Chocolate Cherry Tart

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Chocolate Cherry Tart, featuring a buttery chocolate crust filled with luscious dark chocolate ganache and topped with fresh cherries. The combination of sweet and tart cherries with the deep chocolate creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and egg yolk, mixing until the dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove and let it cool.
5. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the chocolate ganache into the cooled tart shell and spread evenly.
7. In a bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat the cherries.
8. Arrange the cherry mixture over the chocolate ganache in the tart. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Allow to cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream if desired.