When it comes to fall and winter desserts, few things can rival the vibrancy and flavor of a cranberry curd tart. This stunning tart combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a rich, buttery crust and a smooth, silky curd filling.
It’s a perfect dessert for the holidays or any special occasion, with a bold color and unforgettable taste. Whether you’re looking for a cranberry curd tart recipe for a family gathering or trying something new, this tart will surely impress.
Let’s dive into what makes this cranberry curd tart so special and how you can easily recreate it at home.
Recipe Ingredients for the Perfect Cranberry Curd Tart
Creating the cranberry curd tart starts with the perfect combination of ingredients. The first key player is fresh cranberries, which provide the tart’s signature flavor and bright magenta color. You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are out of season, but be sure to rinse and dry them well to avoid excess moisture.
You’ll also need oranges, as their juice and zest add a lovely citrusy brightness to the curd. The eggs serve as the base for the curd, creating a creamy, custard-like texture when combined with unsalted butter.
For the crust, you’ll need quick-cooking oats, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and a dash of cinnamon. The oats lend a chewy, hearty texture to the crust, while the cinnamon adds warmth and depth. Salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the curd, and the butter should be softened to ensure a smooth, easily workable dough.
How to Make the Cranberry Curd Tart – Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a cranberry curd tart may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow these steps.
Step 1 – Preparing the Cranberry Curd
Start by placing the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and sugar into a medium-sized pot. Set the pot over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cranberries to soften and burst. As they cook, the mixture will become a thick, flavorful syrup.
Once the cranberries have softened, it’s time to blend the mixture. If you have an immersion blender, you can blend the cranberries right in the pot.
Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and puree it until smooth. The goal here is to remove the skins, which can make the curd gritty.
After blending, pour the cranberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to strain out the skins and seeds. Use the back of a spoon to press the puree through the sieve, extracting as much juice as possible. Now that the puree is smooth and free from seeds, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2 – Making the Oatmeal Cinnamon Crust
Next, it’s time to prepare the crust. In a food processor, combine the oats, flour, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Process the ingredients until they form a fine powder. Add the softened butter to the food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want the dough to come together in a sticky ball.
Transfer the dough to a tart pan with a removable bottom. Use your fingers to press the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring it covers both the bottom and sides.
If you flour the bottom of a measuring cup, it can help you press down the crust evenly. Once the crust is in place, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.
Step 3 – Assembling the Tart
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake the crust for 25 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Dock the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming while it bakes.
Next, pour the cranberry curd into the pre-baked crust, smoothing it into an even layer. Return the tart to the oven and bake it for 20-22 minutes, until the sides are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Let the tart cool to room temperature before chilling it in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set the curd properly.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream – The Perfect Finishing Touch for Your Cranberry Curd Tart
What’s a tart without a little extra indulgence on top? For this cranberry curd tart, a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch. To make it, combine heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon in a food processor. Process on high for 3-4 minutes until the cream forms soft peaks.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can whip the cream with a hand mixer or even by hand with a whisk.
The cinnamon whipped cream adds a touch of warmth and sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberry curd perfectly. The cream is also stabilized, so it will hold up well when served on the tart, making it a great addition to any gathering.
Other Toppings for the Cranberry Curd Tart – Get Creative!
While cinnamon whipped cream is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other toppings for your cranberry curd tart. Fresh pomegranate arils add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color. You could also use fresh raspberries or even a sprinkle of sugared cranberries for a more festive touch. If you want something a bit more indulgent, try adding a cranberry meringue topping. This adds both a light, airy texture and extra sweetness to the tart.
For those who prefer a slightly different flavor, consider using a gingersnap crust or a hazelnut crust instead of the traditional oatmeal base. These variations can give your tart a unique twist that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead & Storage Info for Cranberry Curd Tart
One of the great things about the cranberry curd tart is that it can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the cranberry curd up to two weeks in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. The tart crust can also be baked ahead of time and stored at room temperature for a few days.
