostata is perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dessert to a special occasion celebration.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather these simple ingredients:

* **Puff Pastry:** 1 sheet (about 14 ounces) of frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions. Ensure it is cold, but pliable for ease of manipulation.
* **Cherries:** 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted. If using frozen cherries, thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid. Sweet or tart cherries work well. Experiment to find your favorite.
* **Sugar:** 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon (This helps thicken the cherry filling).
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon (Brightens the flavor of the cherries).
* **Almond Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon (Optional, but adds a lovely almond flavor). Vanilla extract also works well.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash).
* **Sanding Sugar:** Optional, for sprinkling on the crust for a beautiful sparkle.
* **Optional Toppings:** Sliced almonds, powdered sugar, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Small bowl
* Fork
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious puff pastry cherry crostata:

### Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Mix gently until the cherries are evenly coated. This mixture should be juicy, but not overly watery. If your cherries are particularly juicy (especially if using frozen cherries), you may need to add a little extra cornstarch (1/2 teaspoon at a time) to help thicken the filling.

### Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the crostata from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If the pastry is very cold and stiff, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. However, be careful not to let it get too warm, or it will become difficult to work with.
3. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, lightly score a 1-inch border around the edge of the puff pastry sheet. Be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry. This border will rise up during baking and create a beautiful crust.

### Step 3: Assemble the Crostata

1. Carefully transfer the cherry filling to the center of the puff pastry sheet, inside the scored border. Spread the cherries evenly, leaving the 1-inch border clear.
2. Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry over the cherry filling, pleating the corners as you go to create a rustic look. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the imperfections add to the crostata’s charm.

### Step 4: Brush and Bake

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the exposed puff pastry crust. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly shiny finish.
2. Sprinkle the crust with sanding sugar (if using) for a touch of sparkle.
3. Bake the crostata in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to make sure the crust doesn’t burn. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

### Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the crostata from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
2. Dust with powdered sugar, top with sliced almonds, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Puff Pastry Cherry Crostata

* **Keep the Puff Pastry Cold:** Puff pastry is happiest when it’s cold. This helps to prevent the butter from melting, which is what gives the pastry its flaky layers. If the pastry gets too warm, it will become sticky and difficult to work with. If you find that your pastry is getting too warm, pop it back into the refrigerator for a few minutes to chill it down.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Be careful not to overfill the crostata with cherry filling, as this can cause the crust to become soggy. Stick to the recommended amount of filling in the recipe.
* **Drain Frozen Cherries Well:** If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the filling. This will help to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
* **Score the Border Lightly:** When scoring the border around the edge of the puff pastry, be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry. You only want to create a light indentation to guide the pastry to rise up during baking.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the crostata during the last few minutes of baking and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure that the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Allow the crostata to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.

## Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your liking. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:

* **Other Fruits:** Experiment with different fruits, such as berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), apples, peaches, or plums. Adjust the amount of sugar as needed depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the cherry filling for a warm and comforting flavor.
* **Nuts:** Sprinkle the crust with chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, before baking.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cherry filling for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Jam Glaze:** After baking, brush the warm crostata with a thin layer of apricot jam or other fruit jam for a glossy finish.
* **Cheese Filling:** Combine the cherries with a layer of sweetened cream cheese or ricotta cheese for a richer and more decadent dessert.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add some mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate cherry delight.

## Serving Suggestions

This puff pastry cherry crostata is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a complementary topping or side. Here are a few ideas:

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that never fails to impress.
* **Whipped Cream:** Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a touch of elegance.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
* **Sliced Almonds:** Toasted sliced almonds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Yogurt:** Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt provides a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweet cherries.
* **Coffee or Tea:** This crostata is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

## Storing Leftovers

Store leftover crostata in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the crostata for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore the crust’s crispness. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the crust will not be as crispy.

## Puff Pastry Cherry Crostata Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 sheet (14 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
* 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
* 1 large egg, beaten
* Sanding sugar (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using).
3. Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Score a 1-inch border around the edge.
4. Transfer cherry filling to the center of the pastry, inside the border.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, pleating the corners.
6. Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and filling is bubbly.
8. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 300-350
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 3-4g

**Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

## Conclusion

This puff pastry cherry crostata is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flaky crust, sweet-tart cherry filling, and rustic charm, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and beautiful dessert!