The crisp autumn air carries the sweet aroma of baked goods, and nothing says "fall" quite like a beautiful tart bursting with flavor. Imagine biting into a slice of Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart, where the tangy cranberries dance with the zesty orange curd, creating a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds sing. perfect pairing with tart desserts The buttery crust crumbles perfectly, while that vibrant filling glows like a sunset on your plate, promising deliciousness in every bite.

This tart isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience! Picture yourself hosting friends for Thanksgiving or cozying up at home with loved ones as you all dig into this delightful treat. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season, evoking memories of childhood baking sessions and family gatherings, where laughter and joy filled the kitchen. spicy main dish option Let’s dive into this recipe that is sure to elevate any fall occasion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry-orange curd tart is simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to wow your guests.
- With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, it's an eye-catching centerpiece for any table.
- The balance of sweet and tart makes it versatile for serving at holiday feasts or casual get-togethers.
- Plus, it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Ingredients for Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart
For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe.
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the perfect flaky crust; make sure to sift it to avoid lumps.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for the crust; it adds richness and flavor while allowing you to control the saltiness.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work well; they provide a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps to tame the tartness of cranberries and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Eggs: Large eggs help thicken the curd while providing structure and richness to your filling.
- Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: These add a bright citrus flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully; use freshly squeezed juice for best results.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in this recipe, making them pop!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly—imagine you’re giving your butter a spa day! Add cold water gradually until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll Out Your Dough
Once chilled, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface until it's about an eighth of an inch thick. Gently transfer it into a tart pan, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess. Poke holes in the bottom with a fork—this prevents bubbling like my cousin after too much pie!
Step 3: Bake Your Crust
Place your crust in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. While that's happening, let’s whip up our luscious filling!
Step 4: Make Your Curd
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and salt. Stir occasionally until cranberries burst into juicy goodness—this should take about five minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In another bowl, whisk together eggs before slowly adding them to your cranberry mixture—don't rush; we want everything combined nicely without scrambling those eggs! Pour this mixture back into your saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about five more minutes).
Step 6: Fill Your Crust
Pour the warm cranberry-orange curd filling into your baked tart shell. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least two hours (if you can wait that long!).
Transfer slices onto plates and serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence! Enjoy every delightful bite of this stunning Fall Dessert: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart!
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the tart crust, baking it until golden brown. While it cools, whip up the cranberry-orange curd on the stovetop. Once combined, pour the curd into the crust and allow it to chill in the fridge for a few hours for optimal texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for other seasonal fruits like raspberries or blueberries. You can also experiment with different citrus juices such as lemon or lime for a unique twist on this Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart. For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with cranberries recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy chilled straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature before serving if you prefer.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly smooth curd, make sure to strain it after cooking to remove any lumps.
- Use fresh cranberries for a more vibrant flavor in your tart.
- If you're short on time, store-bought tart shells work great too!
Nothing beats that moment when friends take their first bite of my Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart and their eyes widen with delight—it’s pure magic!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart?
To prepare a delightful Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart, you will need fresh cranberries, orange juice, and zest. The crust requires flour, butter, sugar, and salt. For the curd filling, gather eggs, sugar, and butter to create a rich texture. Fresh herbs like thyme can elevate the flavor if desired. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and incorporation.
How long does it take to make a Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart?
The preparation time for Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart is about 30 minutes. After preparing the crust and curd filling, you'll need to bake the tart for approximately 25-30 minutes. Additionally, allow some cooling time before serving. In total, you can expect around 1.5 hours from start to finish, including cooling time. This makes it a perfect dessert for gatherings or intimate dinners.
Can I make Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart ahead of time?
Yes! You can definitely prepare your Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart in advance. The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container. Preparing it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its perfect texture.
What should I serve with my Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart?
Pairing your Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream enhances its flavor profile beautifully. A scoop of homemade ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cranberries. You could also serve it with a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt for added richness and tang.
Conclusion for Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart
In summary, the Fall Desserts: Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart combines vibrant flavors that celebrate the season beautifully. With its buttery crust and zesty curd filling, it's sure to impress your guests at any gathering. savory appetizers for dessert nights Preparing this tart ahead of time can enhance its flavor while allowing you more time to enjoy your event. Serve it with whipped cream or ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart
Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart is a stunning fall dessert that beautifully balances the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of fresh oranges. This delightful tart features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a smooth, vibrant curd, making it an impressive addition to any Thanksgiving gathering or cozy family dinner. With its rich flavors and eye-catching presentation, this recipe promises to create cherished memories and satisfy your sweet cravings.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2–3 tablespoon cold water (as needed)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick. Transfer to a tart pan, trim edges, and poke holes in the bottom with a fork. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, and salt; cook until cranberries burst (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Whisk eggs in a bowl; slowly add cranberry mixture while stirring to avoid scrambling eggs. Return to low heat and stir constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Pour filling into baked crust and cool on wire rack before refrigerating for at least two hours.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fall
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 135g)
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
Keywords: Substitute cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for added flavor variations. Experiment with different citrus juices like lemon or lime for an exciting twist.





