There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays, and my favorite creation has to be these festive Christmas tarts. The moment you walk into your kitchen and the rich aroma of cranberries and cinnamon fills the air, you can’t help but smile! These tarts are a delightful combination of nutty almond flour and sweet, tart cranberries, with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon and crunch from the pecans. They’re not just desserts; they’re little bites of joy that bring everyone together. I love sharing them with family and friends, watching their faces light up with each bite. Trust me, these are a must-try during the holiday season—perfect for gatherings or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pre-made tart shell (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
- 1 cup almond flour (this gives the tarts their lovely nutty flavor)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for that sweet touch that blends perfectly)
- 2 large eggs (these bind everything together beautifully)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (adds richness and moisture)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for a warm, fragrant kick)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (the star of the show, adding tartness)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for that delightful crunch)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (to spice things up and evoke holiday vibes)
How to Prepare Christmas Tarts
Preheat and Mix
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your tarts bake evenly and come out perfectly golden! While the oven warms up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Just whisk them together until they’re nice and blended—this helps to avoid any clumps later on.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring in the wet ingredients! Add the two large eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Make sure to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to use a whisk for this, but a spatula works just fine too! You want to make sure there are no lumps because a smooth batter means perfectly textured tarts.
Add Flavorful Mix-ins
Next, it’s time to make these tarts sing with flavor! Gently stir in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Take your time here—make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter. I always get so excited at this stage because the colors and textures come together beautifully. You can practically taste the holidays!
Baking Time
Pour that gorgeous mixture into your pre-made tart shell, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a bit before serving. This cooling time is crucial—it’ll help the flavors meld together even more! Trust me, the wait is totally worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously festive flavors that capture the essence of the season.
- Beautiful presentation, making them a showstopper at any gathering.
- Versatile enough to serve warm or cold, suiting every preference.
- Great for sharing—everyone will want a slice of these delightful tarts!
Tips for Success
To make the best Christmas tarts, here are a few of my favorite pro tips! First, feel free to swap out the dried cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots if you want to mix things up a bit. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness according to your taste! Also, if you’re looking for a nut-free option, almond flour can be substituted with oat flour or a gluten-free blend—both work wonderfully!
When mixing, I recommend using room temperature eggs and butter. This helps everything blend together more smoothly, giving you that perfect texture. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling time! Allowing the tarts to cool before cutting not only helps set the filling but also enhances the flavors. Trust me, these little tweaks can make all the difference in your holiday baking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Each slice of these delightful Christmas tarts contains roughly 200 calories, with about 10g of fat and 4g of protein. You’ll also find around 25g of carbohydrates, including 10g of sugar. These tasty treats are a festive indulgence worth every bite during the holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I make Christmas tarts in advance?
Absolutely! These tarts can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just let them cool completely before covering them to keep that lovely texture intact. They taste just as delicious the next day!
What can I substitute for almond flour?
If you need a nut-free option, you can easily swap almond flour with oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Both alternatives work well and still give you that lovely tart base!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your Christmas tarts fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. Just remember that they can also be enjoyed warm or cold!
Can I add other toppings to these tarts?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with toppings. A drizzle of white chocolate, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar can take these tarts to the next level. It’s all about making them your own!
What’s the best way to reheat the tarts?
If you prefer your tarts warm, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help maintain their texture and flavor. Just don’t overdo it—nobody likes a dry tart!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Christmas tarts fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season! If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This gentle reheating will help revive their lovely texture and flavors without drying them out. Trust me, enjoying them warm with a little dollop of whipped cream is a festive treat you won’t want to miss!
Drucken
Christmas Tarts: 5 Irresistible Bites of Joy
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Festive Christmas tarts filled with seasonal flavors.
Zutaten
- 1 pre-made tart shell
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour and powdered sugar.
- Add eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in cranberries, pecans, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture into the tart shell.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 tart slice
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: christmas tarts, holiday dessert, festive baking
