Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges, all beautifully encased in a buttery tart shell. Topped with a sweet glaze, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:24:51.029Z

The Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors. Imagine a crisp tart shell filled with a luscious cranberry-orange filling that balances tartness and sweetness perfectly. This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors
  • Beautifully presented, making it ideal for special occasions
  • Easy to make yet impressive enough to serve guests
  • The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

Cranberry Orange Tart offers a unique taste experience that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness. The cranberries provide a vibrant, tangy punch, while the orange juice and zest infuse the filling with a refreshing citrus flavor. This delightful combination makes the tart not just a dessert, but a celebration of seasonal flavors that can brighten any occasion.

The sweetness of the glaze complements the tartness of the filling, creating a harmonious dish that satisfies diverse palates. Whether you’re a fan of fruity desserts or simply looking for something new to try, this tart is sure to become a favorite.

A Showstopper for Special Occasions

The visual appeal of the Cranberry Orange Tart makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering. Its vibrant red filling, contrasted against the golden tart crust and glossy glaze, creates a stunning presentation that will impress your guests. It’s an ideal dessert for holiday dinners, birthday celebrations, or any festive gathering.

Serving this tart is a fantastic way to elevate your dessert table, and its beautiful appearance will have everyone reaching for a slice. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Easy Yet Impressive to Make

One of the best aspects of this Cranberry Orange Tart is how simple it is to prepare, despite its elegant appearance. The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps are easy to follow, making it accessible even for novice bakers. With a little patience, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it’s been made by a professional.

The tart crust comes together quickly, and the filling cooks in just minutes. Even the glaze is a breeze to whip up. This means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your gathering with family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg yolk

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
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Make sure to gather all ingredients before you start for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Tart Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in egg yolk until a dough forms.

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

Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool.

Make the Filling

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

Fill the Tart

Pour the cranberry mixture into the cooled tart crust and spread evenly. Allow it to set while you prepare the glaze.

Prepare the Glaze

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the tart once it has set.

Serve

Slice the tart and enjoy! This dessert is best served chilled and can be garnished with extra orange zest if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze!

Tips for Success

To ensure your tart crust holds its shape, be sure to press the dough evenly into the tart pan and avoid overworking it. This will help create a tender, flaky crust that is perfect for holding the delicious filling. Refrigerating the crust before baking is also key to preventing shrinkage during the baking process.

When making the filling, keep an eye on the cranberries as they cook. You want them to burst and create a thick mixture, but be careful not to overcook them. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the filling slightly before pouring it into the tart crust.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This tart can be made a day in advance, making it an excellent option for busy hosts. Store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to keep it fresh. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste of the tart.

For serving, consider adding fresh mint leaves for a pop of color or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. This tart pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, making it a delightful end to any meal.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

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

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! The tart crust can be made a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for orange juice?

You can use lemon juice for a more tart flavor, but it will alter the taste slightly.

Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze

This Cranberry Orange Tart with Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges, all beautifully encased in a buttery tart shell. Topped with a sweet glaze, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Tart Crust

  1. 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 egg yolk

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. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in egg yolk until a dough forms. Press the dough into a tart pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool.

Step 03

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

Step 04

Pour the cranberry mixture into the cooled tart crust and spread evenly. Allow it to set while you prepare the glaze.

Step 05

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the tart once it has set.

Step 06

Slice the tart and enjoy! This dessert is best served chilled and can be garnished with extra orange zest if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 3g