Imagine serving a dessert so delightful, so effortlessly elegant, that your guests will think you've been secretly training as a pastry chef. These Super Simple Cranberry Tarts are your ticket to instant dessert fame - requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor and visual appeal. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time, you'll create a stunning treat that looks like it came straight from a gourmet bakery!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package pre-made tart shells
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the pre-made tart shells on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange juice. Place over medium heat and stir gently.
- Cook the cranberry mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Remove the cranberry mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, allowing the mixture to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully spoon the warm cranberry filling into each tart shell, filling them approximately 3/4 full to prevent overflow during baking.
- Place the baking sheet with filled tart shells in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges of the tart shells are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the tarts cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to allow the filling to set.
- Carefully transfer the tarts to a wire cooling rack and let them cool completely before serving.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with a small dollop of whipped cream before serving for extra elegance.
Tips
- • Use fresh cranberries for the brightest, most vibrant flavor - frozen can work in a pinch • Don't overfill the tart shells; leaving a little space prevents messy overflow • Watch the cranberry mixture carefully while cooking to achieve the perfect jam-like consistency • Let the tarts cool completely to allow the filling to set properly • For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream • These tarts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, making them perfect for advance party preparation
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
