Martha Stewart’s Recipe for Cherry Tart is the Sophisticated Upgrade to Your Regular Cherry Pie

Spring is finally here, and we’re ready for all the fresh flavors — and that includes the fresh Bing cherries that take center stage in Martha Stewart’s cherry tart. The infamous recipe is a sophisticated (and, of course, delicious) take on a cherry pie that’s perfect for a spring gathering. 

Unlike traditional pie, Martha’s cherry tart uses a homemade pâte sucrée, which she describes as the “sweeter cousin” to traditional pie dough, thanks to the addition of eggs and extra sugar. It also incorporates a cherry liqueur, which brings out the tart flavor of fresh Bing cherries. (Say less, Martha!) If your mouth’s already watering, we’ve got you covered. Judging by her recipe video, the process is a little involved, but you’ll have your tart — and eat it too! — in no time. 

First, make and roll out the pâte sucrée. After freezing the crust for 15 minutes to firm it up, press it into to a fluted tart pan, cover it with parchment paper, and fill it with pie weights. Bake it at 375°F for 20 minutes, take out the pie weights, and then bake 10 to 12 minutes more until golden-brown. 

In a medium saucepan, whisk your sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add a mixture of milk and egg yolks, along with butter, to the pan, cooking over medium heat until it boils. After removing from heat, add vanilla. 

Then, strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and immediately whisk in four teaspoons of cherry liqueur (Martha recommends kirsch). Cover the cream with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for a few hours or up to two days. Fold whipped cream into the pastry cream, whisking it until smooth and adding to the tart shell. Shingle the cream in pitted Bing cherries next. 

Finally, heat your cherry preserves in a small saucepan and add a teaspoon of cherry liqueur. Brush the mixture over your cherries, then keep your masterpiece in the fridge until you’re ready to eat or serve it. 

You can watch the video below and get the complete Cherry Tart recipe here. Don’t have cherries on hand or prefer other fruity flavors? Check out this any-citrus meringue pie or this no-bake raspberry-topped chocolate tart instead.