Cranberry Tart: A Delicious and Festive Dessert

Why Cranberry Tart is a Great Idea

Cranberry tart is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s festive, flavorful, and easy to make. This tart is especially popular during the holiday season, but it’s delicious all year round. The combination of sweet and tangy cranberries with a buttery crust is simply irresistible. Plus, cranberries are packed with antioxidants and other health benefits, so you can feel good about indulging in this treat!

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 200g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 100g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 50g granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 300g fresh cranberries
• 100g granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and ice water to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together.

3. Shape the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim off any excess dough and prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.

5. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.

6. Remove the cranberry mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until the butter is melted.

7. Pour the cranberry mixture into the prepared crust and spread it out evenly.

8. Bake the tart for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.

9. Let the tart cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Garnish with fresh cranberries and powdered sugar, if desired.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:

• Make it vegan: Substitute the butter in the crust with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use a flax egg instead of the egg yolk. For the filling, use vegan butter or omit it altogether.
• Add some spice: Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg for a spicier filling.
• Use a different fruit: Try using raspberries or blueberries instead of cranberries.
• Make it mini: Divide the dough and filling into individual tart pans for cute and portable mini tarts.

Conclusion

Cranberry tart is a delicious and festive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and tangy cranberry filling, it’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with health benefits. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just looking for a tasty treat, this cranberry tart is a must-try!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh cranberries. Just make sure to thaw them before using them in the recipe.

Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cranberries with other types of fruit such as blueberries or raspberries. However, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe depending on the sweetness of the fruit.

Can I make the tart dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the tart dough in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 1 month.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own tart dough?

Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust instead of making your own tart dough. Just make sure to adjust the baking time and temperature according to the instructions on the package.

Can I use a different type of nuts for the crust?

Yes, you can use different types of nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts for the crust. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe depending on the sweetness of the nuts.

Can I make the cranberry filling in advance?

Yes, you can make the cranberry filling in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it to fill the tart.

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of sugar?

Yes, you can use different types of sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Just make sure to adjust the amount used according to the sweetness of the sweetener.

Can I add other spices to the filling?

Yes, you can add other spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to enhance the flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount used according to your taste preferences.

Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use different types of flour such as whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure to adjust the amount used according to the flour’s absorbency.

How can I tell when the tart is done baking?

The tart is done baking when the crust is golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. You can also insert a toothpick in the center to check if it comes out clean.