White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters

Introduction

Every year, I find myself searching for the perfect holiday treats to share with friends and family. When I first came across this recipe for White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters, I was immediately intrigued. The combination of sweet white chocolate, tart dried cranberries, and rich pecans seemed like the perfect match for a festive dessert. After making a batch, I was blown away by how quickly they came together and how delicious they were. The white chocolate is smooth and creamy, while the cranberries add a nice tart contrast, and the pecans give the clusters a wonderful crunch. The pinch of salt at the end is a game-changer, balancing the sweetness and adding depth of flavor. These clusters became an instant hit in my household, and I’ve been making them ever since. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack, a holiday gift, or something simple to take to a party, these clusters are sure to please. The best part? They’re quick to make, and the results are incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients

• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

Melt the White Chocolate:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips. Heat the chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily.

Add the Mix-Ins:

2. Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, vanilla extract, and salt (if using). Mix everything together until the pecans and cranberries are well coated in the melted white chocolate.

Form the Clusters:

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the clusters from sticking. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the white chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small clusters. You can make them as large or as small as you like, depending on your preference.

Let Them Set:

4. Allow the clusters to set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to speed up the process. Once the chocolate is firm and set, the clusters are ready to be enjoyed!

Serve:

5. Once the clusters are firm, they are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on how you like them stored.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12-16 clusters
• Calories per serving: 180 kcal (depending on the size of the clusters)
• Sugar: ~22g
• Sodium: ~25mg
• Fat: ~9g
• Saturated Fat: ~3g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~5g
• Trans Fat: ~0g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Protein: ~2g
• Cholesterol: ~5mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Set Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as a holiday treat: These clusters are perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings, offering a sweet and savory bite-sized treat that’s easy to pass around.
• Gift them: Pack these clusters into cute holiday tins or jars and give them as homemade gifts. The vibrant colors from the cranberries make them look festive and thoughtful.
• As a quick snack: Keep a batch on hand for a quick and satisfying snack, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth in between meals.
• Pair with coffee or tea: These clusters pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for an afternoon break or cozy evening.
• Add to dessert platters: These clusters make a beautiful addition to dessert platters or cookie trays during the holidays.

Additional Tips

1. Use high-quality white chocolate: The better the white chocolate, the smoother and creamier your clusters will be. Look for white chocolate that contains cocoa butter for the best texture and taste.
2. Chill the clusters faster: If you’re in a rush, place the baking sheet in the fridge to set the clusters quickly. This will speed up the process and let you enjoy them sooner!
3. Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a slightly less sweet version, use unsweetened dried cranberries or reduce the amount of white chocolate to balance the flavors.
4. Chop the pecans finely: For smaller clusters, chop the pecans into finer pieces, allowing for more even distribution throughout the white chocolate.
5. Add other mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with other add-ins like dried apricots, pistachios, or even mini marshmallows for a fun twist on this classic.

Recipe Variations

• Dark Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters: Swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor. Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cranberries.
• Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free version, simply leave out the pecans and add extra cranberries or other dried fruits like raisins or blueberries.
• Spicy Version: Add a dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the white chocolate mixture for a subtle spicy kick that complements the sweet and tart flavors.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips to make these clusters vegan-friendly. Ensure that the dried cranberries don’t contain added sugar for a healthier, plant-based treat.
• Peanut Butter Version: Stir in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter with the white chocolate to add a nutty, savory element to the clusters.

Serving Suggestions

• As a dessert: Serve these white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters as a light and festive dessert after a holiday meal.
• For a snack platter: Include them on a platter alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies, truffles, or shortbread.
• Pair with wine: These clusters go well with a sweet dessert wine, like a Riesling or Moscato, which pairs nicely with the creamy white chocolate and tart cranberries.
• Add to a charcuterie board: For a fun twist, include these clusters on a charcuterie board alongside cheese, crackers, and other nuts to create a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store leftover clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the fridge.
• Freezing: These clusters freeze wonderfully! Once set, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Refrigerating: If you prefer cold treats, store them in the fridge for an extra firm texture. They will last for up to 1-2 weeks.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
   Yes, you can swap out the white chocolate for milk chocolate or even dark chocolate if you prefer a different flavor.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
   Fresh cranberries won’t work as well in this recipe because they are much more tart and contain more moisture. It’s best to use dried cranberries.
3. How can I make these clusters smaller or larger?
   Adjust the size of the clusters by using a smaller or larger spoon when dropping them onto the baking sheet.
4. Can I add coconut to these clusters?
   Yes, shredded coconut pairs beautifully with white chocolate. Stir in some shredded coconut along with the other mix-ins for a tropical flavor.
5. Can I make these clusters ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make these clusters ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
6. Do I need to temper the white chocolate?
   No, tempering is not necessary for this recipe. The melting method used ensures the white chocolate will harden just fine.
7. How do I prevent the clusters from sticking to the baking sheet?
   Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
8. What other nuts can I use?
   You can use any nut you like in place of the pecans, such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
9. Can I make these clusters without vanilla extract?
   Yes, you can skip the vanilla extract, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the clusters. You could also experiment with other extracts like almond or hazelnut.
10. Can I add a pinch of sea salt?
    Yes, a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the clusters would be a great addition for an extra salty-sweet balance.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are the perfect holiday treat that combines sweet, tart, and nutty flavors in one bite-sized snack. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and make an excellent gift or addition to any holiday dessert spread. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that will delight friends and family. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, giving them as gifts, or just enjoying them yourself, these clusters are a must-try!

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