Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Cranberry Orange Tart! It’s a delightful dance of tangy cranberries and zesty orange that just sings in your mouth. I first made this tart during the holidays a few years back when my family was craving something bright and refreshing after all the rich desserts. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked! The buttery crust gives way to this beautiful, vibrant filling that’s both sweet and tart. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is pure magic—your taste buds will just start celebrating! This tart is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes too, with that stunning crimson color peeking through the golden crust. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Tart
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this tart sing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your buttery crust, so make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to the crust, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Use good quality butter here—it’s the secret to a rich, satisfying crust. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all those flavors.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: These little gems give the tart its signature tang. Make sure they’re vibrant and firm—no mushy ones, please!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the tart filling; adjust to taste if you like it sweeter!
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best! It brightens up the filling and pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: The zest is where all that zippy citrus flavor lies! Don’t skip it; it really elevates the tart.
- 2 large eggs: These help to bind everything together and give the filling a lovely texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the filling—trust me, it makes a difference!
How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Tart
Now, let’s dive into making this scrumptious Cranberry Orange Tart! It might sound fancy, but I promise, it’s straightforward and oh-so-rewarding!
Prepare the Crust
First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix them together until well combined. Now, add in 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend everything until it resembles coarse crumbs. It should feel a bit like sand! Next, take this crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your tart pan. Make it nice and even—this is the base that will hold all that delicious filling! Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden. Let it cool a bit while you prepare the filling.
Make the Filling
In another bowl, toss together 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Give it a good mix! Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until they’re well combined. Pour the egg mixture into the cranberry mixture and stir everything together until it’s nice and uniform. This filling is where the magic happens—tart, sweet, and oh-so-zesty!
Assemble and Bake
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour that luscious cranberry and orange filling into your cooled tart crust, spreading it out evenly. Slide it back into the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and just slightly puffed. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be firm but not overbaked. Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit before serving. I can’t wait for you to taste this vibrant tart!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this tart is perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of tart cranberries and sweet, zesty orange creates a refreshing dessert that’s sure to impress.
- Visual Appeal: The stunning contrast of deep red cranberries against a golden crust makes this tart a showstopper on any table.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy dinner with friends, this tart fits right in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores well, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy hassle-free entertaining!
- Deliciously Versatile: Serve it warm or chilled, with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Cranberry Orange Tart turns out perfectly, here are my tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps create that flaky crust. Don’t overmix the crust—just combine until crumbly, or it can get tough. When preparing the filling, taste it before pouring it into the crust; you can always adjust the sweetness with a little extra sugar if needed. Also, keep an eye on the baking time! Every oven is different, so check for a set filling to avoid overbaking. Trust me, these small steps make a big difference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Cranberry Orange Tart is super simple! Just cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days, but trust me, it’s so tasty, it might not last that long!
If you happen to have leftovers and want to enjoy that delightful tart again, you can simply serve it cold straight from the fridge. However, if you prefer it warm, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tart in for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. I can’t wait for you to dive back into those delicious flavors!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig into that delightful slice of Cranberry Orange Tart, here’s a little nutritional overview! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so consider this an estimate. Each slice of this tart is approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Remember, these are just rough estimates! The joy of baking (and eating) comes from experimenting and finding what works best for you. Enjoy every delicious bite of your tart!
FAQ About Cranberry Orange Tart
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries in this recipe without any issues. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess moisture. This will help keep the filling from getting too watery. Frozen cranberries can be just as tangy and delicious, so don’t worry if fresh ones aren’t available!
How can I make this tart sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter tart, there are a couple of easy adjustments you can make! First, you can simply increase the amount of granulated sugar in the filling by a couple of tablespoons, depending on your taste. Another option is to sweeten it up with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top just before serving. Trust me, it adds a lovely flavor boost without altering the recipe too much!
What can I serve with cranberry orange tart?
This tart is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate your dessert experience by pairing it with a few delicious accompaniments! A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lovely creaminess that balances the tartness perfectly. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can make it even more delightful. Fresh orange slices or a berry compote can also add a beautiful touch to your serving plate. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite pairings!
Print
Cranberry Orange Tart: 7 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cranberry orange tart with a buttery crust and a tangy filling.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add butter and mix until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a tart pan evenly.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla.
- Add the egg mixture to the cranberry mixture and stir well.
- Pour the filling into the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cranberry orange tart, dessert, tart, baking