Festive White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Sweet holiday treats don’t get much easier than these white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters.

Bursting with festive flavors, this simple recipe blends creamy white chocolate with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures that melts in your mouth.

The clusters come together in minutes, making them an ideal last-minute dessert for seasonal gatherings.

No baking required means less stress and more enjoyment during busy holiday moments.

Rich white chocolate coats the nuts and dried fruit, creating a decadent confection that sparkles like winter magic.

Guests will love these irresistible clusters that bring a touch of elegant sweetness to any celebration.

Why Cranberry Pecan Clusters Are Festive

• Whip up these delightful white chocolate clusters in minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Combine just a few simple ingredients to create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like a gourmet confection.
• Ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or as a special homemade treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet and nutty combination.
• Skip the complicated baking process and enjoy a stress-free recipe that requires minimal kitchen skills and equipment.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cluster Ingredient List

• White Chocolate Chips: A creamy and sweet base that provides a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth foundation for the festive clusters.

• Pecans, Dried Cranberries: Crunchy pecans and tart cranberries add delightful texture and a burst of holiday flavor to the white chocolate clusters.

• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Vanilla extract deepens the overall flavor profile, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other ingredients' taste.

Must Have Tools for Cranberry Pecan Clusters

• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting white chocolate smoothly and evenly.
• Parchment paper: Essential for preventing clusters from sticking and easy cleanup.
• Spoon or spatula: Key for stirring chocolate and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for forming and setting your clusters.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure precise ingredient quantities.

Directions for Cranberry Pecan Cluster Creation

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Melting Station

Select a microwave-safe bowl and gradually melt white chocolate chips using 30-second intervals.

Gently stir between each heating cycle until chocolate transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.

Be cautious to avoid burning the chocolate.

Step 2: Create Flavor Fusion

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

Stir thoroughly to ensure every morsel gets beautifully coated with creamy white chocolate.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Clusters

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Using a spoon, carefully drop mixture onto the sheet, creating clusters of various sizes.

Allow natural shapes to form for a rustic, homemade appearance.

Step 4: Allow Chocolate Setting

Let clusters rest at room temperature for approximately one hour.

For faster results, place in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until chocolate hardens completely and becomes firm.

Step 5: Serve and Preserve Treats

Transfer finished clusters to a serving platter.

Store remaining treats in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate.

These festive nibbles make perfect gifts or party snacks.

Tips for White Chocolate Cranberry Clusters

• Use 50% power when melting white chocolate to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Chop pecans into small, uniform pieces for even distribution and a consistent crunch in every bite.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of white chocolate and bring out the nutty pecan flavor.
• Keep clusters in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Swap dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or chopped apricots for a unique twist.

Fun Mix Ins for Cranberry Pecan Clusters

• Dark Chocolate Cranberry Clusters: Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet version that highlights the tartness of cranberries.
• Almond Butter Holiday Clusters: Swap white chocolate for melted almond butter, creating a protein-packed, dairy-free alternative with a nutty flavor profile.
• Vegan Coconut Clusters: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and coconut flakes instead of pecans for a plant-based, tropical-inspired treat.
• Keto-Friendly Nut Clusters: Substitute white chocolate with sugar-free white chocolate and use a mix of chopped macadamia and almonds to create a low-carb option.

Presenting Cranberry Pecan Clusters Beautifully

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange clusters on a festive ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary for elegant winter presentation.
• Dessert Companion: Pair these sweet clusters with hot mulled wine or creamy chai tea to enhance the flavor experience.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for charming homemade holiday gifts that look professionally crafted.
• Brunch Accent: Sprinkle chopped clusters over Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a delightful textural topping that adds crunch and sweetness.

Cranberry Pecan Cluster Storage Essentials

• Place clusters in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap clusters individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Best consumed within 5 days for optimal texture and flavor.
• Remove frozen clusters and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore original texture and taste.

FAQs

• Are pecans essential for this recipe?

Pecans add crunch and nutty flavor, but you can substitute with almonds or walnuts if needed.

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

No, dried cranberries work best as they’re chewy and won’t add extra moisture that could affect the chocolate’s texture.

• How do I prevent white chocolate from burning?

Melt slowly in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure smooth melting and prevent scorching.

• Is this recipe good for holiday gifting?

Yes, these clusters make excellent homemade gifts when packaged in cute boxes or bags, offering a festive and delicious treat.

Festive White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Festive white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters merge holiday flavors in one delightful treat. Sweet and crunchy morsels create perfect seasonal snacking moments you will enjoy sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 cups (340 grams) white chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

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

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Instructions

1. Carefully melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, using 30-second intervals and stirring between each burst until completely smooth and glossy.
2. Gently fold chopped pecans, dried cranberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the molten white chocolate, ensuring every ingredient is thoroughly coated.
3. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and use a spoon to create uniform clusters, spacing them evenly to prevent sticking.
4. Allow clusters to solidify naturally at room temperature for approximately 60 minutes, or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until firm.
5. Once set, transfer clusters to a serving platter, presenting them as a delightful confection perfect for gatherings or personal indulgence.
6. Preserve any remaining treats in an airtight container, storing at room temperature or refrigerating to maintain their pristine texture and flavor integrity.

Notes

• Chocolate Melting Magic: Ensure chocolate melts smoothly by using low heat and stirring frequently to prevent burning or seizing.
• Texture Perfection: Chop pecans into similar-sized pieces for consistent crunch and even distribution throughout the clusters.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap pecans with almonds or pumpkin seeds for nut-free versions, and use dairy-free white chocolate for vegan alternatives.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare clusters in advance and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them ideal for holiday gifting or quick dessert options.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 187
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 9 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg