Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and festive tart? This holiday season, impress your guests with these 20 mouth-watering Christmas tart recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From classic mince pie tarts to spiced apple and almond, white chocolate and peppermint, and even eggnog and nutmeg – there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring the rich flavors and traditions of Christmas in different cultures. Whether you’re looking for sweet treats or savory delights, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling merry and bright.
Classic Mince Pie Tart
This traditional English dessert combines sweet and savory flavors in a flaky pastry crust, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup mincemeat (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread mincemeat evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle brown sugar over the mincemeat.
5. Fold the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush egg wash over the top crust and create a decorative edge by pressing the tines of a fork into the pastry.
7. Place tart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry Orange Custard Tart
This sweet and tangy tart combines the flavors of cranberries and orange with a rich custard filling, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix together cranberries, orange marmalade, and sugar.
4. Arrange the cranberry mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Beat eggs and heavy cream until smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt to taste.
6. Pour the custard mixture over the cranberries.
7. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape.
8. Brush edges with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Apple and Almond Tart
This spiced apple and almond tart is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg complementing the crunch of almonds. It’s a delightful dessert to serve at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange apple slices and granulated sugar in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg evenly over apples.
5. Fold edges of pastry up over apples, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and sprinkle with chopped almonds.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
White Chocolate and Peppermint Tart
This sweet and tangy tart combines the richness of white chocolate with the invigorating flavor of peppermint, perfect for a festive dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (or peppermint candies)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. Spread melted white chocolate evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Sprinkle crushed candy canes and drizzle with melted butter and heavy cream.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Gingerbread Pear Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the spices of gingerbread with the tender sweetness of pears, perfect for a cozy winter dessert or brunch. The crunchy gingerbread crust adds texture to the soft and juicy pear filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, and baking powder.
3. Add melted butter, brown sugar, and egg; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Place the pear slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around them.
6. Fold the dough over the pears, pressing edges to seal.
7. Brush with honey and heavy cream; sprinkle with salt.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Eggnog Custard Tart with Nutmeg
This classic tart combines the warmth of nutmeg with the richness of eggnog custard, making it a perfect dessert for your holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups eggnog
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggnog, sugar, egg yolks, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. Pour the custard mixture into the pie crust.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the filling.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Dark Chocolate and Cherry Tart
This decadent tart combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate with the sweetness of cherries, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add cubed butter; use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim edges and prick bottom with a fork.
4. Bake crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler; stir until smooth. Pour into baked tart crust.
6. Spread cherry preserves over the chocolate layer.
7. Drizzle heavy cream over the preserves.
8. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
9. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Tart with Whipped Cream
Pumpkin Spice Tart with Whipped Cream: A Seasonal Delight
This Pumpkin Spice Tart with Whipped Cream is a perfect blend of warm spices and creamy sweetness, making it a must-have for any fall gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Whipped cream (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Spread evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around.
4. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Brush melted butter over the pastry and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Whipped Cream:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Beat heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe onto the cooled tart. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Salted Caramel Pecan Tart
Salted Caramel Pecan Tart Recipe
Rich, buttery pastry meets the perfect balance of salty and sweet with this Salted Caramel Pecan Tart. A shortcrust tart shell is filled with a gooey caramel mixture, topped with toasted pecans and flaky sea salt.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Flaky sea salt (to taste)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce over baked tart shell.
7. Top with toasted pecans and flaky sea salt.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Rustic Cranberry and Brie Tart
This sweet and savory tart is perfect for a cozy evening or a holiday gathering. The combination of caramelized cranberries, creamy brie cheese, and flaky pastry crust will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/2 cup brie cheese, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cranberries, orange juice, and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Spread the cranberry mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle crumbled brie cheese over the cranberry mixture.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press the edges to seal.
7. Brush the top with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Festive Fig and Honey Tart
Add a touch of sweetness to your holiday gathering with this scrumptious fig and honey tart. The combination of caramelized figs, runny honey, and flaky pastry is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup fig jam
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup fresh or dried figs, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together fig jam and honey until well combined.
