⚡️ Easy 5‑Ingredient Cranberry Tart (Fruity Fun!) – Satisfy sweet‑and‑tart cravings with this 20-minute holiday treat that pairs perfectly with turkey leftovers
This zesty cranberry tart is your shortcut to holiday magic - no baking required! Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers or festive after-dinner bites.
When you need a tart that's as easy as it is elegant, this 5-ingredient cranberry tart is your holiday hero. No oven time, no complicated techniques - just 10 minutes of prep and you've got a vibrant, festive dessert that sings with sweet-tart cranberry flavor. It's the perfect companion for turkey sandwiches, cheese boards, or coffee breaks, and its glossy topping makes it feel special enough for guests. Let's dive into how this quick tart becomes a Thanksgiving staple!
With Thanksgiving leftovers piling up and the need for quick holiday snacks, this tart is your solution. It transforms store-bought cranberry sauce into a showstopping dessert with minimal effort. The cream cheese base adds a rich, tangy contrast to the tart cranberries, while the graham cracker crust gives it that classic piehouse feel without the work.
What makes this tart truly shine is its versatility. You can assemble it ahead of time, chill it for the perfect texture, and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's a dessert that feels indulgent yet requires no special skills - just simple layering and a touch of holiday cheer.
The best part? You'll only need five pantry staples to make it. No need to rummage through the fridge for obscure ingredients - this tart is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor. Let's break down why this recipe is your new go-to for holiday snacking.
From Thanksgiving dinner to New Year's Eve appetizers, this cranberry tart is the kind of dessert that keeps giving. Its bold flavor pairs beautifully with savory dishes, and its compact size makes it perfect for passing around at parties. Ready to make your own? Let's get started!
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) can cranberry sauce (not jellied)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) package graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into a 9-inch tart pan or 8-inch springform pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold in cranberry sauce until fully incorporated and no streaks remain. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
- Step 3: Spread the cream cheese-cranberry mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even finish.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Cranberry Tart Recipe
A 20-minute no-bake holiday dessert that's festive and flavorful
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 (12 oz) can cranberry sauce (not jellied)
- - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- - 1 (14 oz) package graham cracker crumbs
- - 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into a 9-inch tart pan or 8-inch springform pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
💡 For an extra crisp crust, refrigerate for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
Make Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold in cranberry sauce until fully incorporated and no streaks remain. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
💡 Use a spatula to fold gently to maintain the smooth texture of the cream cheese.
Assemble Tart: Spread the cream cheese-cranberry mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even finish.
💡 For a festive touch, add a few whole cranberries on top before chilling.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
💡 For best results, chill overnight if time allows.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Cranberry Sauce
The star of this tart! Use whole berry sauce (not jellied) for the best texture and flavor. It provides natural sweetness and tartness that balances the cream cheese.
Substitutions: Fresh cranberries blended with a bit of orange juice or cranberry-apple sauce.
Cream Cheese
Adds a rich, tangy base that complements the cranberry's brightness. Full-fat is best for flavor and structure.
Substitutions: Mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Graham Crackers
Their subtle sweetness and crunch create the perfect contrast to the smooth filling. You can use digestive biscuits or shortbread as alternatives.
Substitutions: Oreo cookies (omit added sugar) or store-bought pie crust.
Butter
Binds the crust together while keeping it tender. Use unsalted for better flavor control.
Substitutions: Coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Tart
🍬 Sweetness Balance
Taste your cranberry sauce before adding. If it's overly sweet, reduce the sugar in the crust by 1-2 tablespoons.
❄️ Chilling technique
Chill the crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling to prevent it from getting too soft.
✨ Garnishing ideas
Add a festive touch with edible gold dust, a sprig of rosemary, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
🔄 Make ahead
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, but add fresh cranberries just before serving to maintain their color.
Variations & Customizations
Citrus Zest Twist
Add the zest of 1 orange or lemon to the cream cheese filling for a bright, fresh flavor. Garnish with candied citrus peel.
Spiced Version
Mix 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg into the crust for a warm, spiced flavor profile perfect for winter holidays.
Nutty Crunch
Stir 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the crust for added texture and protein.
Mini Tarts
Use muffin tins with mini tart shells for bite-sized versions. These are perfect for holiday parties and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Leftover turkey slices with cranberry relish
- Goat cheese and fig spread on crusty bread
- Dark chocolate truffles for a flavor contrast
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a sparkling rosé for a festive touch or a rich dessert wine like late harvest Riesling. For non-alcoholic options, try cranberry sparkling water with a splash of lime.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the tart up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add fresh cranberries as a garnish just before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The tart may soften slightly over time but will still be delicious.
Freezer Storage
Freeze the assembled tart for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that the crust may become slightly softer after freezing.
Reheating Instructions
This tart is best served chilled. If you prefer room temperature, let it sit for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the cream cheese filling.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My filling is too runny. What should I do?
A: This can happen if the cream cheese isn't fully at room temperature. Chill the tart for an additional 2 hours to firm up the filling. Next time, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of sauce?
A: Yes! Puree 12 oz fresh cranberries with 2 tbsp orange juice and 2 tbsp sugar until smooth. Use this mixture in place of the canned sauce.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Chill the crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the crust mixture to help absorb excess moisture.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crust. Ensure your cranberry sauce is also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This cranberry tart is your shortcut to holiday elegance - no special equipment or skills needed. With its vibrant color and festive flavor, it's the kind of dessert that brings smiles to your guests and makes your Thanksgiving table feel extra special. Whether you're using up leftovers cranberry sauce or looking for a quick make-ahead treat, this tart delivers big flavor in record time.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this tart as part of a complete meal series: start with the tart as your anchor pin, then follow with complementary dishes like turkey sandwiches sliders and spiced apple pie for dessert. Your followers will love building their holiday menus around your creations!
