Home Recipes

National Cherry Tart Day

June 18th: Celebrate Summer's Sweetest Tart Treat

There are few desserts that capture the flavor of summer quite like a Cherry Tart.

With its buttery pastry shell, vibrant cherry filling, and beautiful presentation, a cherry tart feels equally at home at a backyard picnic, holiday gathering, elegant brunch, or afternoon coffee break.

Every year on June 18th, dessert lovers celebrate National Cherry Tart Day, honoring one of the most colorful and delicious fruit desserts around.

And if you're anything like us, this holiday is also the perfect excuse to dream about charming cafés, European bakeries, seaside vacations, and the wonderful memories that often begin with great food.

So let's celebrate with a homemade cherry tart recipe, an easy tart shell recipe, a few delicious variations, and some travel-inspired foodie fun.

Why We Love Cherry Tarts

Cherry tarts strike a wonderful balance between sweet and tart flavors.

Unlike heavier desserts, they feel bright, fresh, and perfect for warm-weather entertaining.

They're also incredibly versatile:

✔ Summer picnics

✔ Family gatherings

✔ Holiday celebrations

✔ Brunch menus

✔ Tea parties

✔ Vacation-inspired baking days

Best of all, they look impressive while remaining surprisingly simple to make.

Homemade Tart Shell Recipe

A great tart begins with a flaky, buttery crust.

This easy tart shell recipe provides the perfect foundation for your cherry filling.

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 egg yolk

• 1–2 tablespoons ice water

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• flour

• powdered sugar

• salt

Step 2

Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3

Add egg yolk and 1 tablespoon ice water.

Mix gently until the dough begins to come together.

Add additional water if needed.

Step 4

Shape dough into a disk.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5

Roll dough and fit into a 9-inch tart pan.

Prick the bottom with a fork.

Step 6

Bake at:

375°F (190°C)

for approximately 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden.

Allow to cool completely.

Glorious Cherry Tart Recipe

Now for the star of the show.

This cherry filling is sweet, slightly tart, and packed with fresh fruit flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon butter

• Prepared tart shell

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Combine in a saucepan:

• cherries

• sugar

• cornstarch

• lemon juice

Cook over medium heat.

Step 2

Stir frequently until the mixture thickens and the cherries begin releasing their juices.

This usually takes 6–8 minutes.

Step 3

Remove from heat.

Stir in:

• vanilla extract

• butter

Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Step 4

Pour filling into the prepared tart shell.

Spread evenly.

Step 5

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Step 6

Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cherry Tart Variations You'll Love

One of the best things about cherry tarts is how easily they can be customized.

Tropical Cherry Tart

Add:

• ¼ cup shredded coconut

Top with toasted coconut flakes before serving.

Black Forest Cherry Tart

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling before chilling.

Serve with whipped cream.

Cherry Almond Tart

Add:

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

The combination of cherry and almond is classic and delicious.

Lemon Cherry Tart

Increase the lemon juice slightly and add a bit of lemon zest for a brighter flavor.

Sundae Style

Serve warm slices with:

• vanilla ice cream

• chocolate drizzle

• chopped nuts

Perfect for summer gatherings.

Cherry Tarts Around the World

One of the joys of travel is discovering how different cultures celebrate fruit desserts.

🇫🇷 France

French pâtisseries often feature elegant fruit tarts made with seasonal cherries.

🇮🇹 Italy

Italian bakeries showcase rustic fruit crostatas that share similarities with tarts.

🇬🇷 Greece

Fresh cherries are often featured in summer pastries and desserts enjoyed alongside beautiful seaside views.

🇦🇹 Austria

Traditional cafés frequently feature fruit-based pastries and tarts served with coffee.

Food and Travel: The Perfect Pairing

Every memorable trip seems to include a favorite meal, dessert, or local specialty.

Maybe it's:

• a pastry enjoyed in a European café

• a fresh fruit dessert at a seaside restaurant

• a homemade recipe discovered during a family vacation

• a sweet treat shared aboard a cruise ship

Food helps create some of our most lasting travel memories.

National Cherry Tart Day is a wonderful reminder that a simple dessert can transport us somewhere special—even if we're just enjoying it from our own kitchen.

Grandma Jackie's Cherry Tart Tips

A few simple tricks can make your tart even better:

✔ Use Quality Cherries

Fresh, ripe cherries deliver the best flavor.

Frozen cherries work beautifully when fresh aren't available.

✔ Add a Touch of Lemon

Lemon juice brightens the fruit flavor without making the tart taste lemony.

✔ Chill Before Serving

The filling sets beautifully and slices more cleanly after chilling.

✔ Don't Overcook the Filling

You want the cherries to remain tender and juicy.

✔ Serve Slightly Cool

The flavors really shine when the tart is cool but not ice cold.

Celebrate National Cherry Tart Day

Whether you're baking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, National Cherry Tart Day offers the perfect reason to enjoy a classic fruit dessert.

A flaky crust.

A sweet-tart cherry filling.

And maybe a little travel dreaming while you enjoy every bite.

That's a pretty wonderful way to spend a June day.

Follow Grandma Jackie's Recipe & Travel Inspo

Looking for more:

🍽 Easy Recipes

🍒 Holiday Food Celebrations

🛳 Cruise Inspiration

✈️ Travel Tips

🌴 Destination Ideas

❤️ Family-Friendly Adventures

Be sure to follow:

Grandma Jackie's Recipe & Travel Inspo

on Facebook

for delicious recipes, foodie adventures, travel inspiration, and seasonal celebrations all year long.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Whether you're planning a quick getaway, a dream cruise, or simply collecting ideas for future travels, you'll find plenty of inspiration at:

🌎✈️🛳️ Jackie Fleetwood Travels

Discover cruise deals, vacation ideas, destination guides, and travel inspiration from around the world.

🍒 Happy National Cherry Tart Day! 🥧

"Great recipes, amazing destinations, and unforgettable memories are always worth sharing."

Classic Cherry Tart and Pastry Shell Recipe below: