Delicious Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart Recipe for Fall

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the warm, inviting flavors of spiced pears. This elegant tart features a buttery, cinnamon-infused crumble crust that perfectly complements the vibrant filling. The cranberries are gently simmered to maintain their texture, providing a delightful contrast to the tender pear slices. Topped with a glossy cranberry glaze, this dessert is an ideal choice for fall and winter gatherings, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart

This scrumptious dessert is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this Cranberry Pear Tart:

Perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations, such as Thanksgiving.
Combines the seasonal flavors of cranberries and pears, making it a festive choice.
Easy to prepare, ensuring you won’t spend all day in the kitchen.
Offers gluten-free and vegan options for various dietary preferences.
Can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion.
Deliciously balances sweet and tart flavors for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients for Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart

Gather these items:

12 ounces fresh, whole cranberries
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest, plus extra for garnish (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
2 small Bartlett pears
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 scant teaspoon flour
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon water

How to Make Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather and prep all filling ingredients except the pears, ground ginger, and flour to have them organized and ready for use.
Step 2: In a large pan or skillet, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat slightly and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until cranberries begin to pop and soften but do not become mushy.
Step 3: Transfer the cranberry mixture to a large bowl and allow it to cool completely and thicken slightly. Refrigerate to speed cooling if desired.
Step 4: Prepare the tart crust ingredients according to the list and set aside.
Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 6: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
Step 7: Add dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and mix until just combined. Add 1 tablespoon water and mix briefly until a moist crumble forms.
Step 8: Press the crumble mixture evenly into a 9 1/2-inch non-stick tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing up the sides. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Step 9: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
Step 10: Peel, core, and thinly slice Bartlett pears. Toss slices with ground ginger, remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and scant teaspoon flour. Set aside.
Step 11: Arrange spiced pear slices evenly on the bottom of the chilled tart crust. Spoon cranberry filling (reserve 2 tablespoons for glazing) evenly over pears, smoothing to edges.
Step 12: Place tart on the foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, rotating the tart halfway through baking for even cooking.
Step 13: Transfer tart to a wire rack and cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Carefully remove tart from pan and allow to cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate covered until chilled.
Step 14: Mix reserved 2 tablespoons cranberry filling with 1 teaspoon water and brush evenly over tart surface to create a glossy finish. Garnish with orange zest curls if desired. Serve chilled, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Delicious Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart Recipe for Fall - Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart

Keep these in mind:

This tart is ideal for fall and winter gatherings.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing for the best presentation.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart

This tart is versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas:

Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Serve it warm with freshly whipped cream on top for an indulgent treat.
For a festive twist, drizzle with a homemade cranberry sauce for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This tart is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and chilled for serving later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart?

For the perfect tart, ensure that the cranberries maintain their texture by simmering them just until they start to pop. This will give your tart a delightful burst of flavor with each bite.

Can I make Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the tart a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator covered until you’re ready to serve. This makes it a convenient choice for holiday gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart?

One common mistake is overbaking the tart, which can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on it while baking and ensure it’s golden brown but not overly dark.

Variations of Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart You Can Try

There are many ways to customize this tart to suit your taste:

Try adding nuts or oats to the crumble for added texture.
For a gluten-free Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cloves for a unique flavor twist.
Make a vegan version by substituting butter with coconut oil and using a plant-based milk.

Delicious Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart Recipe for Fall - Cranberry Spiced Pear Tart - additional detail

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Cranberry Custard Pie or Gingerbread Tiramisu. If you’re looking for a festive drink, try our Peppermint Christmas Float.