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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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