If you plan to freeze the tart, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the tart in the fridge overnight and top it with fresh whipped cream before serving.
Cranberry Curd Tart Recipe – The Full Instructions
Now that you know all the steps, here’s the full cranberry curd tart recipe to guide you through the process.
Cranberry Curd Tart Ingredients
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250g (1 ¼ cups) sugar
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510g fresh cranberries
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180g (¾ cup) orange juice
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Zest of 2 oranges
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5 large eggs
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113g (½ cup) unsalted butter
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220g (2 cups) quick-cooking oats
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30g (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
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30g (¼ cup) powdered sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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Pinch of fine sea salt
Full Recipe Instructions
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Make the Cranberry Curd: Cook the cranberries, orange juice, zest, and sugar in a pot over medium heat until the cranberries burst and soften. Blend the mixture and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Beat in the eggs and cook the curd until thickened. Strain again and stir in butter until smooth. Let it cool.
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Prepare the Crust: Combine oats, flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until the dough forms a sticky ball. Press it into a tart pan and chill. Pre-bake the crust for 25 minutes, then remove the weights and dock the bottom.
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Assemble the Tart: Pour the cooled cranberry curd into the baked crust and smooth it out. Bake for 20-22 minutes until the sides are set and the center jiggles slightly. Cool at room temperature and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
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Serve with Whipped Cream: Top the tart with cinnamon whipped cream before serving.
The cranberry curd tart is a delightful dessert that brings together the best flavors of the season. With its sweet, tart cranberry filling, buttery crust, and rich whipped cream, it’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Whether you’re following a classic cranberry curd tart recipe or trying variations like a cranberry lemon curd tart, this dessert will never disappoint.
FAQS
Q:Can I make the cranberry curd tart ahead of time?
A:Yes, you can make the cranberry curd tart ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge after baking, and it will stay fresh for a few days.
Q:How do I make the tart sweeter without changing its texture?
A:You can add a little more sugar or honey to the cranberry curd. This will make it sweeter without changing its texture.
Q:What can I use instead of fresh cranberries?
A:Frozen cranberries work well too. Just make sure to thaw and dry them before using.
Q:Can I make the cranberry curd tart without eggs?
A:Yes, you can make a vegan cranberry curd tart by using egg substitutes, like cornstarch or a flaxseed mixture, to thicken the curd.
Q:How does the crust affect the tart’s flavor?
A:The crust adds texture and flavor to the tart. A cinnamon oatmeal crust gives a warm, cozy taste, while a gingersnap crust adds a little spice.
Q:What’s the best topping for a cranberry curd tart?
A:A cinnamon whipped cream is a great topping. You could also use fresh fruit, like pomegranate, or even a drizzle of chocolate.
Q:How can I add more flavor to the cranberry curd?
A:You can add more citrus zest, like lemon or orange, or even a pinch of cinnamon to give the curd extra depth of flavor.
Q:Can I freeze the cranberry curd tart?
A:Yes, you can freeze the cranberry curd tart. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer. Let it thaw before serving.
Q:How do I avoid overcooking the cranberry curd?
A:To avoid overcooking, cook the curd on medium heat and stir often. Once it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat.
Q:What’s the best way to decorate the cranberry curd tart?
A:You can decorate the tart with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few sprigs of mint.
Conclusion
A cranberry curd tart is a unique and flavorful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with a smooth, rich curd filling. It’s perfect for any special occasion, especially during the holidays.
The tart’s bright color and tangy flavor make it an eye-catching treat that will impress your guests. You can experiment with different crusts, like a gingersnap crust or hazelnut crust, to add your own twist. Topping it with cinnamon whipped cream gives it a comforting and sweet finish.
This dessert is easy to make ahead and can be stored for later, making it convenient for busy holiday baking. Whether you choose to follow a traditional cranberry curd tart recipe or try out variations like cranberry orange curd tart, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
