Rustic Cranberry Tarts are the perfect dessert for autumn and winter, combining a flaky pastry crust with the tartness of cranberries and a touch of sweetness. Their freeform shape gives them a homemade charm, and they’re easy enough to prepare without special pans. These tarts are festive, flavorful, and wonderful for holiday gatherings.
1. Serving Quantity
Makes 6 small tarts
2. Cooking Time
Preparation: 20 minutes
Baking: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
3. Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
4. Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until berries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook 1–2 more minutes. Let cool.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into 6 squares. Place a spoonful of cranberry filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the edges over the filling, leaving the center exposed for a rustic look.
- Brush pastry edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
5. Nutrition (per tart, approx.)
Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 14g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 3g
6. Tips
- For extra richness, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep the pastry crisp.
- Try a drizzle of white chocolate over cooled tarts for a festive finish.
These Rustic Cranberry Tarts bring the perfect mix of tart and sweet in a flaky crust, making them a cozy seasonal treat.
