The Comfort of Cranberry Almond Tart Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about a Cranberry Almond Tart Recipe that’s both familiar and refreshingly vibrant. I love how the tart crust offers a golden, velvety base while fresh cranberries burst with a lively tang, perfectly offset by the nutty warmth of almonds. It’s the kind of dessert that invites you to slow down, take a moment, and savor every bite alongside a cozy cup of tea or coffee. You’ll notice that this recipe balances simplicity with elegance. It’s approachable whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, yet it yields a result that feels special enough to share on weekends or holidays. The honey drizzle adds a gentle touch of sweetness that ties everything together with a glossy finish that’s as delightful to the eye as it is to the palate. As I’ve made this tart through the seasons, I’ve found it an adaptable favorite—reliable, straightforward, and utterly irresistible. Let’s dive into what makes this Cranberry Almond Tart Recipe a go-to whenever that craving for something comforting and crisp hits.What Makes It Irresistible
- Layered flavor: Comforting, rich, and beautifully balanced.
- Easy method: Steps designed for any skill level.
- Adaptable: Works with pantry swaps and seasonal twists.
- Prep-friendly: Can be made ahead without losing quality.
Ingredient Guide
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The sturdy base of the crust that provides structure and a lightly crisp bite.
- Almond flour (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle nutty aroma and crumbly tenderness to the crust—feel free to swap with hazelnut flour for a twist.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Just enough sweetness to complement the oats and cranberries without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold & cubed): Key for that flaky, golden crust—cold butter ensures the right texture.
- Egg yolk (1): Binds the dough together and enriches it for a tender feel.
- Fresh cranberries (1 cup): Bright, tart fruit that adds a refreshing burst of flavor; frozen can work in a pinch, just thaw first.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup): Toasted or raw, they deliver crunch and deepen the nutty notes.
- Honey (1/4 cup): A luscious, aromatic drizzle that balances the tartness with natural sweetness.
Prep Before You Begin
Before you get your hands floury, it’s smart to prep all your ingredients and tools. I always recommend chilling the butter and having your cranberries washed and patted dry. The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) so you can slide the tart in as soon as the dough is ready. Keeping everything at arm’s reach makes the process smooth and stress-free.Tools & Setup
Here’s what you’ll want on hand so your Cranberry Almond Tart Recipe comes together smoothly—plus optional extras that make the process even easier.
How to Make Cranberry Almond Tart Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the flours and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter.
- Add the egg yolk and bring it together.
- Press the dough into your tart pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
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Expert Tips to Nail It
Make sure your butter is as cold as possible before incorporating—it creates pockets in the dough that turn into flaky layers once baked. Also, when pressing dough into the pan, avoid stretching it, as that can cause shrinkage during baking.
- Spread the fresh cranberries and sliced almonds evenly.
- Drizzle honey on top.
- Bake for another 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
- Allow the tart to cool thoroughly before slicing.
Creative Variations for Cranberry Almond Tart Recipe
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper, autumnal sweetness.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the crust mixture for warm spice notes.
- Top with whipped mascarpone or vanilla cream for a luscious pairing.
- Use dried cranberries soaked in orange juice if fresh cranberries aren’t available.
- Fold in orange zest to the dough for a citrus lift that brightens the overall tart.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on the honey drizzle before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; the crust remains crisp with careful storage.
- To freeze, wrap the tart in plastic wrap and then foil—freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes to refresh the crust’s crispness without drying the filling.
- If wrapping individual slices, place parchment between slices before freezing to prevent sticking.
Cranberry Almond Tart Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, just thaw and drain excess moisture first to avoid a soggy crust.
- What tart pan size is best? A 9-inch tart pan works wonderfully to create the ideal crust thickness.
- Can I make the dough ahead? Absolutely, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge.
- Is almond flour necessary? It’s recommended for flavor and texture, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed, although you’ll lose some nutty richness.
- How do I get a crisp crust? Keep your butter cold and bake the crust partially before adding the topping; this helps it set firmly and stay crisp.
Cranberry Almond Tart Recipe
This Irresistible Cranberry Almond Tart combines a buttery, crumbly almond-infused crust with a fresh cranberry and honey topping. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and nutty crunch, this tart makes a delightful dessert or festive treat that is both elegant and simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
For the Topping
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and granulated sugar together evenly.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Egg Yolk: Incorporate the egg yolk into the mixture and mix gently until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overworking to keep the crust tender.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan, creating a uniform base for the filling.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes to set it partially before adding the topping.
- Add Cranberries and Almonds: Remove the crust from the oven and evenly spread the fresh cranberries and sliced almonds over the baked crust.
- Drizzle Honey: Pour the honey evenly over the cranberry and almond topping to add sweetness and help it glaze during baking.
- Final Bake: Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the topping is bubbling slightly.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack so the filling sets and slices cleanly when served.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is very cold for the best crumbly texture in the crust.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Chill the dough before pressing it into the pan for easier handling.
- This tart is best served at room temperature or lightly warmed.
- Store leftover tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
