Irresistible White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe

Crafting delightful white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters sparks pure joy in my kitchen.

Sweet, crunchy treats like these always bring smiles to gatherings.

Pecans add a rich, buttery crunch that perfectly complements tart cranberries.

Melted white chocolate creates a smooth, luxurious coating for these irresistible morsels.

Each cluster combines contrasting textures that dance deliciously on your palate.

Small bites pack big flavor, making them ideal for snacking or gifting.

You’ll want to make multiple batches because these clusters disappear quickly.

Prepare to become everyone’s favorite treat maker with this simple, elegant recipe.

Ingredients for White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters

• White Chocolate Chips: Smooth base that binds all ingredients together, rich and creamy texture.
• Pecans, Dried Cranberries: Crunchy nuts and tart berries provide contrasting textures and flavors.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal of clusters.
• Skillet: Perfect for toasting pecans to enhance their natural nutty flavor.

• Double Boiler or Microwave: Essential tools for gentle chocolate melting, preventing burning.

Melt, Mix, and Shape White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters

Step 1: Toast Nutty Goodness

Grab a skillet and warm it over medium heat. Toss in pecans and dance them around for 3-5 minutes. Watch for a golden color and sniff for that incredible toasty aroma. This magical step wakes up the pecans’ hidden flavor superpowers.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Magic

Select your chocolate-melting weapon: double boiler or microwave. For microwave lovers, zap white chocolate chips in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each wave. Keep stirring until the chocolate transforms into a silky, dreamy river.

Step 3: Create Delicious Harmony

• Melted white chocolate
• Toasted pecans
• Dried cranberries

Gently fold everything together, ensuring each morsel gets a luxurious white chocolate hug.

Step 4: Shape Tempting Clusters

Grab a spoon and scoop out small mountain ranges of your mixture. Plop these delightful mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. No precise measuring needed- just follow your delicious instincts!

Step 5: Chill and Solidify

Slide your baking sheet into the refrigerator for a 30-minute relaxation session. Craving speed? The freezer works its quick-chill magic even faster.

Step 6: Savor Your Creation

Peel those clusters off the parchment paper. Stash them in an airtight container in a cool spot or refrigerator. They’ll stay scrumptious for about a week- if they last that long!

Tips to Avoid Burning and Clumping During Melting

• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Dry-roast pecans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire cluster's taste.
• Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use low, gentle heat when melting white chocolate to avoid scorching, stirring consistently and removing from heat just as it becomes smooth and glossy.
• Create Uniform Clusters: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure consistent size and shape, allowing even setting and an attractive presentation.
• Customize Texture Options: Roughly chop pecans and cranberries for smaller pieces that distribute more evenly, or leave them whole for a chunkier cluster texture.
• Store Smartly: Keep clusters in an airtight container between parchment paper layers in the refrigerator to maintain crispness and prevent sticking, extending freshness for up to one week.

Store and Reheat White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters with Care

• Store clusters in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 7-10 days.
• Carefully place clusters in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve their delightful texture and flavor.
• Remove frozen clusters from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This method helps restore their original creamy consistency.
• Enjoy clusters directly from the refrigerator or let them sit briefly to soften slightly. Check for any signs of moisture or discoloration before consuming stored batches.

Snacks and Desserts That Pair with Cranberry Pecan Clusters

• Moscato d'Asti perfectly complements the white chocolate's creamy sweetness, with light bubbles and fruity notes that dance alongside the cranberry's tartness.
• Select a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to create a delightful flavor contrast, cutting through the clusters' rich sweetness with its bold, bitter undertones.
• Serve amaretto or hazelnut liqueur alongside the clusters, which amplifies the pecan's toasted warmth and adds an extra layer of sophisticated indulgence.
• Prepare chamomile or vanilla rooibos tea to provide a gentle, soothing backdrop that softens the clusters' intense sweetness while maintaining a delicate flavor profile.

Fun Recipe Variations for Cranberry Pecan Clusters

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace white chocolate with dairy-free white chocolate chips or coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Nutty Alternative: Swap pecans with almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts to create a different flavor profile while keeping the cluster's signature crunch.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips and reduce dried cranberries, then add stevia or monk fruit sweetener for those watching their sugar intake.
• Superfood Boost: Incorporate chia seeds, hemp seeds, or goji berries to enhance nutritional value and add extra antioxidants to the clusters.

White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters with Holiday Flavors

• Effortless sweet treat creation with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Elevate simple ingredients into an impressive dessert that looks professionally made without complicated techniques.
• Packed with heart-healthy pecans and antioxidant-rich cranberries, offering a guilt-free snacking experience that balances deliciousness with wellness.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, gift-giving, or spontaneous sweet cravings, these clusters appeal to both kids and adults with their irresistible combination of crunchy nuts, chewy cranberries, and creamy white chocolate.

White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible white chocolate cranberry pecan clusters bring festive winter magic to sweet treats. Crisp pecans and tart cranberries dance elegantly within smooth white chocolate, creating perfect holiday indulgence you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) white chocolate chips
• 1 cup (120 grams) toasted pecans
• ½ cup (60 grams) dried cranberries

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• 1 pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

1. Transform raw pecans into a rich, aromatic delicacy by gently roasting them in a dry skillet. Carefully monitor the heat, stirring periodically until the nuts develop a golden-brown hue and release an enticing fragrance, which will elevate the overall flavor profile of the clusters.
2. Utilize a double boiler or microwave to gently liquefy the white chocolate. When using a microwave, employ 30-second intervals, consistently stirring to prevent scorching, until the chocolate achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the molten white chocolate into a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate the expertly toasted pecans and vibrant dried cranberries, delicately folding the ingredients to ensure comprehensive chocolate coverage.
4. Employ a spoon to carefully construct individual clusters on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Create uniform mounds that showcase a harmonious blend of white chocolate, cranberries, and pecans, allowing each cluster to reflect a balanced composition.
5. Initiate the setting process by positioning the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Allow the clusters to solidify for approximately 30 minutes, or expedite the process by utilizing the freezer for quicker results.
6. Once the clusters have completely hardened, delicately extract them from the parchment paper. Preserve the confections in a sealed container, maintaining them in a cool environment or refrigerator for optimal freshness, with a shelf life of up to one week.

Notes

• Enhance the nutty flavor by toasting pecans carefully, watching closely to prevent burning and stirring occasionally for an even golden-brown color.
• Melt white chocolate gently using low heat or microwave intervals to maintain smooth texture and prevent scorching or seizing.
• Customize clusters by swapping cranberries with alternative dried fruits like cherries, blueberries, or chopped apricots for unique flavor combinations.
• Create gluten-free and vegan versions by selecting dairy-free white chocolate chips and ensuring all ingredients meet dietary requirements.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg