Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this incredible cranberry orange tart! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth. The moment you cut into it, the vibrant colors of the fresh cranberries and the bright orange filling are just a feast for the eyes! Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, this cranberry orange tart is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your cranberry orange tart. You’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base for your buttery crust, so make sure it’s sifted for a light texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: For that hint of sweetness in the crust, giving it just the right touch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Choose good quality butter; it’s key for that melt-in-your-mouth crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: These will be your tart’s star, bringing a burst of tangy flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling to perfection.
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that vibrant citrus taste!
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Adds an extra layer of orange flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- 2 large eggs: They help bind the filling together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all those delicious flavors.
How to Prepare a Cranberry Orange Tart
Making your own cranberry orange tart is such a rewarding experience, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing your friends and family with this delightful dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, so don’t skip it! A preheated oven ensures your tart crust bakes evenly.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix them together until well combined.
- Next, add in 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. I like to use my hands to mix it in until the texture is crumbly—this helps it come together beautifully!
- Press the mixture into a tart pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed along the bottom and up the sides. Don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky; that’s okay!
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. It will smell heavenly, so try not to eat it just yet!
- While the crust is baking, it’s time to make the filling. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, combine this egg mixture with the cranberry mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Pour the filling into your baked crust, spreading it evenly. The colors are so vibrant at this point!
- Bake again for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look slightly puffed up, and the center is just firm to the touch.
- Once baked, allow the tart to cool completely before slicing. This helps the flavors meld together perfectly!
Just a little tip: if you’re worried about the crust browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil during the last few minutes of baking. This way, you’ll get that perfect golden color without burning. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This cranberry orange tart is not only delicious but also relatively easy to fit into your diet. Each slice packs about 250 calories, making it a sweet treat that won’t completely derail your day. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical nutritional values per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your tart guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Tart
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion!
- The buttery crust pairs beautifully with the tangy filling.
- It’s a vibrant, eye-catching dessert that impresses guests.
- Flavorful and refreshing, it’s a delightful treat year-round.
- Leftovers are just as tasty, making it great for meal prep!
Tips for Success
To make your cranberry orange tart truly shine, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; frozen ones can be a bit mushy. When making your crust, be sure to not overwork the dough—you want it crumbly and tender, not tough! If you find your filling is too tart, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste; every cranberry harvest can be a little different. Lastly, let the tart cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes for cleaner cuts. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Variations on the Cranberry Orange Tart
One of the best things about this cranberry orange tart is how adaptable it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the cranberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist. You could even mix in some diced apples or pears for a heartier filling! Want to spice things up? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy flavor. And if you’re a chocolate lover, why not drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top after it cools? The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious cranberry orange tart, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to keep it fresh! Just cover the tart with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay tasty for up to three days. If you’re like me and can’t resist a second slice, you might want to consider freezing it! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to indulge again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—just serve it chilled and enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your cranberry orange tart experience, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that delightful contrast of temperatures. You could also garnish with a sprinkle of orange zest or a few extra cranberries for a pop of color. Enjoy!