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Cranberry and Spiced Pear Tart Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

This Cranberry Tart combines fresh, tart cranberries with spiced pear slices nestled in a buttery, cinnamon-infused crumble crust. The vibrant filling is gently simmered to maintain some whole berries’ texture and topped over a crisp, flavorful crust, then baked to perfection. Finished with a glossy cranberry glaze, this elegant dessert is perfect for fall and winter gatherings, delivering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice with every bite.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Filling

  • 12 ounces fresh, whole cranberries
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest, plus extra for garnish (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 small Bartlett pears
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 scant teaspoon flour

Crust

  • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Filling Ingredients: Gather and prep all filling ingredients except the pears, ground ginger and flour to have them organized and ready for use.
  2. Cook Cranberry Filling: In a large pan or skillet, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat slightly and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until cranberries begin to pop and soften but do not become mushy.
  3. Cool Cranberry Mixture: Transfer the cranberry mixture to a large bowl and allow it to cool completely and thicken slightly. Refrigerate to speed cooling if desired.
  4. Gather Crust Ingredients: Prepare the tart crust ingredients according to the list and set aside.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
  6. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
  7. Combine Crust Mixture: Add dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and mix until just combined. Add 1 tablespoon water and mix briefly until a moist crumble forms.
  8. Form Crust in Tart Pan: Press the crumble mixture evenly into a 9 1/2 inch non-stick tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing up the sides. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes.
  9. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
  10. Prepare Pears: Peel, core, and thinly slice Bartlett pears. Toss slices with ground ginger, remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and scant teaspoon flour. Set aside.
  11. Assemble Tart: Arrange spiced pear slices evenly on bottom of chilled tart crust. Spoon cranberry filling (reserve 2 tablespoons for glazing) evenly over pears, smoothing to edges.
  12. Bake Tart: Place tart on foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, rotating the tart halfway through baking for even cooking.
  13. Cool Tart: Transfer tart to wire rack and cool in pan for 30 minutes. Carefully remove tart from pan and allow to cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate covered until chilled.
  14. Glaze and Serve: Mix reserved 2 tablespoons cranberry filling with 1 teaspoon water and brush evenly over tart surface to create a glossy finish. Garnish with orange zest curls if desired. Serve chilled, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the cranberry filling; the berries should retain some texture and not be mushy.
  • Freezing the crust before baking helps it hold shape and prevents sogginess.
  • Thinly slicing the pears helps them cook evenly and meld well with the cranberry filling.
  • Use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easy tart removal after baking.
  • Chilling the tart after baking enhances flavor and texture, making slicing cleaner.
  • Optional garnishes like whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or extra orange zest add a lovely finishing touch.