Name: Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened and cut into 1 Tablespoon chunks; 1 teaspoon orange zest (from 1 orange); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon orange zest (additional from the same orange); 1/3 cup dried cranberries, plus more for decorating; 1/3 cup white chocolate chips, plus more for decorating; Fresh orange segments (from the orange used for zesting); Dried cranberries (additional); White chocolate chips (additional); Orange zest (additional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 69 reviews

If you love the bright, zesty flavors of citrus paired with the tartness of cranberries, this Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to dessert. It’s an irresistibly fresh, creamy, and colorful tart that perfectly balances the sweetness of white chocolate with the sharp bite of dried cranberries and the aromatic zing of fresh orange zest. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a special treat, this recipe brings together simple pantry ingredients to create a stunning and delicious centerpiece that feels both festive and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a tart with a light-colored crust and creamy white filling. The tart is cut into slices, with one slice slightly pulled out in front. The filling is topped with bright orange mandarin pieces, scattered dark red dried cranberries, and white chocolate chips. The tart and slices rest on a light wood surface, with some white chocolate chips spread around. The background is blurred but includes a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, bringing texture, flavor, or that perfect finishing touch to an elegant dessert that’s easier to make than you might think.

Powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and helps create a tender, buttery crust.
All-purpose flour: The base for the crust, providing structure without overpowering the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Softened into small chunks, it makes the crust flaky and rich.
Orange: Both zest and segments are used to infuse citrus brightness and gorgeous color.
Cream cheese: Gives the filling its smooth, creamy texture that balances the tart cranberries.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough without masking the natural flavors.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting undertone.
Dried cranberries: Provide bursts of tangy sweetness and a beautiful ruby color.
White chocolate chips: Add a luscious sweetness and creamy contrast to the tart fruit.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe

Step 1: Zest the Orange

Start by zesting your orange carefully — you’ll need about two teaspoons of zest total for this recipe. Set this aside because it’s the secret to that fresh citrus punch, and keep the orange segments ready for decorating the tart later on for a stunning presentation.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting it hot early means your crust will bake perfectly without any delays.

Step 3: Make the Tart Crust

Grab your food processor and combine the powdered sugar, flour, softened butter chunks, and one teaspoon of that fragrant orange zest. Pulse just until the dough forms a ball — be careful not to overwork it, so your crust stays tender and flaky.

Step 4: Press and Bake the Crust

Press this dough evenly into the sides and bottom of a 9-10 inch tart pan. Take your time making sure it’s smooth and consistent, then bake for about 10 minutes until you see the edges start to lightly brown. Once done, remove the crust and allow it to cool completely before moving on.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While your crust is cooling, whip together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the remaining teaspoon of orange zest in a small bowl. Beat until the mixture is silky and smooth. Then gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, allowing their textures and flavors to mingle beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Tart

Once the crust is cool, spoon the filling into the tart shell and spread it evenly. This ensures a perfect layer that won’t melt or get soggy, keeping every bite fresh and creamy.

Step 7: Decorate and Chill

Top your tart with additional dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, fresh orange zest, and those vibrant orange segments you set aside earlier. This not only adds bursts of color but also balances the sweetness with fresh tartness. Pop the tart in the fridge to chill and set until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe

The image shows rectangular slices of a dessert with a creamy white base layer dotted with dark red dried cranberries and bright orange mandarin segments on top. There are also scattered small white chocolate chips on the surface and around the dessert on a wooden board. The edges of the dessert are slightly scalloped, and the texture looks smooth with some light sprinkles of orange zest. Whole mandarins are placed near the dessert pieces, adding a fresh pop of color. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a stunning presentation, sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries and white chocolate chips over the top just before serving. Fresh orange slices or a sprinkling of finely grated orange zest intensify the aroma and add a pop of color that makes this tart truly eye-catching.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for those special occasions. A lightly brewed cup of tea or a glass of sparkling wine also complements the bright flavors in the tart brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe for a party or holiday gathering, consider serving it in individual tartlets or mini tart pans for personal sizes. You can also drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate or a simple orange glaze over the top to impress your guests with a glossy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your tart fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture and keep the crust from absorbing moisture.

Freezing

This tart freezes beautifully if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy that perfect balance of flavors again.

Reheating

Since this tart is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is unnecessary and not recommended, as it can soften the crust and change the texture of the filling. Serve straight from the fridge for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart and juicy than dried ones, which may make the filling too wet. If you want to substitute, consider cooking fresh cranberries down into a compote first to reduce moisture and concentrate their flavor.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

You can try using mascarpone for a similar creamy texture with a milder flavor, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you have dietary restrictions. The tart will have a slightly different taste, but still delicious.

Can I make the crust without a food processor?

Absolutely! Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then press it together with your hands to form the dough ball. It just takes a bit more elbow grease.

How can I make this tart gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or similar binders to maintain the crust’s structure and texture.

What is the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane grater to finely zest just the colorful outer layer of the orange skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This ensures you get the most flavorful and aromatic zest for your Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Tart Recipe is truly a delightful celebration of bright, balanced flavors and inviting textures. It’s a dessert that feels elegant yet approachable, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something special. I hope you have as much fun making and enjoying this tart as I do every time I bake it. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!