When it comes to winter desserts, cranberries are a fantastic choice. Their tartness pairs beautifully with sweet flavors, making them a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dessert. Here are three creative examples of winter desserts featuring cranberries that are sure to impress your family and friends.
This comforting dessert is perfect for chilly winter evenings. The warm, custardy texture combined with the bright flavor of cranberries and orange makes it a delightful treat to share during holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Start by tearing a loaf of stale bread into bite-sized pieces and placing it in a buttered baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a generous amount of orange zest. Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Fold in a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, then let it sit for about 30 minutes to soak up the flavors. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, or until golden and set. Serve warm with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgent experience.
Notes: You can substitute the orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor. Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
This elegant dessert is perfect for a winter celebration or as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. The buttery almond crust pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry filling, creating a balance of flavors that feels both decadent and festive.
Begin by making the crust: combine flour, powdered sugar, and chopped almonds in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then press it into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan. Blind bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by blending fresh cranberries, sugar, almond extract, and eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pre-baked crust and bake for another 25-30 minutes, until set and slightly puffed. Let it cool before dusting with powdered sugar and garnishing with slivered almonds.
Variations: Swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor. You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache beneath the cranberry filling for an extra indulgent twist.
This cozy dessert combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, making it a perfect winter treat. It’s easy to prepare and is a fantastic way to warm up your home during the colder months.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together sliced apples (about 4 cups), fresh cranberries (1 cup), sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. Spread the fruit mixture into a greased baking dish. For the topping, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the fruit. Bake for about 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting finish.
Notes: You can mix in other fruits like pears or blueberries for additional flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with almond flour or oat flour.