Dreamy Cherry Tart

Dreamy Cherry Tart (paleo, GF)

I love creating desserts that are not only delicious, but that truly support the body and nervous system.

Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus) are one of the rare natural food sources of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep and circadian rhythm. In today’s world, where stress, artificial light, and constant stimulation can disrupt our natural cycles, supporting melatonin through whole foods can gently help the body return to balance. Tart cherries are also rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and polyphenols that help reduce inflammation, protect our cells, and support hormonal balance.

This Dreamy Cherry Tart is one of those recipes that feels indulgent and comforting, yet is made entirely with simple, nourishing ingredients. It is grain-free, paleo, and naturally sweetened, helping avoid the stress response and hormonal disruption often caused by refined desserts. And perhaps most beautifully, it is incredibly simple to make.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ½ cups almond flour
⅓ cup coconut flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
4 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil, melted
4 tablespoons maple syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg (for a vegan version, simply omit the egg)

For the cherry filling:

4 cups pitted cherries (frozen or jarred, unsweetened)
½ cup honey or maple syrup
4 g agar-agar powder
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Method

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

Combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, maple syrup, melted ghee or coconut oil, and the egg. Mix until the crumbly dough forms.

Press the dough evenly into a tart pan, shaping it gently along the bottom and sides.

Bake for about 10 minutes, until lightly golden, then allow it to cool.

In the meantime, place the cherries in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they begin to soften and release their juices. Add the honey or maple syrup and lemon juice, and stir gently.

Dissolve the agar-agar powder in one tablespoon of water (or save some cherry juice apart if you are using the jarred cherries), then add it to the cherries and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Cool the filling slightly.

Pour the cherry filling into the crust and allow it to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator to set for at least one hour.

It is simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying.

One of those recipes that you make once… and find yourself returning to again and again.

Enjoy!