Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart: The Ultimate Festive

Name: Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pre-made tart shell; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/4 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons sugar (for cranberries); Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

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The holidays are all about gathering, sharing, and making memories—and what better way to do that than with a slice of homemade Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart? This cozy, festive dessert is bursting with juicy cranberries, a hint of zesty orange, and a creamy, dreamy filling. It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones, whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving a little comfort. Best of all, this rustic tart is easy to make, celebrates imperfections, and is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart

This Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a buttery, flaky crust and a luxurious, creamy filling. The vibrant cranberries and bright citrus notes make it a showstopping, flavor-packed dessert that’s just right for the holidays. But beyond the delicious flavors, this tart is also a joy to make. The process is simple and forgiving, allowing you to tap into your creativity and have fun in the kitchen. Whether your crust is a little uneven or your filling isn’t perfectly smooth, the rustic, homemade charm of this tart will shine through. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied and content.

Ingredients

To make this Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart, you’ll need a simple list of pantry-friendly ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the fresh cranberries, which provide a lovely pop of tartness and festive red color. You’ll also need cream cheese for the luscious filling, as well as orange zest and juice to infuse the dessert with bright citrus flavor. Rounding out the list are staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.

1 1/4 cups (156g) – All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) – Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (113g) – Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3-4 tbsp (45-60ml) – Ice water
16 oz (450g) – Cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (100g) – Granulated sugar
1 tbsp – Orange zest
2 tbsp – Orange juice
1/4 tsp – Salt
12 oz (340g) – Fresh cranberries

Ingredient Substitutions

Cranberries: Frozen cranberries can be used instead of fresh. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as frozen cranberries can release more liquid during baking.
Orange: Lemon or lime can be used in place of orange for a different citrus twist.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart

Begin by making the buttery, flaky crust. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add in cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly drizzle in ice water, pulsing just until the dough starts to come together. Gently gather the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 1: Prep Work

While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt, and mix until well combined. Fold in the fresh cranberries, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Gently press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess. Pour the cranberry orange filling into the crust and smooth the top.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Bake the tart in a preheated oven until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown, about 35-45 minutes. Allow the tart to cool completely before removing the outer ring. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate, if desired.

A beautifully arranged cranberry orange cream cheese tart topped with fresh cranberries and orange zest. — Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart for Holiday Celebrations

Recipe Variations & Tips

Fruit Variations: Swap out the cranberries for other seasonal fruit, like apples, pears, or even a mixed berry medley.
Citrus Swaps: The orange zest and juice can be replaced with lemon, lime, or even a splash of Grand Marnier for a boozy twist.
Nutty Crunch: Try sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling or onto the crust for a little extra texture.
Customize It: No matter how you customize this recipe, the key is to have fun and let your personal touch shine through.

Serving & Storage

Serve with: a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Storage: This tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered tightly to prevent the crust from drying out. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Make-Ahead: The tart crust can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

For more serving ideas and creative presentation inspiration, visit our Pinterest.

Nutrition Information

This Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart is a decadent treat, but the bright citrus and tart cranberries help balance out the richness.

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbs: 40 g
Fat: 20 g
Sodium: 220 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this recipe. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as frozen cranberries can release more liquid during baking.

Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the crust up to 3 days in advance. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

How do I know when the tart is done?

The tart is ready when the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. You can also give the tart a gentle shake—it should have a slight jiggle in the center, but not be completely liquid.

Can I use a pre-made crust instead of making my own?

Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust or tart shell would work great as a shortcut. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for pre-baking the crust before adding the filling.

How do I prevent the crust from shrinking?

To prevent the crust from shrinking during baking, be sure to chill the dough well before rolling it out and transferring it to the tart pan. You can also line the unbaked crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to help it hold its shape.

Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Tart