No-Bake Cranberry Almond Tart

No-bake desserts shine when the crust firms in the chill instead of the oven, a favorite shortcut for busy American gatherings. Here, a graham-and-almond shell holds a cream cheese layer crowned with honey-orange cranberries.

Serves 6 · 30 min prep · 12 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 455 cal
• 7g protein
• 48g carbs
• 28g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup finely ground almonds
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 6 small fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. 1In a medium bowl, stir the graham cracker crumbs, ground almonds, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pinched.
2. 2Press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm.
3. 3Meanwhile, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until the berries burst and the mixture thickens into a glossy, jammy compote, about 10 to 12 minutes.
4. 4Remove the compote from the heat and cool completely to room temperature so it will not melt the cream layer.
5. 5In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and almond extract until completely smooth and fluffy.
6. 6In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks, then fold it gently into the cream-cheese mixture to create a light, mousse-like filling.
7. 7Spread the almond cream filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
8. 8Spoon the cooled cranberry-orange compote over the cream layer in an even blanket, leaving a thin border of cream visible if desired for contrast.
9. 9Scatter the toasted sliced almonds over the tart and tuck a few small fresh sage leaves the edge for a bright herbal finish. Chill the finished tart at least 2 hours (or overnight) until fully set, then unmold, slice, and serve cold on a platter.