Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Gingerbread Crust Christmas Tart is a beautifully festive dessert that captures the warmth, aroma, and magic of the holiday season. With its buttery, spiced gingerbread crust, creamy filling, and vibrant seasonal toppings, this tart offers a perfect balance of comfort and elegance. I’ve prepared similar gingerbread-based tarts during Christmas gatherings, and they always become conversation starters—the crust alone fills the kitchen with nostalgic holiday scents. Once, when I needed to slightly thin the filling, I substituted almond milk for regular milk, and it worked seamlessly, proving how forgiving this recipe can be. This tart is ideal for those looking to serve a dessert that feels classic yet unique. Whether gracing a Christmas buffet, shared at a festive dinner, or enjoyed on a quiet winter evening, this tart delivers flavour, warmth, and holiday charm in every slice.
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Gingerbread Crust Christmas Tart: A Spiced, Festive Dessert with Winter Warmth
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gingerbread Crust Christmas Tart is a warm, spiced holiday dessert featuring a crunchy gingerbread cookie crust filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with festive whipped cream and berries.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Crust:
- 2 cups gingerbread cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or pomegranate seeds)
- Ground cinnamon for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix gingerbread cookie crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch tart pan, covering the bottom and sides.
- Bake crust for 8–10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- For the filling, whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Allow to cool slightly.
- Pour the custard into the cooled gingerbread crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and festive berries.
- Dust lightly with cinnamon for extra holiday flair.
Notes
- Use store-bought gingerbread cookies for easy crust preparation.
- Let the custard cool slightly so it doesn’t soften the crust.
- Best served chilled for clean slices.
- Top with sugared cranberries for extra sparkle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking / No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Gingerbread Cookies
Crushed gingerbread cookies create a fragrant, spiced crust that adds instant holiday character and warmth.
Butter
Melted butter binds the crumbs together, helping them form a firm, cohesive base.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese gives the filling its velvety body and tang, balancing the sweetness and spices.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds smoothness and lightness when whipped into the filling.
White Chocolate
Melted white chocolate contributes sweetness and helps the filling set with a silky texture.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar dissolves easily into the filling, ensuring a smooth, refined sweetness.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavour and complements the warm spices.
Cinnamon
A touch of cinnamon deepens the warmth of the filling and ties the dessert together.
Fresh Berries or Pomegranate Arils
A topping of fresh berries or pomegranate arils adds festive colour, brightness, and juicy contrast.
Salt
A pinch of salt sharpens the flavours and keeps the filling balanced.
Directions
Begin by preparing the crust. Crush the gingerbread cookies finely using a food processor or rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix with melted butter until the texture resembles damp sand. Press the mixture firmly into a tart pan with a removable bottom, ensuring an even layer on the base and sides. Chill for 15 minutes to help it set. If preferred, lightly bake the crust at 325°F for 8–10 minutes for extra stability, then let it cool fully.
Prepare the filling by beating the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, mixing until well combined. Melt the white chocolate gently and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the cream cheese mixture. Whip the heavy cream separately until soft peaks form, then fold it into the filling carefully to preserve volume.
Spread the filling evenly into the cooled crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Arrange fresh berries or pomegranate arils on the surface in any festive pattern you prefer. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to ensure a firm, sliceable texture before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This tart serves approximately 8 to 10 people. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, plus 2 hours of chilling time. Baking the crust is optional but adds roughly 10 more minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep toppings as dry as possible to preserve freshness. This tart should be served chilled. Avoid reheating, as the creamy filling will soften and lose structure.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate-Coated Crust
Brush melted dark chocolate inside the crust before adding the filling for enhanced richness and stability.
Orange Spice Twist
Add orange zest to the filling or top with orange slices for a fragrant citrus note.
Sugared Cranberry Topping
Use sugared cranberries for an extra festive, frosted look and tart pop.
Mascarpone Blend
Replace part of the cream cheese with mascarpone for an even silkier filling.
Spiced Filling
Add nutmeg or cardamom to complement the gingerbread crust.
Caramel Drizzle
Finish with a light caramel drizzle for added sweetness and shine.
Festive Fruit Mix
Top with pomegranate, raspberries, and mint leaves for a colourful holiday presentation.
FAQs
Does the gingerbread crust need baking?
Baking is optional, but it helps the crust hold its shape more firmly.
Can I use store-bought gingerbread cookies?
Yes, they work perfectly and save time.
Can I make this tart the day before?
Absolutely; it holds its texture well overnight.
Can I freeze the tart?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy filling.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, decrease the powdered sugar in the filling to taste.
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly lighter.
What fruit works best for topping?
Pomegranate, raspberries, blueberries, or a mixture all work beautifully.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white?
You can, though the flavour and colour will change significantly.
How do I keep the tart from cracking?
Ensure the filling ingredients are softened and folded gently.
Should this dessert be served chilled?
Yes, serving it chilled ensures the filling remains firm and refreshing.
Conclusion
The Gingerbread Crust Christmas Tart is a warm, joyful holiday dessert that combines spiced crunch, creamy filling, and festive toppings into a stunning seasonal creation. With its comforting flavours and elegant appearance, it offers a perfect balance of classic Christmas tastes and modern flair. Simple enough for everyday bakers yet impressive enough for festive occasions, this tart is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Enjoy every slice of this cosy, beautiful winter treat.
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