Cranberry Apple Tarts Delicious and Perfect for the Season

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A white bowl brimming with vibrant, fresh cranberries spills onto a marble surface, showcasing their deep red hues.

As fall sweeps in with its vibrant colors and crisp air, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by baking some cranberry apple tarts. These tarts are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious blend of flavors—tart cranberries combined with sweet apples create a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.

Why Cranberry Apple Tarts?

Cranberry apple tarts highlight seasonal produce beautifully. Did you know that the U.S. alone harvests about 400 million pounds of cranberries each year? This makes them a wonderful choice for fall recipes. Apples, with over 7,500 varieties cultivated globally, are a fall staple. The sweet-tart balance of these two fruits creates a flavor profile that many adore. The flaky pastry adds a pleasant crunch that complements the filling perfectly.

Ingredients You'll Need

To create these delicious cranberry apple tarts, gather the following ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup ice water

  
  

For the filling:

• 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  
  

For garnish:

• Powdered sugar (optional)

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

  
  

Making the Crust

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.

   
   

2. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for a flaky crust.

   
   

3. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles to fit your tart pans.

   
   

Preparing the Filling

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the fruits are well coated.

   
   

2. Let it Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and releases the juices from the fruit.

   
   

Assembling the Tarts

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   
   

2. Fill the Tart Shells: Place the dough circles into the tart pans. Evenly fill each shell with the cranberry apple mixture.

   
   

3. Bake: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

   
   

Serving Suggestions

Once your cranberry apple tarts cool for a few minutes, serve them up! For a special touch, dust them with powdered sugar or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Apples: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples enhances the flavor. Incorporating both Granny Smith and Honeycrisp can provide a well-rounded taste.

  
  

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When preparing the crust, avoid overworking the dough. Doing so can lead to a tough crust instead of a light, flaky one.

  
  

• Experiment with Spices: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling.

  
  

Enjoy the Fall Flavors

Cranberry apple tarts capture the essence of autumn wonderfully. These tarts are perfect for gatherings, holiday meals, or simply a treat for yourself. Their beautiful presentation and delicious taste guarantee they will become a favorite in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making these scrumptious tarts. Happy baking!