Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner

Delight in the perfect balance of tart and sweet with this Cranberry Orange Tart, finished with a luscious glaze.

Ethan

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2025-12-12T20:06:49.170Z

This Cranberry Orange Tart is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy brightness of oranges.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and tangy flavor from fresh cranberries and oranges
  • Buttery and flaky crust that complements the filling perfectly
  • Gorgeous presentation that makes it perfect for special occasions

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The Cranberry Orange Tart is a delightful harmony of flavors that tickles the taste buds. The tartness of fresh cranberries plays beautifully against the sweetness of sugar and the citrusy brightness of orange juice. This unique combination makes each bite a refreshing experience, perfect for any dessert lover. The addition of orange zest enhances the overall taste, providing an aromatic quality that elevates the tart from ordinary to extraordinary.

Incorporating seasonal ingredients like cranberries and oranges not only adds vibrant colors to your dish but also ensures you're enjoying the freshest flavors. The tangy cranberries are at their best during the cooler months, making this tart a seasonal favorite. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or a festive holiday event, this tart is sure to impress and satisfy.

A Flaky and Buttery Crust

One of the key elements that make this tart stand out is its buttery and flaky crust. Crafted with simple ingredients, the crust provides a delightful contrast to the tart filling. The use of cold butter ensures that the crust remains tender and flaky, creating a texture that effortlessly crumbles in your mouth. This rich base is not only delicious but also serves to hold the filling in place beautifully.

Taking the time to chill the crust before baking allows it to firm up, resulting in a more stable tart that retains its shape during baking. This crucial step prevents shrinkage, ensuring that your tart looks as good as it tastes. A perfectly baked crust is the foundation of any great tart, and this recipe guarantees that you'll achieve that ideal balance of flavor and texture.

An Eye-Catching Presentation

The visual appeal of the Cranberry Orange Tart makes it an excellent choice for special occasions. Its vibrant red and orange hues create a stunning centerpiece that draws the eye and whets the appetite. Topped with a glossy orange glaze, this tart not only tastes fantastic but also looks impressive on any dessert table. The drizzle of glaze adds a finishing touch that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Serving this tart is an experience in itself. As you cut into the crust, the filling reveals its luscious texture, enticing your guests to take a slice. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. This tart is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors and artistry that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

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

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to prepare your ingredients ahead of time for a smoother cooking experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in egg yolk and ice water until dough forms.

Press into a tart pan and chill for 30 minutes.

Pre-bake the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the crust with a fork and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.

Make the Filling

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 10 minutes. Pour into the cooled tart shell.

Bake the Tart

Bake the tart for another 15-20 minutes. Let it cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled tart.

Slice and serve the tart chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor!

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results when making your Cranberry Orange Tart, consider using fresh cranberries for a more vibrant taste. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen ones can be a suitable substitute, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Additionally, when preparing the crust, it's essential to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough texture, which is the opposite of what you want in a flaky tart crust. Remember, the key to success lies in keeping your ingredients cold and your mixing gentle.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your tart is fully cooled and glazed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. This tart can also be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when served.

For serving, consider garnishing with extra orange zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added elegance. This tart pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat or a delightful end to your dinner party.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart crust a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with this tart?

This tart pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze

Delight in the perfect balance of tart and sweet with this Cranberry Orange Tart, finished with a luscious glaze.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Ethan

Recipe Type: Pastry & Sweets Corner

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Tart Crust

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

For the Filling

  1. 2 cups fresh cranberries
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup orange juice
  4. 1 tablespoon orange zest
  5. 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  7. 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons orange juice
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in egg yolk and ice water until dough forms. Press into a tart pan and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the crust with a fork and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.

Step 03

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 10 minutes. Pour into the cooled tart shell.

Step 04

Bake the tart for another 15-20 minutes. Let it cool completely.

Step 05

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled tart.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 3g