Bright, tart cranberries are one of the most vivid flavours of the Thanksgiving table, but they often play a supporting role to turkey and stuffing. Here, however, they take centre stage in a sparkling upside-down cake, and their ruby tones gleam over a tender, orange-scented crumb. The batter is enriched with soured cream, ensuring every bite is a balance of sweet, sharp and soft.
A simple sour cream pastry is a go-to base for the tart. It yields a crumbly cookie-like crust, which is irregular and forgiving - helpful for the novice baker. As the tart bakes in the oven, the caramel from the fruit filling will bubble up in spots through the crust. The crust will continue to bake, and when it's finished and cooling, the wayward caramel will harden and coat the crust with a shiny shellac of sweetness.
