Cranberry and Spiced Pear Tart Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that sings with cozy autumnal spices and bursts of fresh fruit, then this Cranberry and Spiced Pear Tart Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the tart brightness of whole cranberries dancing alongside tender slices of warmly spiced Bartlett pears, all nestled in a buttery, crumbly crust that’s as comforting as a homemade hug. It’s a dessert that balances sweet, tart, and spice perfectly, making it a stellar centerpiece for holiday gatherings or an indulgent treat to enjoy whenever you crave something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry and Spiced Pear Tart Recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet pack powerful flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tartness of fresh cranberries to the delicate warmth of cinnamon and ginger, coming together in a buttery crust that holds it all beautifully.

• Fresh cranberries, 12 ounces: The vibrant star of the tart, offering natural tartness and a burst of juicy flavor.
• Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons: Sweetens the filling and balances the cranberries’ tartness perfectly.
• Orange zest, 1 teaspoon plus extra for garnish: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma that awakens the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon, divided (1 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon): Brings a warm, comforting spice note essential for the pear and cranberry blend.
• Water, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons: Helps cook the cranberries into a luscious filling.
• Bartlett pears, 2 small: Thinly sliced and spiced, they introduce a tender sweetness and subtle bite.
• Ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a gentle heat to complement the cinnamon and brighten the pear slices.
• Flour, 1 teaspoon (for pears) plus 1 1/4 cup all-purpose (for crust): Provides structure to both the filling and the buttery tart shell.
• Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Ensures the crust has a light, crumble texture.
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors, and balances the tartness.
• Unsalted butter, 8 tablespoons at room temperature: Key for a rich, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Brown sugar, 1/4 cup: Adds moisture and a slight caramel depth to the crust.
• Pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Infuses the crust with that lovely, comforting note we all adore in baked treats.

How to Make Cranberry and Spiced Pear Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Cranberry Filling

Start by gathering your cranberries, sugar, orange zest, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and water. Combine these in a large pan over medium heat, bringing them to a vigorous simmer. Allow the cranberries to gently pop and soften for about 6 to 8 minutes, but be careful not to overdo it—they should hold their shape to give the tart a pleasant texture. Once tender and juicy, transfer this mixture to a bowl to cool and thicken, or pop it into the fridge to speed things up.

Step 2: Mix and Chill the Crust

While the cranberry filling cools, turn your attention to the crust. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. In your stand mixer, cream the butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy—this step is key to a tender, flavorful crust. Add vanilla, then the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined before stirring in a tablespoon of water to create a moist crumble. Press this mixture evenly into a 9 1/2 inch tart pan with a removable bottom, making sure to go up the sides for a perfect shell. Pop it in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Spice and Slice the Pears

Next, peel, core, and slice the Bartlett pears as thin as possible. Toss these delicate slices with the ground ginger, remaining cinnamon, and a scant teaspoon of flour to ensure they bake up tender but hold their shape. This spice mix complements the cranberries beautifully, adding warmth and complexity to every bite.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Tart

Arrange the spiced pear slices evenly on the chilled crust, layering the cooled cranberry filling on top, smoothing it out to cover the pears completely. Reserve two tablespoons of the cranberry filling to glaze the tart later. Place the tart on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for one hour, turning halfway through to ensure even baking. After baking, cool it in the pan on a wire rack, then chill fully in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve Cranberry and Spiced Pear Tart Recipe

Garnishes

For a stunning presentation, brush the tart’s surface with the reserved cranberry filling mixed with a teaspoon of water to create a glossy sheen. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest or delicate orange curls for a burst of color and an extra hit of citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness and spices. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside a cup of hot tea or spiced cider, making for a comforting dessert experience that warms from the inside out.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests further, serve slices of your Cranberry and Spiced Pear Tart Recipe on pretty dessert plates garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar. You could also accompany individual servings with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist that perfectly complements the warm spices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and fully chilled, your tart keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to preserve its delicate flavors and prevent it from drying out. Each slice tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

You can freeze the tart, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to two months. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the fridge. While the texture may soften slightly, the rich, spiced flavors remain just as delightful, making it a great make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.

Reheating

If you prefer your tart warm, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place the whole tart in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked feeling and releases those wonderful warming aromas throughout your kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just remember to thaw and drain them a bit before cooking to avoid excess water in the filling.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Bartlett pears?

Bosc or Anjou pears are fantastic alternatives—they hold up well during baking and bring a similar sweetness and texture to the tart.

Is this tart gluten-free friendly?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts for the crust to make it gluten-free. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly.

How do I keep the pears from browning before baking?

Tossing the pears with the ground ginger, cinnamon, and a bit of flour helps coat them and slows browning while adding flavor. You can also briefly soak them in lemon water if you want extra protection.

Can I make this tart vegan?

For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure any sugar used is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, so you’ll still have a delicious and spiced tart!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Cranberry and Spiced Pear Tart Recipe a try. Its marvelous balance of tart, sweet, and spice wrapped in a tender crust creates a comforting dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something a little extraordinary, this tart hits all the right notes and brings a genuine smile with every bite.

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