If you’re dreamy about a festive dessert that’s bursting with cozy flavors and delightful textures, the Mince Pie Tart with Cranberries, Almonds, and Crumble Topping Recipe is a must-try. This tart beautifully combines the sweet richness of traditional mince pie filling with the tart bite of cranberries, the nutty crunch of almonds, and the irresistible buttery crumble topping. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday celebration or craving a comforting treat, this recipe brings joy in every bite and makes a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat layout of baking ingredients sits on a white marbled surface, with a large light blue bowl at the top left filled with a thick, dark brown chunky mixture. Around it, in clear glass bowls, are light beige almond slices at top right, dark red dried cranberries below them, light brown soft sugar in the center, white granulated sugar at the bottom right, and white flour at the bottom left. A small square of pale yellow butter and a brown egg are placed near the center between the sugar bowls and flour bowl. The scene is bright and evenly lit, showing clear texture on all ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for a tart that’s perfectly balanced in flavor, texture, and appearance. Each element plays its part, from the buttery pastry that cradles the filling, to the mix of sugars that add just the right sweetness, and the crunchy almonds that add a lovely contrast.

Plain flour (225 g): The base for a tender, crumbly pastry that holds everything together beautifully.
White granulated sugar (50 g): Adds a subtle sweetness to the pastry without overpowering the filling.
Unsalted butter (100 g cold and cubed): Gives the pastry its rich, flaky texture.
Large egg (1 cold): Binds the pastry ingredients for a smooth dough.
Cold water (1 ½ tablespoons): Helps bring the dough together without making it sticky.
Plain flour (130 g): Used again for the crumble topping to ensure a tender crumb.
White granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the crumble topping while balancing the fruit flavors.
Light brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds a rich caramel note to the crumble.
Unsalted butter (85 g melted): Combines with the sugars for that gorgeous crumbly texture on top.
Fruit mince (700 g): The star ingredient, packed with spiced fruits for a classic festive flavor.
Unsweetened dried cranberries (1 cup): Provide a tart burst that cuts through the richness.
Flaked almonds (½ cup): Bring a delightful crunch and earthy undertone.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Mince Pie Tart with Cranberries, Almonds, and Crumble Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start your journey to deliciousness by making the pastry. In a food processor bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cold cubed butter, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the butter forms tiny, pea-sized pieces – this is key for a flaky texture. Add the cold egg and pulse just enough to create breadcrumb-like crumbs, keeping the mixture light and airy. Slowly drizzle in cold water while pulsing until clumps form. Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and gently bring it together with your hands, kneading just until smooth. Roll the dough out to a thin circle and carefully fit it into your tart pan, folding edges neatly and pressing into corners. Chill this shell for at least two hours to keep it firm and flaky when baked.

Step 2: Par Bake the Tart Shell

Preheat your oven to 180C (160C fan) / 350F and prepare the tart shell by pricking the base with a fork all over. Trim any excess pastry flush with the pan. Line the shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dry rice, pressing them tight against the edges to avoid shrinkage. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the weights and paper to bake an additional 8 minutes until the shell is a lovely golden color. Let it cool completely to ready the tart for its fruity filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While your shell bakes, mix together the fruit mince, dried cranberries, flaked almonds, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This combination delivers the classic sweetness and warmth of mince pie, lifted beautifully by the bright cranberries and crunchy almonds. Setting this mixture aside now lets all those flavors meld together perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine the flour, white granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix until the mixture is just combined and crumbles start to form. This mixture will add a buttery, crisp layer on top of your tart, balancing the fruitiness beneath with inviting texture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Once the tart shell has cooled, spread the fruit filling evenly inside, creating a flat, level surface. Scatter the crumble topping over the filling in chunks, making sure to leave a border around the edge visible for a pretty presentation. Bake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the crumble turns a lovely golden-brown and the filling bubbles gently below. Let the tart cool before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the filling to set beautifully.

How to Serve Mince Pie Tart with Cranberries, Almonds, and Crumble Topping Recipe

A round tart with a light golden crust edges the dish, filled with a dark, glossy fruit and nut mixture topped with scattered toasted almond slices that are light brown and off-white. The filling appears dense and sticky with visible pieces of dark raisins or similar dried fruits spread evenly throughout. The tart sits on a white marbled surface next to a beige cloth with a textured pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream is a classic choice, adding softness and richness that pairs wonderfully with the slightly tart filling. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar over the golden crumble gives an elegant snowy look that’s perfect for festive occasions.

Side Dishes

The tart shines wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm custard to bring out the warm spices in the fruit mince. For a fresh balance, serve alongside a handful of fresh berries or a simple citrus salad to brighten the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert spread, slice the tart into generous wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards or elegant white plates. Place a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a few whole cranberries beside each slice to echo the flavors inside and add a festive touch that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep the filling fresh and the crumble topping delightfully crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked tart shell wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Once baked with filling and topping, freeze the entire tart in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the tart warm, reheat individual servings in a 160C (320F) oven for 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the crumbly topping’s crispness and enhances the delightful mingling of the fruit flavors.

FAQs

Can I make the pastry by hand if I don’t have a food processor?

Absolutely! Use cold butter and rub it into the flour and sugar with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, then proceed by whisking the egg and adding cold water as directed. It just takes a bit more elbow grease but tastes just as lovely.

What is fruit mince and can I substitute it?

Fruit mince is a mixture of chopped dried fruits, spices, and sometimes spirits traditionally used in Christmas pies and tarts. You can substitute it with a combination of chopped dried fruits like raisins, currants, and mixed peel with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg if you prefer a homemade touch.

Why is it important to chill the pastry before baking?

Chilling helps the butter firm up again so that the pastry stays flaky and doesn’t shrink too much during baking. It gives the tart shell the perfect texture to hold up the rich filling.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and juicy, which might alter the filling’s consistency. If you want to use fresh, consider cooking them down slightly with sugar first to soften and sweeten them before mixing with the mince.

How do I know when the crumble topping is done?

Look for a golden-brown color and a crisp texture on top. The crumble should hold its shape but easily break apart when you cut into the tart. The filling should be bubbling gently around the edges as well.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the warmth and festive charm of the Mince Pie Tart with Cranberries, Almonds, and Crumble Topping Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy holiday hug. It brings together comforting spices, luscious fruits, and textures that make every bite a delight. I can’t encourage you enough to try making this tart—it’s guaranteed to become a treasured favorite on your dessert table and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.