Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mini cranberry streusel tarts! They are one of my secret weapon desserts that never fail to impress. I can still remember the first time I made them for Thanksgiving a few years ago. My family couldn’t stop gushing about how adorable and delicious they were, and I felt like a baking superstar! The combination of tangy cranberries and that buttery, crumbly streusel topping is utterly irresistible.
What makes these tarts special is not just the flavors; it’s the little bites of joy packed in each one. They’re easy to pop in your mouth, making them perfect for parties, and they look just as good as they taste. Trust me, these little gems are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a brunch, or just satisfying a sweet craving. Now, let’s get into what makes these tarts so amazing!
What’s in Mini Cranberry Streusel Tarts?
Cranberries: The star of the show! Fresh cranberries add that delightful tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet streusel topping. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen will work just fine.
Butter: Using good-quality unsalted butter gives a rich flavor to both the crust and the streusel. I usually stick with my favorite brand, which is usually found at my local farmers’ market or grocery store.
Granulated Sugar: This adds the sweetness needed to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Just a little goes a long way!
Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle of this warm spice elevates the flavor, giving the tarts that cozy, comforting vibe—perfect for chilly days!
All-purpose Flour: Essential for the crust and streusel, it helps bind everything together and gives that nice flaky texture.
Pecans: Chopped pecans in the streusel add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts work too!
Is Mini Cranberry Streusel Tarts Good for You?
Oh, the big question! While these tarts are indeed delightful, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Here are a few health considerations:
Cranberries: They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which is fantastic for your immune system. Plus, the tartness of cranberries can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Win-win!
Butter and Sugar: The two culprits in traditional baking that can add calories. If you’re watching your intake, consider reducing the sugar slightly or using a butter substitute like coconut oil (note that it will change the flavor a bit).
Ingredients List
– 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, into cubes)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
This recipe makes about 12 mini tarts, perfect for sharing!
How to Make Mini Cranberry Streusel Tarts?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin and set it aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, pecans, cold butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly; I find using my fingers works best!
4. Press about a tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin cup to form a crust.
5. Add a spoonful of the cranberry mixture on top of each crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining streusel topping over the cranberry filling.
7. Brush the edges of the tarts with the egg wash for a golden finish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let them cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the muffin tin.
Sweet Tips and Variations
These little tarts are incredibly versatile! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of orange juice to the cranberry mixture for an extra burst of citrus flavor. You could also experiment with different nuts or try including some mini chocolate chips in the streusel for a sweet surprise.
You can even make these tarts ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and warm them up in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
So there you have it—my ultimate mini cranberry streusel tarts recipe! I hope you’re as excited to try these as I was when I first made them. They are truly a crowd-pleaser! Please give them a whirl and share your experience; I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking!