Easy Cranberry Brie & Pear Tart – The Ultimate Sweet-Savory Holiday Pastry

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or dessert that feels fancy but is secretly effortless, this Easy Cranberry Brie & Pear Tart is your new go-to recipe. With buttery puff pastry, creamy melted brie, juicy pears, and tangy cranberries, this tart hits that irresistible sweet-and-savory balance that everyone loves. It’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, brunch spreads, or even a cozy weekend treat when you want something elegant without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Using store-bought puff pastry keeps things simple, while fresh pears and cranberries bring natural sweetness and brightness. A drizzle of honey and a touch of cinnamon tie everything together into a warm, comforting bite.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a casual gathering with friends, this cranberry brie tart is guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie & Pear Tart

There are countless reasons this tart deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:

• It looks gourmet but takes under 40 minutes total
• It’s made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
• The flavors are perfectly balanced—sweet, creamy, tart, and buttery
• It works as an appetizer, snack, brunch item, or light dessert
• It’s endlessly customizable with different fruits and herbs

Plus, it’s one of those recipes people will ask you for every time you make it.

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Ingredients

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 wheel (8 oz) brie cheese, sliced
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and place it on the baking sheet.
3. Score a 1-inch border around the edges of the pastry without cutting all the way through.
4. Prick the center area lightly with a fork to prevent over-puffing.
5. Brush the border with beaten egg for a golden crust.
6. Layer sliced brie evenly over the center of the pastry.
7. Arrange pear slices on top of the brie in a slightly overlapping pattern.
8. In a small bowl, toss cranberries with honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
9. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the pears.
10. Bake for 22–25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the brie is melted.
11. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
12. Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
13. Slice and serve warm.

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Pro Tips for the Best Tart

• Use cold puff pastry for maximum flakiness
• Slice pears thin so they soften while baking
• Don’t overload the tart—balance is key
• Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing for clean cuts

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Variations & Substitutions

• Swap pears for apples, figs, or peaches
• Use camembert instead of brie
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
• Sprinkle with fresh rosemary for a savory twist

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this tart with:

• Sparkling wine or apple cider
• A crisp arugula salad
• As part of a holiday appetizer board
• Alongside roasted nuts and olives

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Fun Fact & Cultural Context

Brie cheese originates from France and is often paired with fruit in classic European pastries. The combination of soft cheese and fruit dates back centuries and remains popular because it balances richness with brightness—exactly what this tart does beautifully.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes
• Assemble ahead and bake fresh for best results