Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze
Highlighted under: Cozy Desserts
Indulge in the delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges with this exquisite Cranberry Orange Tart topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for any occasion!
This Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, making it a favorite dessert for family gatherings and festive occasions. The buttery crust complements the tangy cranberry filling, while the orange glaze adds a refreshing touch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A beautiful balance of sweet and tart flavors
- Buttery crust that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The Cranberry Orange Tart is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and oranges. Each bite offers a burst of tanginess from the cranberries, complemented by the refreshing citrus notes of orange. This harmonious blend not only tantalizes the taste buds but also creates a vibrant visual appeal, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Whether served at holiday gatherings or as a weekend indulgence, this tart brings a unique flavor profile that stands out among traditional desserts. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a craving for more, ensuring that your guests will be asking for seconds.
A Buttery, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Crust
One of the standout features of this Cranberry Orange Tart is its buttery crust, which serves as the perfect foundation for the vibrant filling. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar, the crust is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying to eat. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture contrasts beautifully with the tart filling, providing a delightful crunch in every bite.
The process of making the crust is straightforward, requiring just a few minutes of mixing and pressing into the tart pan. Pre-baking the crust ensures it holds its shape and adds a golden hue, enhancing both the taste and presentation of the tart.
Versatile and Perfect for Any Occasion
This Cranberry Orange Tart is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic choice for various occasions. Whether it's a festive holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy brunch with friends, this tart is sure to impress. You can serve it as a stunning centerpiece on your dessert table or as a delightful treat after a meal.
Moreover, the tart can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without the stress of last-minute preparations. Simply prepare the tart in advance, glaze it just before serving, and watch as it becomes the highlight of your dessert spread.
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best flavor!
Instructions
Prepare the Tart Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough forms.
Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Make the Cranberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
Assemble the Tart
Pour the cranberry filling into the baked tart crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for an additional 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled tart before serving.
Let the tart set for a few minutes before slicing to allow the glaze to firm up.
Storing and Serving Tips
To maintain the freshness of your Cranberry Orange Tart, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days, although the flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious over time. If you're planning to serve it later, consider adding the glaze just before serving to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
When serving, slice the tart with a sharp knife for clean cuts and consider garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of orange zest or a few fresh cranberries for an extra touch of elegance.
Variations to Try
While the classic Cranberry Orange Tart is delightful as is, feel free to experiment with different flavors and additions. For a nutty twist, consider adding finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, you could incorporate spices like cinnamon or ginger into the cranberry filling for a warm, aromatic touch.
If you want to switch up the fruit, try substituting the cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different yet delicious tart experience. Each variation brings its unique flair, allowing you to tailor the tart to your personal taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cranberry Orange Tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures. The creaminess complements the tartness beautifully, making each bite even more satisfying.
For a refreshing drink pairing, consider serving it with a chilled glass of sparkling water infused with citrus slices or even a light herbal tea. These beverages enhance the tart's citrus notes and make for a well-rounded dessert experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tart a day in advance and add the glaze just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for orange juice?
You can substitute with lemon juice for a different citrus flavor, but it will be more tart.
Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze
Indulge in the delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges with this exquisite Cranberry Orange Tart topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for any occasion!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Cozy Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Tart Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough forms.
Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
Pour the cranberry filling into the baked tart crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for an additional 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled tart before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 3g