Jolly White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe: Sweet Joy!

Sweet treats that shimmer with holiday cheer bring warmth to every gathering.

White chocolate cranberry pecan clusters sparkle with festive elegance and irresistible charm.

Delicate pecans crunch alongside tart cranberries, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors.

Each cluster promises a delightful blend of textures and rich, creamy notes.

The combination of sweet white chocolate and tangy dried fruit delivers a mouthwatering experience.

These simple yet sophisticated treats will become your new favorite holiday indulgence.

Prepare to delight every guest with this effortless, show-stopping confection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients That Go Into White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters

• Pecans: Toasted nuts bring a rich, nutty warmth that elevates the entire cluster's texture and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Sea Salt: Adds a subtle mineral crunch that balances the sweetness and enhances the natural pecan taste.

• White Chocolate Chips: Creamy melting chocolate creates a smooth, luxurious coating that holds the clusters together with delicate sweetness.

• Dried Cranberries: Tangy berries introduce a bright, zingy counterpoint to the rich chocolate and provide a pop of festive color and tart complexity.

Equipment to Make Cranberry Pecan Clusters Simple

• Double Boiler or Microwave: Essential for melting white chocolate smoothly and evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining melted chocolate, pecans, and cranberries.
• Dry Skillet: Needed to toast pecans and bring out their rich, nutty flavor.
• Baking Sheet: Use to drop and shape chocolate clusters.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents clusters from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Spoon: Helps scoop and shape the chocolate mixture into neat clusters.

How to Mix and Shape These Sweet Holiday Clusters

• Toast Pecans Carefully

Warm a skillet over medium heat and gently toast pecans until they release a rich, nutty aroma. Move them around frequently to prevent burning and ensure even golden coloration.

• Melt Chocolate Smoothly

Gently heat white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. When microwaving, pause every 30 seconds to stir and prevent scorching. The chocolate should transform into a silky, glossy liquid.

• Mix Delightful Ingredients

Fold together melted white chocolate with toasted pecans and tangy cranberries. Ensure each morsel gets a luxurious chocolate coating, creating a beautiful blend of flavors and textures.

• Create Beautiful Clusters

Spoon small mounds of the chocolate mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Each cluster should showcase a perfect balance of crunchy nuts, sweet chocolate, and tart berries.

• Chill and Solidify

Refrigerate the clusters for about 30 minutes until the chocolate sets completely. For faster results, pop them in the freezer for a quick transformation.

• Serve and Savor

Carefully remove clusters from the parchment paper. Keep these delectable treats in an airtight container, enjoying their crisp texture and rich flavor for up to a week.

Sweet Tweaks for Perfect White Chocolate Cranberry Bites

• Carefully toast pecans until they're golden brown and smell nutty. Watch them closely to prevent burning, as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the melted white chocolate for a delightful sweet-savory contrast that elevates the entire cluster's taste profile.
• For a vegan version, use dairy-free white chocolate chips and swap pecans with alternative nuts like almonds or cashews. Gluten-free bakers can ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Prepare clusters up to two weeks in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Package these clusters in decorative mason jars or cellophane bags for a homemade gift. Tie with a festive ribbon for an extra-special touch that transforms a simple treat into a thoughtful present.

Serve Clusters as Snacks or Gifts

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange the white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters on a decorative seasonal plate, garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Sweet Dessert Companion: Serve these clusters alongside a warm cup of chai tea or hot cocoa, creating a delightful contrast between the cool chocolate and the comforting beverage.
• Gourmet Gift Packaging: Package the clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends and family during special occasions.
• Dessert Charcuterie Enhancement: Include these clusters as a delectable addition to a dessert board, pairing them with other sweet treats like dark chocolate truffles and fresh berries for a stunning presentation.

Best Ways to Keep Your Clusters Fresh

• Refrigerate clusters in a flat, single layer to maintain their shape and prevent sticking. Metal containers work better than plastic for maintaining crisp texture.
• Freeze clusters for 15 minutes if you want faster hardening and a more brittle white chocolate coating. This method creates a delightful snap when biting into the treats.
• Keep these clusters in an airtight container between layers of wax paper. Store in a dark, cool spot away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent chocolate melting.
• Ideal storage temperature ranges between 60-70°F. Avoid humid environments which can cause white chocolate to develop condensation and lose its smooth texture. Refrigeration extends shelf life to 10 days, while freezing can preserve clusters up to 3 weeks.

FAQs

• Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate. Each type will give a different flavor profile, but the basic process remains the same.

• Do I have to toast the pecans?

While not mandatory, toasting pecans significantly enhances their flavor and brings out a richer, nuttier taste. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but toasting is recommended.

• Are these clusters gluten-free?

Most ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the packaging of your white chocolate chips and dried cranberries to confirm they are certified gluten-free, especially if you have severe gluten sensitivities.

• How can I prevent the white chocolate from seizing?

Melt the chocolate slowly and carefully, using either a double boiler or short microwave intervals. Stir frequently and avoid getting any water into the chocolate, as moisture can cause it to seize and become grainy.

Festive White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Indulgent white chocolate clusters with cranberry and pecan create a festive holiday treat. Sweet and tangy flavors blend seamlessly for a delightful dessert experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate chips
• 1 cup (120 g) toasted pecans
• ½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt

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Instructions

1. Roasting Pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium flame and toast pecans, stirring frequently until they transform into a golden-brown color and release a nutty aroma, enhancing the clusters’ depth of flavor.
2. Melting Chocolate: Gently liquify white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring at 30-second intervals to prevent burning, until achieving a smooth, glossy texture.
3. Combining Ingredients: Pour melted white chocolate into a mixing bowl, then fold in roasted pecans, dried cranberries, and any optional ingredients like sea salt or vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated with chocolate.
4. Forming Clusters: Use a spoon to drop uniform mounds of the chocolate-coated mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating visually appealing and consistent cluster shapes that showcase the ingredients’ textures.
5. Setting and Storing: Refrigerate the clusters for 30 minutes or freeze for faster results until completely hardened, then carefully remove from parchment paper and store in an airtight container in a cool location or refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

• Roast Pecans Carefully: Monitor heat closely when toasting pecans, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown color that enhances nutty flavor without bitterness.
• Melt Chocolate Gently: Use low, consistent heat when melting white chocolate to avoid seizing or scorching; stir frequently and remove from heat immediately once smooth to maintain silky texture.
• Balance Ingredient Ratios: Ensure even distribution of pecans and cranberries throughout the chocolate for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in each cluster.
• Store Properly: Keep clusters in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator to maintain crispness and prevent chocolate from melting, extending shelf life up to one week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 164
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg