Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Ideas

Delight in the festive flavors of this Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings or a special dessert.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:26:51.362Z

This Cranberry Orange Tart combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zestiness of oranges, creating a beautiful and delicious dessert that will impress your guests. Topped with a sweet glaze, it's a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Bright and zesty flavor combination of cranberry and orange
  • Beautiful presentation with a glossy glaze
  • Perfectly balanced sweetness with a hint of tartness
  • A festive dessert that is sure to impress

A Flavorful Combination

The bright and zesty combination of cranberries and oranges makes this tart a true showstopper. Cranberries provide a natural tartness, while the sweetness of the orange juice and zest brings a refreshing balance. Together, they create a harmonious flavor profile that dances on your palate, making each bite a delightful experience. This tart is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of seasonal flavors that evoke the spirit of the holidays.

In addition to its vibrant taste, this dessert offers versatility in serving. Whether you choose to present it at a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a special occasion, the Cranberry Orange Tart will undoubtedly be a highlight. Its unique flavor can complement a variety of dishes, making it a perfect ending to any meal.

Perfect for Celebrations

The glossy glaze that adorns this tart adds an elegant touch, enhancing its overall presentation. Not only does it make the tart visually appealing, but the glaze also infuses an additional layer of orange flavor, creating a delightful contrast with the tart filling. This dessert is ideal for impressing guests at holiday parties or festive gatherings, making it a staple for any celebration.

Moreover, the tart is easy to slice and serve, making it a hassle-free choice for entertaining. With its festive colors and dazzling appearance, it’s sure to be a conversation starter at your next event. Prepare to receive compliments as your friends and family savor each bite.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results, use fresh cranberries for the filling. Their natural tartness is essential to achieving the distinct flavor of this tart. If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen cranberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

When preparing the tart crust, be cautious not to overwork the dough. The key to a flaky crust lies in handling the mixture minimally. Also, chilling the crust before baking helps it maintain its shape, preventing shrinkage in the oven. Follow these tips, and you’ll achieve a perfect tart that not only looks beautiful but tastes exceptional.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture in this tart.

Instructions

Prepare the Tart Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and enough cold water to form a dough.

Press the dough into a tart pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the Crust

Once chilled, bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Make the Filling

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

Bake the Tart

Bake the filled tart for an additional 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled tart before serving.

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Storing Your Tart

After preparing the Cranberry Orange Tart, you may want to store it for later enjoyment. To do this, cover the tart with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within three days to ensure the crust remains crisp and the filling retains its freshness.

If you plan to serve the tart at a later date, consider freezing it before adding the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw the tart in the refrigerator overnight and glaze it just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Orange Tart pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the tart filling, enhancing the overall flavor experience. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh orange slices or additional cranberries for a pop of color.

Additionally, serving the tart with a hot cup of tea or a glass of sparkling wine can elevate the dessert experience. The refreshing notes of orange and the tartness of cranberry make it a perfect match for a variety of beverages, allowing you to create a delightful dessert pairing.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using.

→ How should I store the tart?

Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the tart crust in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to bake.

→ Is there a substitute for orange zest?

If you don't have orange zest, you can use lemon zest as a substitute for a different flavor profile.

Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze

Delight in the festive flavors of this Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings or a special dessert.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 15 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Quick Dessert Ideas

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Tart Crust

  1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  3. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 large egg yolk
  6. 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

  1. 2 cups fresh cranberries
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/4 cup orange juice
  4. 2 tablespoons orange zest
  5. 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  6. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons orange juice
  3. 1 tablespoon orange zest

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and enough cold water to form a dough. Press the dough into a tart pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 03

Once chilled, bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 04

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

Step 05

Bake the filled tart for an additional 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 06

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled tart before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g