Cranberry Grapefruit Cheese Tarts
These Cranberry Grapefruit Cheese Tarts are a culinary masterpiece, blending the zesty thyme aroma of fresh herbs with the unexpected kick of pink peppercorn sprinkles. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating weekend brunch, this recipe uses Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice to balance the richness of goat cheese and flaky puff pastry. Created by award-winning chef Crystal Schlueter, it’s a sweet and savory dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
A. The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Created by Crystal Schlueter, Grand Prize Winner of the 2018 Ocean Spray® Grapefruit Gourmet Recipe Contest, these tarts are a masterclass in balancing flavors. The Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice cuts through the richness of goat cheese, while dried cranberries add chewy sweetness. Topped with a fragrant thyme and pink peppercorn garnish, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
B. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile: Sweet cranberry jam meets tangy grapefruit and savory thyme.
- Textural Contrast: Flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese, and crunchy peppercorns.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Recipe Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Additional Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 1 hr 5 mins | 1 hr | 2 hrs 25 mins | 6 | 6 tarts |
Ingredients
A. Cranberry-Grapefruit Jam
- 1 cup Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries (adds natural sweetness)
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh grapefruit (use Ruby Red for vibrant color)
- ¾ cup Ocean Spray® 100% Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice (bright acidity)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves (for earthy depth)
- ½ tsp coarsely ground pink peppercorns (subtle heat)
- ½ tsp ground ginger (warm spice)
B. Tart Assembly
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed; brands like Pepperidge Farm® work well)
- 3.5 oz crumbled goat cheese (creamy tanginess)
C. Mascarpone Glaze
- 2 oz mascarpone cheese (rich and velvety)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy cream (for smooth texture)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
D. Garnishes
- Grapefruit zest (for citrusy aroma)
- Fresh thyme leaves (herbal freshness)
- Pink peppercorns (pop of color and spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Making the Jam
Pro Tip: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
- Combine Craisins®, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, sugar, thyme, pink peppercorns, and ginger in a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a jam-like consistency.
- Let cool completely (20–25 minutes) to allow flavors to meld.
2. Assembling the Tarts
Pro Tip: Chill pastry sheets for 10 minutes before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into 12 rectangles (3×5 inches each).
- Spread 1–2 tbsp jam and ½ oz goat cheese on 6 rectangles. Top with remaining pastry.
- Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
3. Baking the Tarts
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for 35 minutes.
4. Glazing & Garnishing
- Whisk mascarpone, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled tarts.
- Sprinkle with grapefruit zest, thyme, and pink peppercorns.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 894 | – |
| Total Fat | 43g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 76% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 296mg | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 115g | 42% |
| Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugars | 73g | – |
| Protein | 11g | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 89mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 14% |
SEO Tags & Image Optimization
- Alt Text for Photos:
- “Cranberry Grapefruit Cheese Tarts with zesty thyme and pink peppercorn garnish on a rustic wooden board.”
- “Close-up of flaky puff pastry tart drizzled with grapefruit glaze.”
- Internal Links:
- Explore more [holiday dessert recipes] or [easy puff pastry ideas].
- Learn how to [balance sweet and savory flavors] in our Kitchen Tips section.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Contest-Winning Flair: Crystal Schlueter’s innovative use of pink peppercorns adds a gourmet twist.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or spring brunch.
- Brand Appeal: Ocean Spray® ingredients ensure consistent quality and flavor.
Final Tips for Success
- Jam Consistency: If the jam is too runny, simmer 5–10 minutes longer.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute goat cheese with cream cheese for milder tang.
- Storage: Keep tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
