Description
This Cranberry Orange Tart features a tender, buttery crust paired with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. The fresh orange zest and segments add bright citrus notes, perfectly balancing the sweetness. A festive and elegant dessert, it’s ideal for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 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)
Filling
- 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
Decoration
- Fresh orange segments (from the orange used for zesting)
- Dried cranberries (additional)
- White chocolate chips (additional)
- Orange zest (additional)
Instructions
- Prepare Orange Zest and Segments: Zest the orange and measure out two teaspoons total; set aside. Separate some fresh orange segments for decorating later.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Make the Crust Dough: In a food processor, combine powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, softened butter chunks, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Pulse just until the mixture comes together into a dough ball.
- Form the Tart Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-10 inch tart pan. Make sure the crust is even and compact.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until it is just starting to turn a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of orange zest until smooth and creamy. Stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips gently.
- Fill the Tart: Once the crust has cooled, spoon the cream cheese mixture into the tart shell and spread evenly. Ensuring the crust is cool prevents the filling from melting.
- Decorate and Chill: Garnish the tart with additional dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, fresh orange segments, and extra orange zest. Place the tart in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Be sure the crust is completely cool before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with fresh cranberries if preferred, but they may add more moisture.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix the crust ingredients by hand until combined.
- Chill the tart for at least an hour before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
