Cranberry and Pear Tart – A Festive Dessert with a Fruity Twist

The Cranberry and Pear Tart is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness — an elegant dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Featuring juicy pears, tart cranberries, and a crisp golden crust, this tart brings a cozy warmth to any table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just craving a homemade treat, it’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of baked fruit and cinnamon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the sweet flavor of pears with the tart punch of cranberries
• Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
• Perfect for fall and winter gatherings or festive celebrations
• Make-ahead friendly — ideal for entertaining
• Delicious served warm or chilled with whipped cream or ice cream

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:

• 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For brushing:

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and water gradually until the dough begins to come together. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat and roll out: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 10–12-inch circle. Transfer to a tart pan, pressing the dough into the edges. Trim excess and prick the base with a fork.
3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced pears and cranberries with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
4. Assemble the tart: Spoon the fruit mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Brush edges of the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
5. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. Let cool slightly before slicing.
6. Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey.

Tips & Variations

• Shortcut option: Use store-bought pie dough if you’re short on time.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
• Make it vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and brush with plant-based milk instead of egg.
• Use apples instead of pears: For a different fall flavor twist.
• Add spice: A pinch of ginger or cardamom gives a warming note.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover tart in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.
• Freeze: Wrap the baked tart tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Top with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Drizzle with caramel or maple syrup
• Serve alongside hot tea, coffee, or spiced cider
• Pair with a scoop of mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a lighter option

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pears?

Yes, but drain them well and reduce the sugar slightly since canned pears are already sweetened.

Do I need to blind bake the crust?

Not for this tart, the filling’s moisture is balanced, so the crust bakes evenly without sogginess.

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and filling up to a day ahead and assemble just before baking.

Can I use dried cranberries?

Yes, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to plump them before using.

Ready to Make It?

This Cranberry and Pear Tart is everything you want in a homemade dessert — beautiful, fragrant, and full of seasonal flavor. It’s simple enough for a cozy weekend bake and elegant enough for your holiday dessert table. Pin it now to enjoy this delicious mix of sweet pears and tart cranberries whenever you crave something special.

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