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Slice of Cranberry Curd Tart topped with whipped cream and sugared cranberries on a plate with a fork.

Cranberry Curd Tart

5 from 1 vote
A jewel-toned Cranberry Curd Tart with a buttery crumb crust and a billowy whipped topping that feels made for special occasions.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 10 Slices
Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs finely crushed from about 10 full sheets
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar for lightly sweetening the crust
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 pound cranberries fresh or frozen used straight from the freezer if frozen
  • 1 cup orange juice fresh or bottled pulp is fine
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for the cranberry filling
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 2 large egg yolks at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening the curd
  • ¼ teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened for a smooth finish
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for extra aroma
  • 1 cup heavy cream very cold for whipping
  • 2 tablespoons sugar granulated or powdered for the whipped cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for the whipped cream
  • Optional sugared cranberries for garnish and decoration

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly coat a 9-inch tart pan with nonstick spray.
  2. Stir together the graham crumbs and sugar, then mix in the melted butter until the mixture looks like damp sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan using gentle, even pressure.
  4. Bake the crust until lightly set and fragrant, about 10 minutes, then place it on a rack to cool.
  5. Combine the cranberries, orange juice, and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the berries burst and soften, about 10 minutes.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 20 minutes so it’s no longer steaming hot.
  7. Blend the cranberry mixture until completely smooth, then pour it back into the saucepan.
  8. Whisk together the egg, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl, then whisk this mixture into the cranberry puree.
  9. Set the pan back over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the curd thickens and gently bubbles, about 5–7 minutes.
  10. Take the pan off the heat and whisk in the softened butter and vanilla until fully melted and smooth.
  11. Pour the hot curd into the cooled crust and smooth the surface, then let it stand at room temperature for about 40 minutes before refrigerating for at least 6 hours to fully set.
  12. Beat the cold cream, sugar, and vanilla until medium peaks form and the cream holds soft, billowy shapes.
  13. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled tart, add any garnish you like, then remove the pan ring, slice, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 120gCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 8mg

Notes

This tart is all about contrast: bright, tangy filling against a sweet, buttery crust. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive on the table but feels wonderfully comforting once sliced.

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