Preppy Kitchen Inspired: Cranberry Custard Tart

A polished, glossy tart with a creamy vanilla custard base and a vibrant cranberry layer. It’s festive — the exact Preppy Kitchen vibe: classic technique with modern, holiday‑ready styling.

Prep 25 min Cook 45–55 min Serves 8

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all‑purpose flour
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
2–3 tbsp ice water
1 1/4 cups
fresh cranberries
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp orange zest
1 cup heavy cream
3 large egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Pinch
salt

Instructions

1. Make the Tart Crust
   Pulse flour, sugar, and butter until sandy. Add egg yolk and ice water until dough forms. Chill 30 minutes.
2. Blind Bake
   Roll dough, fit into tart pan, dock with a fork, and blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
3. Cook the Cranberries
   Simmer cranberries, sugar, and orange zest until glossy and jammy. Cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Custard
   Whisk cream, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth.
5. Assemble
   Spread cranberry mixture in tart shell. Pour custard over top.
6. Bake
   Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 25–35 minutes until custard is set but still slightly wobbly.
7. Cool
   Cool completely before slicing for clean, Preppy‑Kitchen‑style presentation.

Beauty Benefits

• Cranberries: Vitamin C for brightness + collagen support
• Cream: Healthy fats for skin barrier nourishment
• Orange zest: Antioxidants for glow
• Egg yolks: Vitamin A for skin renewal

Health Benefits

• Cranberries provide polyphenols + immune support
• Moderate sugar compared to traditional custard pies
• Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress
• Portion‑friendly slices support balanced holiday eating

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Best served chilled
• Tart crust stays crisp if stored un-covered for the first hour, then lightly covered
• Do not freeze (custard texture will separate)

Substitutions

• Lemon zest instead of orange
• Half‑and‑half instead of cream (lighter)
• Add vanilla bean for luxury
• Swap cranberries for raspberries outside holiday season

History

Custard tarts date back to medieval Europe and evolved into refined French pâtisserie. Cranberries, native to North America bring Indigenous heritage and holiday tradition. This tart merges European custard technique with North American seasonal fruit.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?