Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart

This cranberry-orange curd tart is like sunshine wrapped in buttery shortbread. The zingy cranberry swirl and that bright citrus pop bring life to any holiday dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or looking for a cozy weekend bake, this tart will make you feel like you’re wrapping your guests in a warm hug.

A Holiday Dessert That Feels Like a Hug

This tart has everything you crave from a fall-winter dessert. Tangy cranberries. Fresh orange zest. A melt-in-your-mouth crust that’s buttery and golden. And oh, the curd? Smooth, rich, and so full of flavor it practically sings. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even just a chilly Sunday. Plus, you can prep it a day ahead and serve it chilled or at room temp. If you love cozy flavors and a little zing, this dessert has your name on it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract

For the Cranberry-Orange Curd

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large egg yolks + 1 whole egg
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed

You can use frozen cranberries if they’re easier to find. Just no cranberry sauce, okay? Also, blood oranges work beautifully for a deeper color and more dramatic finish.

How to Make a Cranberry-Orange Curd Tart

Make the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. In a bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, ginger, and salt. Add melted butter, vanilla, and almond extract. Stir until crumbly, then press into the pan evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.

Cook the Cranberries

In a saucepan, combine the cranberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the berries pop and soften, about 10 minutes. Stir in the orange zest, juice, and a pinch of salt. Let it cool slightly before blending into a smooth purée.

Whisk and Cook the Curd

In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the eggs. Slowly add the warm cranberry-orange mixture while whisking constantly. Pour the mixture back into the pan and cook on low, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Then stir in the butter, one cube at a time, until silky and smooth.

Strain and Bake

Strain the curd through a fine sieve into the baked crust to remove any solids. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are set and the center still jiggles just a bit.

Cool and Chill

Let the tart cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. You can chill it longer for a firmer set. I like it cold from the fridge with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Texture

Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the curd for the silkiest finish
Don’t overbake the tart the center should still have a slight wobble
If your crust puffs up, gently press it down with the back of a spoon
A tart pan with a removable bottom makes serving way easier

Make It Ahead or Freeze It

This cranberry-orange curd tart is a planner’s dream. You can bake it 1 to 2 days in advance and store it chilled. If you’re baking way ahead, wrap and freeze it without any toppings. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight. It slices beautifully when chilled.

How to Decorate Your Tart

You already know this tart is a stunner, but let’s dress it up
Add sugared cranberries for sparkle
Arrange thin orange slices in a fan pattern
Pipe little clouds of whipped cream
Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving

Pair It With These Cozy Favorites

Planning a holiday lunch? Pair this tart with turkey cranberry sliders for a delicious sweet-savory combo

Want more cranberry love? Try these cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes for a showstopping side

Or keep the fruit party going with our easy strawberry crunch cheesecake for dessert variety

FAQ

Try it, share it, love it!

This cranberry-orange curd tart deserves a spot on your holiday table. Let us know how yours turns out in the comments below. And don’t forget to tag your creations! For more cozy ideas, follow us on Pinterest or join the fun on Facebook

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