If you’re looking for a dessert that beautifully captures the spirit of the season, this Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its vibrant combination of tangy cranberries and bright fresh orange zest nestled in a buttery almond crust, this tart brings a burst of color and flavor that instantly lifts any winter gathering. It’s sweet, slightly tart, and offers just the right texture to keep everyone coming back for another slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an essential role in making this tart a standout. The almond flour provides a rich, nutty base, while the cranberries and fresh orange juice add a lively burst of flavor and natural sweetness.
- 1 cup almond flour: Offers a naturally gluten-free, tender crust with a subtle nutty taste.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together perfectly.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: The star of the filling, packed with tartness and a beautiful red hue.
- ¼ cup orange juice + zest: Brings a refreshing citrus brightness that balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- 2 tbsp sweetener (or sugar): Sweetens the filling just enough to highlight the natural flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). While the oven warms up, press the almond flour and melted butter mixture firmly into your tart pan, making sure the edges are even and smooth. Bake this crust for about 8 minutes until it’s lightly golden and sets a wonderful buttery foundation for your filling. This step gives you that irresistible crunch alongside a tender crumb.
Step 2: Cook the Cranberry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries with the orange juice, zest, and sweetener. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a luscious consistency. This process enhances the tartness of the cranberries, and the orange zest infuses the filling with its sunny aroma, creating a lush, tangy blend you’ll adore.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread your warm cranberry filling evenly across it. This step requires a gentle hand to make sure every bite gets a balanced hit of fruit and crust. Then, pop the tart in the fridge and chill it for at least one hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to set firmly, making slicing neat and easy.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation and extra layers of flavor, try garnishing the tart with fresh orange peel twists or sprigs of fresh rosemary. The citrus zest enhances the tart’s bright notes, while rosemary adds an herbaceous, aromatic touch that feels just right during the holidays.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for richness. If you prefer a lighter accompaniment, a simple mint-infused yogurt or a few fresh berries on the side can perfectly complement the tart’s sweet-tart complexity.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions of this tart in mini tart pans or as bite-sized tartlets at your next gathering. You can also dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a thin glaze of honey or orange syrup for added visual appeal and flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cranberry orange tart keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the crust’s texture and keep that fresh, fruity filling vibrant. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this tart later, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
To warm leftover slices without losing the tart’s buttery crust, gently reheat in a low oven at 300 °F (150 °C) for about 10 minutes. This softens the filling just right while keeping the crust crisp and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for the tart?
Absolutely, frozen cranberries work just fine. Just thaw them slightly before cooking, and you might need to simmer a bit longer to achieve the perfect filling thickness.
Is there a substitute for almond flour?
You can experiment with finely ground hazelnut or pecan meal for a different nutty flavor, but almond flour’s fine texture and mild taste are what make this crust so special.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and you’ll keep the crust delicious and buttery without any animal products.
How tart is the cranberry filling?
The filling strikes a lovely balance—bright and tangy with just enough sweetener to keep the flavors harmonious. If you prefer sweeter desserts, feel free to adjust the sweetener slightly.
What type of sweetener works best?
Granulated sugar is classic, but you can use honey, maple syrup, or your favorite low-carb sweetener to suit your dietary needs without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and a showstopper on any dessert table. The mix of vibrant flavors, crumbly almond crust, and lovely color make it an unforgettable treat. Give it a try and watch how it instantly becomes a favorite for holiday baking and beyond!
Print
Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A vibrant cranberry orange tart featuring a buttery almond crust filled with a tangy and sweetened cranberry and orange zest mixture, perfect for festive winter gatherings and holiday tables.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp sweetener (or sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare Crust: Press the mixture of almond flour and melted butter firmly and evenly into a tart pan to form the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes until it is lightly golden and set.
- Cook Filling: In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and sweetener. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble Tart: Spread the thickened cranberry-orange filling evenly into the baked crust.
- Chill Tart: Place the assembled tart in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour to allow the filling to set before serving.
Notes
- Garnish the tart with orange peel twists or a sprig of rosemary for a festive look and added fragrance.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your sweetener or sugar is gluten-free certified.
- You can substitute sweetener with honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Tart
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
