Jolly White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe for All

Sweet moments often sparkle with unexpected white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters that surprise and delight.

Clusters like these capture the essence of indulgent yet simple treats.

Nutty pecans provide a satisfying crunch against smooth, creamy chocolate.

Tart cranberries dance through each bite, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a magical combination that feels both elegant and rustic.

Crafting these delectable morsels requires minimal effort but delivers maximum enjoyment.

You’ll find yourself reaching for another cluster before the first one disappears.

Why Cranberry Pecan Clusters Are a Must Try

• Craft Luxurious Treats: Create gourmet-style chocolate clusters that look and taste like professional confections without needing advanced culinary skills.
• Quick Sweet Solution: Prepare delightful dessert bites in minimal steps with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for spontaneous snack cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust cluster sizes, mix-in quantities, and ingredient ratios to suit personal preferences or dietary needs, ensuring everyone enjoys these delectable treats.
• Stress-Free Entertaining: Impress guests with elegant, homemade sweets that require no complicated techniques, making them ideal for holiday gifts, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients for White Chocolate Nut Clusters

• White Chocolate Chips: A creamy and sweet foundation that melts smoothly to bind all ingredients together.

• Pecans, Dried Cranberries: Pecans provide a rich, buttery crunch while dried cranberries add a tangy and sweet burst of flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of the white chocolate.
• Salt: A small pinch that balances and amplifies the sweet flavors.

• Parchment Paper: Creates a non-stick surface for easy cluster formation and prevents sticking.

Making White Chocolate Cranberry Clusters

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Set up a clean, dry workspace with all necessary tools. You’ll need a microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, and a baking sheet.

Ensure your work surface is cool and dry to help the chocolate set perfectly.

Step 2: Melt the Creamy White Chocolate

Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring gently between each interval. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

The chocolate should transform into a smooth, glossy liquid with a silky texture.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Chopped pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Fold these ingredients into the melted white chocolate, ensuring every morsel gets a luxurious chocolate coating.

Stir gently but thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Clusters

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Using a spoon, drop generous dollops of the chocolate mixture onto the sheet. Create clusters of various sizes – some small, some larger.

Let your creativity guide you in shaping these sweet treats.

Step 5: Allow Chocolate to Set

Let the clusters rest at room temperature for about an hour.

For a quicker option, pop the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. The clusters are ready when they’ve firmed up and developed a satisfying snap when broken.

Step 6: Enjoy and Store

Carefully transfer the clusters to a serving plate. Savor the rich combination of creamy white chocolate, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries.

Store any remaining clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Better White Chocolate Pecan Bites

• Ensure white chocolate melts smoothly by using short microwave intervals and stirring frequently to prevent burning.
• Select high-quality white chocolate chips for richer flavor and better melting consistency.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty aroma and provide deeper flavor profile.
• Control cluster size for uniform cooling and more attractive presentation by using a consistent spoon or small scoop.
• Store clusters in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp texture and prevent chocolate from becoming soft or grainy.

Flavor Variations for Cranberry Nut Clusters

• Dark Chocolate Swap: Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor profile that complements the pecans and cranberries.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and coconut oil to create a vegan-friendly version of the clusters.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies while maintaining the crunchy texture.
• Spiced Winter Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the melted chocolate for a warm, seasonal flavor that enhances the cranberry notes.

Perfect Pairings for White Chocolate Clusters

• Pair with Crisp Sparkling Wine: Complement the sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries with a chilled prosecco or champagne, cutting through the richness and enhancing the flavor profile.
• Create Holiday Tea Companion: Brew a warm chai or vanilla rooibos tea that echoes the clusters' warm pecan and sweet white chocolate notes, creating a cozy winter dessert experience.
• Match with Nutty Coffee Blend: Select a medium roast coffee with caramel or almond undertones that will harmonize with the pecans and provide a robust counterpoint to the sweet white chocolate.
• Serve Alongside Creamy Dessert Wine: Choose a late harvest Riesling or moscato that offers similar sweet characteristics, amplifying the dessert's delicate flavors while providing a smooth, luxurious finish.

How to Keep Cranberry Nut Clusters Fresh

Seal clusters in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between rows to prevent sticking. Consume within 5-7 days for optimal freshness and taste.

Wrap clusters individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months, maintaining their delightful crunch and flavor.

Store in a cool, dry place inside a sealed container away from direct sunlight. Best consumed within 3-4 days to ensure peak quality.

Gently thaw frozen clusters at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent chocolate from becoming grainy or separating.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Just ensure you melt the chocolate carefully to avoid burning.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these clusters?

No, you only need a microwave-safe bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet with parchment paper. This recipe is simple and requires minimal kitchen tools.

• Are these clusters gluten-free?

Most likely yes, if you use gluten-free white chocolate chips and check that your pecans and cranberries are not processed in a facility with gluten-containing products. Always verify ingredient labels.

• Can I add other mix-ins to the clusters?

Absolutely! You can experiment with ingredients like coconut flakes, mini marshmallows, or crushed pretzels to create your own unique variation of the clusters.

White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters melt holiday magic into one irresistible bite. Crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and creamy white chocolate create a festive treat that delights dessert enthusiasts with pure seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Chocolate Base:

• 2 cups white chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for the clusters.
2. Gently melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second increments and stirring between each interval until completely smooth and glossy at 50% power.
3. Carefully fold chopped pecans, dried cranberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the melted white chocolate, ensuring every ingredient is thoroughly coated.
4. Using a spoon, dollop mixture onto prepared baking sheet, creating uniform clusters with varying sizes based on personal preference.
5. Allow clusters to solidify at room temperature for approximately 60-75 minutes, or expedite the process by chilling in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until firm and set.
6. Once completely hardened, transfer clusters to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
7. Serve at room temperature for optimal texture and enjoy within 5-7 days for best quality.

Notes

• Choose high-quality white chocolate chips for the best melting and flavor result.
• Gently melt chocolate in short intervals to prevent burning and maintain smooth texture.
• Slightly toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty richness and add deeper complexity to the clusters.
• Consider using dairy-free white chocolate for vegan or lactose-intolerant dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this sweet treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Melting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 208
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg