Cherry Custard Torte is a charming mid-century dessert featuring a tender, sweet crust filled with a silky vanilla custard and topped with tangy cherry sauce. This layered treat brings together textures of creamy, crumbly, and juicy in a simple yet elegant dessert. It's the kind of comforting bake that once appeared in church cookbooks and potluck tables, especially beloved for its balance of richness and fruitiness. Finished with whipped cream, this torte makes a refreshing finale to any meal.
Ingredients
Crust Layer:
- ½ cup shortening
- 1¼ cups flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
Cherry Sauce:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 can sour cherries (juice of)
Custard Layer:
- 1 pkg vanilla pudding mix (cook & serve style recommended)
- 2 cups milk (if preparing pudding from mix, or as directed)
Optional for Serving:
- whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Cut shortening into flour and sugar until crumbly.
- Press mixture into a greased 9×9-inch pan.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine ¼ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
- Gradually stir in juice from canned cherries.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add drained cherries and let cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard
- Prepare vanilla pudding according to package directions.
- Let cool slightly, then pour over the baked crust.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
- Spoon the cooled cherry sauce over the custard layer.
- Chill until set, about 1 hour.
Step 5: Serve
- Cut into squares and serve with whipped cream on top, if desired.
Tips
- Use butter instead of shortening for a richer, more flavorful crust.
- Add a splash of almond extract to complement the cherries.
- Chill the torte fully before slicing for cleaner layers.
- Replace sour cherries with sweet cherries if preferred—reduce added sugar slightly.
- Use homemade vanilla pudding for a more old-fashioned flavor.
- Add a thin layer of whipped cream over the pudding before adding cherries.
- Try baking the crust a few minutes longer for extra crispness.
- Add finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the crust mixture for texture.
- Make it festive by using maraschino cherries for color contrast.
- Serve with ice cream instead of whipped cream for a richer dessert.
Nutrition
Calories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 101mgPotassium: 98mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg
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