The first time I made this tart, I left it on the counter to cool before dashing out for the evening. When I returned home several hours later, half the tart was missing.
Half.
My husband, who’s not usually much of a dessert guy, claimed responsibility.
When I made it a second time, tinkering a bit with the crust, I sent a sizable slab home with my friend Elizabeth, who protested, “That’s too much! We’ll never eat it all.” She texted me a photo that same afternoon showing mere scraps left on the plate.
This is all a long-winded way of saying that this tart is a real keeper. It’s taking up permanent residence in our family holiday cooking repertoire. Let me tell you why:
It’s easy
No joke. The tart dough gets mixed by hand in a single bowl and pressed in the pan. The filling relies on red raspberries that go straight from freezer to bowl. The cranberries don’t need to be chopped and can be either fresh or frozen.
It’s pretty!
The deep, dark red of frozen raspberries and cranberries can’t be beat for seasonal cooking. Put this on a holiday spread and you’ll be sure to win a few beauty Brownie points.
It’s a nutrition upgrade
Pecan tarts are notoriously high in sugar and typically made with corn syrup. This version isn’t too sweet, features a 100 percent whole wheat crust, subs in olive oil for some of the butter, and includes one and a half generous cups of fruit (mostly red raspberries, which are high in vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant – and fiber).
It’s plainly delicious
The combination of bright, tangy red raspberries, maple syrup, and crunchy pecans is a winning one. Good luck stopping at one slice.
Bottom line? I hope you make this tart. And if you do, I’d advise you not to leave it unguarded on the counter. You may return to find it half eaten.
Cran-Raspberry Pecan Tart with Whole-Grain Crust
This seasonal tart is ideal for festive potlucks and holiday parties. It’s not only easier to make than your typical tart, it's made with wholesome ingredients and less sugar than most. Plus, those raspberries and cranberries pack a nutritious punch.
Ingredients
Crust
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
Filling
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ tablespoons whole-wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup pecan halves
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries, no need to defrost
- 1 heaping cup frozen raspberries
- Lightly sweetened creme fraiche or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
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Mix butter, sugar, olive oil, vanilla and salt in a medium bowl until blended. Add flour and stir until thoroughly combined. Transfer to a 9-inch tart pan and use fingers to firmly press dough along bottom and sides of pan, forming a thin crust. Prick a few times with a fork. Refrigerate 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 350° F. Par-bake the crust about 15 minutes, or until slightly golden.
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While tart shell bakes, make the filling by whisking eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, butter and flour in a large bowl until blended. Stir in pecans, cranberries and raspberries.
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Pour filling into the pre-baked tart shell and bake 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and barely jiggles when you shake the pan. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
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Serve as-is or topped with creme fraiche or whipped cream.