Cranberry Jam & Cream Cheese Tart with Brown Butter Shortbread Crust 🥧

Here’s a show-stopping Piñon Pantry Cranberry Jam Cream Cheese Tart with Brown Butter Shortbread Crust—a rich, vibrant dessert that balances tart cranberries with silky cream cheese and a buttery crust. It’s festive enough for the holidays, but easy enough for anytime cranberries are in season (or in your freezer).

Servings: 8–10

Total Time: ~2 hours (includes chilling)

Make Ahead: Can be made 1 day in advance

Ingredients

For the Brown Butter Shortbread Crust

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Filling

• 1 1/2 cups Piñon Pantry Cranberry Jam

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh is best)

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or sour cream for tangier flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter Crust

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling often, until it turns golden and smells nutty (about 5–7 min). Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, powdered sugar, and salt.

3. Stir in the vanilla and browned butter until a soft dough forms.

4. Press dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Prick with a fork.

5. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes.

6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–22 minutes until golden. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Cook over medium heat until berries pop and mixture thickens (about 10–12 minutes).

3. Mash slightly or blend for a smooth filling. Let cool to room temp.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

1. Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.

2. Add heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Spread cream cheese layer over cooled crust.

2. Spoon cranberry filling over top and swirl gently, or fully spread for a two-tone look.

3. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh / frozen cranberries

• White chocolate shavings

• Whipped cream

• Mint leaves

Tips

• Shortcut: Use store-bought crust in a pinch.

• Variation: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Chambord to the cranberry filling for depth.