Print

Festive Cranberry Curd Tart for the Holidays

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Festive Cranberry Curd Tart features a silky, sweet-tart cranberry filling in a buttery shortbread crust. Topped with sugared cranberries or whipped cream, it’s a show-stopping holiday dessert that’s bright, elegant, and make-ahead friendly.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons ice water (as needed)

For the cranberry curd:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • Pinch of salt

Optional toppings:

  • Sugared cranberries
  • Whipped cream
  • Orange or lemon zest
  • Mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Make the crust: In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and ice water, mixing just until dough forms. Press into a tart pan and chill 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake crust with pie weights for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
  3. Make the cranberry curd: In a saucepan, simmer cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest until cranberries burst, about 10 minutes. Blend until smooth and strain.
  4. Return to pan, whisk in eggs and lemon juice. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened—about 8–10 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and salt until smooth. Pour into cooled crust and smooth the top.
  6. Chill at least 3–4 hours until fully set. Garnish before serving.

Notes

  • Use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer.
  • For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter.
  • Make it a day ahead and garnish just before serving.
  • For sugared cranberries, simmer in simple syrup, roll in sugar, and dry on a rack.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/festive-cranberry-curd-tart-for-the-holidays/