Autumnal Bliss: The Ultimate Apple Cranberry Tart Recipe

As the leaves turn golden and the air crisps with a touch of winter’s breath, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the comforting flavors of fall. And what better way to do that than with a beautiful and delicious Apple Cranberry Tart? This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of apples, and the buttery goodness of a homemade crust to create a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or simply want to enjoy a cozy afternoon treat, this tart is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a perfect tart every time. Let’s get baking!

Why This Apple Cranberry Tart is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another apple pie recipe. This tart offers a unique flavor profile and textural contrast that sets it apart:

• The Sweet and Tart Combination: The marriage of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Homemade Crust: While store-bought crusts can be convenient, a homemade crust adds a depth of flavor and flakiness that’s unmatched. We’ll provide a simple and reliable recipe that even beginner bakers can master.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the apples and cranberries, arranged artfully in the tart shell, make for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to casual weeknight dinners, this tart is versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime.
• Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, experiment with different apple varieties, or incorporate other fruits like pears or raspberries.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This will make the baking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water, plus more if needed
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, but helps with tenderness)

For the Apple Cranberry Filling:

• 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons sanding sugar (optional, for topping)

Equipment

• 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
• Food processor (optional, for making the crust)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a flawless Apple Cranberry Tart.

Part 1: Making the Tart Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. The cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky crust, so work quickly and try not to overwork the dough. Alternatively, you can use a food processor. Pulse the flour, salt, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the Liquid: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. If using apple cider vinegar, add it along with the first tablespoon of water. Mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the crust tough. The dough should be slightly shaggy.
4. Shape and Chill: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently gather it into a disk. Wrap the disk tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a more tender and flaky crust.
5. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick.
6. Transfer to Tart Pan: Carefully transfer the dough to the tart pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. You can either roll the rolling pin over the edges to cut the dough or use a knife.
7. Pre-Bake (Blind Bake): Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. This will prevent the crust from puffing up during baking. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or rice. This will help the crust maintain its shape. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
8. Remove Weights and Bake Longer: Carefully remove the parchment paper and pie weights. Return the crust to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

Part 2: Preparing the Apple Cranberry Filling

1. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the fruit evenly. The flour will help thicken the filling as it bakes, and the lemon juice will prevent the apples from browning.
2. Assemble the Tart: Pour the apple cranberry filling into the pre-baked tart crust. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter. This will add richness and flavor to the filling.

Part 3: Baking the Tart

1. Egg Wash (Optional): If desired, brush the edges of the tart crust with the beaten egg. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
2. Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): Sprinkle the top of the tart with sanding sugar for a touch of sweetness and sparkle.
3. Bake the Tart: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent the tart with aluminum foil.
4. Cool Completely: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This is important because the filling will continue to set as it cools.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Cranberry Tart

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Apple Cranberry Tart turns out perfectly:

• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are essential for creating a flaky crust. Make sure your butter is very cold before you start, and use ice water to hydrate the dough.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together, and avoid kneading it.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a more tender and flaky crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Blind Bake the Crust: Blind baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy when you add the filling. Use pie weights or dried beans to weigh down the crust during baking.
• Use a Variety of Apples: Using a combination of apple varieties will add complexity to the flavor of the filling. Try using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.
• Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a sweeter tart, you can add more sugar to the filling. Taste the filling before you pour it into the crust and adjust the sweetness as needed.
• Protect the Crust: If the crust starts to brown too quickly during baking, tent the tart with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
• Let it Cool Completely: Let the tart cool completely before serving. This will allow the filling to set and prevent it from being too runny.
• Make Ahead: The tart crust can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. The apple cranberry filling can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake the tart just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and adapt this recipe to your liking:

• Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm and aromatic flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Experiment with other fruits, such as pears, raspberries, or blueberries.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free tart crust.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk alternative to make a vegan tart crust. Substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Cranberry Tart is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Serve Warm: Serve the tart slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.
• Top with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream is the perfect complement to the tart’s sweet and tart flavors.
• Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and richness.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the tart with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of Apple Cranberry Tart with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Storing Instructions

Store leftover Apple Cranberry Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the tart for up to 1 month. Thaw the tart in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per slice, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 400-450
• Fat: 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: 12-15g
• Cholesterol: 50-60mg
• Sodium: 200-250mg
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 30-35g
• Protein: 3-4g

Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Cranberry Tart!

With its sweet and tart flavors, flaky crust, and beautiful presentation, this Apple Cranberry Tart is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Happy baking!

Call to Action

Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Share your photos on social media using #AppleCranberryTart and tag us! We can’t wait to see your creations.

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