When you're craving something sweet and tangy, indulge in a tart cherry scone. With just 140 calories in a 50-gram baked scone, it's a guilt-free treat that satisfies your taste buds without overindulging in calories.

The ingredients for tart cherry scones include all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, dried tart cherries, and milk. With the right balance of ingredients, you can make a batch of these scones in no time.

Not only do these scones taste great, but tart cherries offer numerous health benefits that make them an excellent addition to your diet. In this article, we'll explore the calories in tart cherry scones, their ingredients, and some of the health benefits.

Calories in Tart Cherry Scones

A single 50-gram baked scone contains 140 calories. This is a reasonable amount of calories for a snack or breakfast, especially when you compare it to other baked goods, such as muffins, that can contain over 400 calories per serving. If you want to keep the calorie count lower, you can reduce the size of your scones or cut them in half. You can also swap out some of the ingredients for healthier alternatives, such as replacing sugar with honey or using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. By being mindful of the calorie content in your tart cherry scones, you can enjoy a tasty treat without derailing your healthy eating plan.

Ingredients in Tart Cherry Scones

The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The wet ingredients are unsalted butter, sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, dried tart cherries, and milk. The combination of these ingredients creates a flaky, buttery scone with a sweet and tangy flavor. Tart cherries are a key ingredient in this recipe, and they offer several health benefits. They are high in antioxidants, which can help decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Tart cherries also contain melatonin, which can improve sleep quality and help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. You can customize this recipe by adding different types of dried fruit, such as cranberries or blueberries, or adding nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for additional texture and flavor.

Benefits of Tart Cherries in Scones

Tart cherries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. They also contain antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and quercetin, which can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Research has shown that tart cherry juice can help reduce muscle soreness and improve exercise recovery. This is because tart cherries contain compounds that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. By adding tart cherries to your scones, you can enjoy a tasty treat that also provides some health benefits.

How to Make Tart Cherry Scones at Home

To make the scones, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients together. Combine the two mixtures and stir in the dried tart cherries. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it comes together. Flatten the dough into a disc and cut it into eight triangular slices. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with milk. Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once they are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Tart Cherry Scones

For breakfast, serve the scones with a cup of coffee or tea and some fresh fruit on the side. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread, paired with quiche, bacon, or a frittata. For an afternoon snack, serve the scones with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. You can also serve them with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert. No matter how you choose to serve them, tart cherry scones are a delicious and versatile treat that everyone will enjoy.

Storage and Shelf Life of Tart Cherry Scones

Once the scones have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze the scones, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw them, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a few seconds. By storing your scones properly, you can enjoy them fresh and delicious for longer.

Healthy Alternatives to Tart Cherry Scones

Instead of using all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or almond flour for a higher fiber and protein content. You can also swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index. To reduce the calorie count, you can use a sugar substitute, such as Stevia, and cut back on the butter. Instead of using cream, you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a lower calorie and fat content. By making a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy tart cherry scones that are just as delicious but healthier for you.

Gluten-Free Tart Cherry Scones Recipe

Instead of all-purpose flour, use a gluten-free flour blend, such as Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour for a grain-free option. In addition to the other ingredients, be sure to use gluten-free baking powder and salt. If you like, you can also add gluten-free oats or chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor. Follow the same steps as the regular recipe, using the gluten-free ingredients. The scones will have a slightly different texture and flavor, but they will still be delicious.

Vegan Tart Cherry Scones Recipe

Instead of butter and milk, use vegan substitutes such as coconut oil and almond milk. In place of the egg, use a flax egg or aquafaba to bind the ingredients together. Check the ingredients for the dried tart cherries to make sure they are free of animal products. You can also use a different type of dried fruit or omit the fruit entirely if you prefer. Follow the same steps as the regular recipe, using the vegan ingredients. The scones will have a slightly different texture and flavor, but they will still be just as delicious.

Tart Cherry Scones with Icing Recipe

In addition to the regular ingredients, you'll need powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water for the icing. Mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water together until you have a smooth, thick consistency. Once the scones are cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped tart cherries or nuts for additional flavor. The icing adds a little extra sweetness and tanginess to the scones, making them a perfect treat for dessert or an afternoon tea party.