Cranberry Curd Tart is the dessert of your dreams—imagine a buttery, flaky crust that cradles a smooth, tangy curd bursting with the vibrant flavor of cranberries. Picture this tart glistening under the kitchen lights, inviting you to take that first, delectable bite. delicious cranberry salsa As you do, the tartness dances on your palate while the sweetness wraps around it like a warm hug. homemade pumpkin butter cozy pumpkin bread pudding It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, leaving everyone in awe of your culinary prowess.
The aroma wafting from the oven as it bakes will have you counting down the minutes until you can slice into this beauty. Trust me; you’ll want to make this Cranberry Curd Tart for every occasion imaginable—birthdays, potlucks, or even just because it’s Tuesday and you need a little sweetness in your life. For more inspiration, check out this Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Curd Tart is easy to prepare and sure to impress
- The bright flavors pair wonderfully with tea or coffee
- Its stunning visual appeal makes it a showstopper at any gathering
- Versatile enough for different occasions, this tart transports easily for picnics or potlucks
I remember the first time I made this Cranberry Curd Tart; my family’s eyes lit up like Christmas lights when they took their first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for better flavor and texture in your crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key; it gives the crust its flakiness. For more inspiration, check out this Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh berries for that vibrant color and zesty flavor.
- Eggs: Essential for setting the curd; large eggs work best.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness to enhance the cranberry flavor.
- Zest of Lemon: Infuses an aromatic citrus note into the curd.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the curd perfectly without making it gummy.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top after baking—because who doesn’t love a sugar shower?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough forms.
Chill and Roll Out Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll it out on a floured surface until about 1/8-inch thick.
Fit Dough into Pan: Carefully place your rolled-out dough into a tart pan, pressing it gently into the sides and trimming any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Bake Crust Until Golden Brown: Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes burnt edges! Let cool completely before filling.
Make Your Cranberry Curd Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, lemon juice, sugar, and zest. Cook until cranberries burst and soften—about 10 minutes.
Blend It Smoothly!: Transfer cranberry mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth; then strain through a fine mesh sieve back into the saucepan for extra smoothness.
Add Eggs and Cornstarch: While still warm, whisk in eggs one at a time followed by cornstarch until fully incorporated. Return to low heat while stirring continuously until thickened—around 5 minutes should do it!
Pour Filling into Cool Crust: Pour your glossy cranberry curd filling into the cooled crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
Cool and Serve!: Allow cooling completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours. Dust with powdered sugar before serving—the final flourish!
Now go ahead and impress everyone with this delightful Cranberry Curd Tart! Your taste buds will thank you while they dance with joy on every bite! impressive cranberry pretzel salad.
You Must Know
- This tart is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful explosion of flavors that will wow your guests
- The balance of tart cranberries and creamy curd creates a texture that dances on your tongue
- Pair it with whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the crust first, allowing it to cool while preparing the cranberry curd. This ensures both components are ready simultaneously, leading to perfect assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. You can also experiment with different citrus juices to find your favorite flavor combination.
Storing & Reheating
Store the cranberry curd tart in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for up to three days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a flaky crust, avoid overworking the dough; keep ingredients cold for best results
- Use fresh cranberries for a vibrant flavor; frozen can work but may alter texture slightly
- Allow the tart to chill completely before serving to enhance flavors
The first time I made this cranberry curd tart, my friends devoured every last slice and insisted I make it again for our next gathering.
FAQ
What can I use instead of cranberries?
You can substitute cranberries with blueberries or any tart fruit you prefer.
How long does the cranberry curd last?
The cranberry curd will stay fresh in the fridge for about three days.
Can I freeze this tart?
Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture may change after thawing.
Cranberry Curd Tart
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Cranberry Curd Tart is the dessert you didn’t know you needed—featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with a vibrant, tangy cranberry curd. This delightful treat strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tart, making it an irresistible option for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. With its stunning presentation and mouthwatering flavor, this tart is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for curd)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water to form dough.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Fit into a tart pan and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Bake the crust for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, lemon juice, and sugar; cook until cranberries burst (about 10 minutes).
- Blend the mixture until smooth; strain back into the saucepan. Whisk in eggs and cornstarch while warm, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Pour filling into the cooled crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, substitute cranberries with blueberries or raspberries. Ensure all ingredients are cold when preparing the crust to achieve maximum flakiness.