Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of the year! The air is crisp, the table is filled with love, and of course, there’s always a delicious spread of food. One dish that never fails to steal the show at my gatherings is the *thanksgiving tart*. I remember the first time I made it; the vibrant cranberries bubbling away on the stove filled my kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. Trust me, there’s something magical about that sweet and tangy filling nestled in a flaky crust. It’s become a staple in my Thanksgiving celebrations, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone together, making those family moments even sweeter.
Ingredients List
For this delightful *thanksgiving tart*, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (make sure they’re bright and firm)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (I love using fresh-squeezed for that zesty kick!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (chop them roughly for a satisfying crunch)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces to dot on top)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a tart that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Tart
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making your *thanksgiving tart*! It’s a straightforward recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and wonderful aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this gorgeous tart in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your tart bakes evenly and turns golden brown.
- While the oven is warming up, grab a medium saucepan and toss in the fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir it all together to get those flavors mingling.
- Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to keep an eye on it for about 10 minutes. The cranberries will start to burst and release their juices, creating a beautiful sauce. Just be careful, as they might pop a bit—watch out for any splatters!
- Once the cranberries are bursting and bubbling, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped walnuts. This adds a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that balances the tartness.
- Now, pour the delicious cranberry mixture into your pre-made pie crust, spreading it out evenly. And here’s my favorite tip: dot the top with small pieces of butter. This little touch helps to enhance the flavor and gives a beautiful finish!
- Pop that tart into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling slightly.
- Once baked, let the tart cool for a bit before slicing it up. This cooling time helps the filling set, making it easier to serve.
And there you have it! A vibrant, mouthwatering *thanksgiving tart* ready to grace your holiday table. I can’t wait for you to taste it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy Thanksgiving preparations.
- Deliciously balanced flavors of sweet and tangy cranberries with warm spices.
- Stunning presentation that will impress your guests and family alike.
- Nutty crunch from walnuts adds a delightful texture contrast.
- Flexible recipe—can be made a day in advance for stress-free serving.
- Pairs beautifully with whipped cream or ice cream for that extra indulgence!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect *thanksgiving tart* is all about those little details! Here are some tips to ensure your tart turns out beautifully every time:
- Pre-bake the crust: If you’re using a homemade crust, consider pre-baking it for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent a soggy bottom!
- Use fresh cranberries: Make sure your cranberries are fresh and firm. Avoid any mushy ones, as they can affect the texture and flavor.
- Monitor the baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your tart around the 25-minute mark to avoid over-baking. You want that golden crust without burning!
- Let it cool: Resist the urge to slice it up right away. Allowing the tart to cool for at least 15 minutes helps the filling set for cleaner slices.
- Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste! A little extra can really elevate the flavor.
With these tips, I promise your *thanksgiving tart* will be a showstopper at your holiday gathering!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your *thanksgiving tart* experience, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries! You could also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top for an added touch of sweetness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of orange zest or a few extra chopped walnuts on top for a delightful crunch. Trust me, these little touches will make your dessert table even more inviting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of that delicious *thanksgiving tart*? Don’t worry; you can easily keep it fresh! To store, simply wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled to maintain that delightful flavor and texture.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tart on a baking sheet. Warm it for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps keep the crust nice and crisp! If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be careful, as this can make the crust a little soft. Either way, you’ll be ready to savor that tart goodness once more!
Nutritional Information Section
While I always strive to provide delicious recipes like this *thanksgiving tart*, please remember that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, these values are just estimates to give you a general idea:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 18g
Keep in mind that if you swap ingredients or add toppings like ice cream or whipped cream, these numbers will change. Enjoy your tart, and don’t stress too much about the numbers—just savor the flavors!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries for this tart?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this tart gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free pie crust instead of a traditional one. There are plenty of options available at the store, or you can make your own with gluten-free flour!
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped apples or pears for an extra layer of flavor. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the additional fruits.
How do I know when the tart is done baking?
Your *thanksgiving tart* is done when the crust is a lovely golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. If you see those beautiful bubbles, you’re in business!
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes! This tart can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve when you are. It tastes just as amazing the next day!
Thanksgiving Tart: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Delightful Dessert
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious tart perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in walnuts.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust and dot with butter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: thanksgiving tart, cranberry tart, holiday dessert