4. Arrange chopped figs on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Brush edges of pastry with beaten egg and fold other half over filling.
6. Press edges to seal and use a fork to crimp.
7. Brush top with remaining egg wash and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Curd and Berry Tart
Brighten up your dessert table with this refreshing tart featuring a tangy lemon curd filling and sweet, juicy berries.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Curd:
– 1/2 cup (110g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted
For the Tart:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
– Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare lemon curd by whisking together sugar, egg yolks, and lemon juice until smooth. Add melted butter and whisk until combined.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm). Place into a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. Pour lemon curd into the pastry-lined tart shell, spreading evenly.
5. Arrange fresh berries on top of the curd.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and filling is set.
7. Allow to cool before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
This indulgent tart combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate and hazelnuts to create a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. The combination of textures, from the crumbly pastry crust to the smooth chocolate filling, is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into crumbs.
3. Press mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
4. Bake crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in hazelnuts and heavy cream.
6. Pour chocolate mixture into baked tart crust. Smooth top.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes (crust), 2+ hours (chilling)
Maple Walnut Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the richness of maple syrup with the earthy flavor of walnuts, perfect for a seasonal dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and sugar. Brush the mixture evenly onto the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the maple syrup mixture.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Raspberry Almond Frangipane Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the elegance of frangipane with the sweetness of fresh raspberries, all on a buttery almond crust. Perfect for dessert or as a show-stopping centerpiece.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 cup frangipane filling (almond paste mixed with confectioners’ sugar)
– 2 cups fresh raspberries
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the crust.
5. Spread frangipane filling evenly over the almonds.
6. Arrange fresh raspberries on top of the frangipane, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
7. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the raspberries.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the fruit is tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Glazed Pear and Ginger Tart
This elegant tart combines sweet and tangy flavors with a perfect balance of textures. The caramelized pears, infused with the warmth of ginger, are perfectly paired with a buttery crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 inches piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange pear slices in a concentric circle pattern, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. In a small bowl, mix sugar, honey, and grated ginger. Drizzle over pears.
5. Fold pastry edges up over fruit to form a crust. Brush with melted butter.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Eggnog and Cinnamon Swirl Tart
This seasonal tart combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, perfect for a chilly winter evening. With its flaky crust, gooey filling, and crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup eggnog
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggnog, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared tart shell and smooth the top.
5. Sprinkle the cold butter pieces evenly over the filling.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
7. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Spiced Plum and Marzipan Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of plums and marzipan, perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup marzipan, crumbled
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2-3 plums, sliced into thin wedges (depending on size)
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together marzipan, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spread evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Arrange plum slices on top of the marzipan mixture, slightly overlapping.
5. Drizzle honey over the plums.
6. Fold the pastry edges up over the filling to form a crust. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water).
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Peppermint Mocha Tart
Brighten up your day with this refreshing peppermint mocha tart, perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate, bold coffee, and cooling peppermint will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch tart crust
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons instant coffee powder
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 8 ounces dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Roll out the tart crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, cocoa powder, coffee powder, and peppermint extract until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared tart crust.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set.
6. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
7. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled tart and refrigerate until set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Caramelized Apple and Cinnamon Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a perfect fall dessert or snack. The caramelized apples add a deep, velvety texture that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on prepared baking sheet.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are caramelized and tender (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Arrange apple mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Fold other half of pastry over apples and press edges to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash or milk for golden glaze.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your holiday guests with these 20 delicious Christmas tart recipes! From classic mince pie to festive fig and honey, there’s something for everyone on this list. Try making a Cranberry Orange Custard Tart or a Spiced Apple and Almond Tart for a sweet treat. Or go bold with a Dark Chocolate and Cherry Tart or a Pumpkin Spice Tart with Whipped Cream. Whatever your taste, these tarts are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday celebrations.
