Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

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This Cranberry White Chocolate Tart is the kind of holiday dessert that gets talked about long after the plates are cleared. With a buttery crust, a smooth white chocolate layer, and a vibrant cranberry topping that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart, this tart is nothing short of stunning. It looks elegant but is surprisingly simple to pull together.

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or a cozy winter dinner, this tart adds a pop of color and flavor to any dessert table. Each bite is a blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet, wrapped in a flaky base that melts in your mouth. It stores beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert when you want to impress without stress.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

The contrast between the rich white chocolate and the tart cranberries makes each slice a delightful surprise. It’s not overly sweet, which is refreshing after a big meal, and it’s a festive treat that feels luxurious but approachable. Plus, it doesn’t require fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen.

What Kind of Crust Should I Use?

You can go with a classic buttery shortbread crust, which holds its structure well and complements the tart flavors. A graham cracker crust is a slightly quicker option and adds a toasty sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a chocolate cookie crust to make the white chocolate layer pop even more.

Ingredients for the Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

This tart uses simple, high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cranberries – Fresh or frozen work well. Their tartness is key to balancing the white chocolate.

White chocolate chips – Choose a good-quality white chocolate for the best melt and flavor.

Heavy cream – Helps create a smooth, silky ganache layer.

Sugar – Adds just enough sweetness to balance the cranberries.

Orange zest – Brightens up the cranberry layer with a citrusy twist.

Butter – Essential for the crust, giving it a rich, crumbly texture.

Flour – The base of the crust. All-purpose flour works great.

Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.

How To Make the Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

Step 1: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven and combine the flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press this mixture evenly into a tart pan. Bake until golden and set, then let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Topping

In a saucepan, simmer cranberries with sugar and orange zest until they burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Let this cool while you prepare the chocolate layer.

Step 3: Make the White Chocolate Ganache

Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan just until simmering. Pour it over the white chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache into the cooled crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Once the ganache is set slightly, spoon the cranberry mixture on top. Chill the tart for at least two hours, or until fully set.

How to Serve and Store This Tart

This tart slices beautifully when chilled and makes a gorgeous presentation at any gathering. It serves about 8 to 10 people depending on slice size. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, ideally in an airtight container. It also freezes well for up to a month.

What to Serve With Cranberry White Chocolate Tart?

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop on the side adds cool contrast to the tart’s rich layers.

Whipped Mascarpone

This lightly sweet topping brings a creamy, tangy note.

Spiced Mulled Wine

The warm spices pair beautifully with the cranberry.

Dark Roast Coffee

Balances the tart’s sweetness and enhances the chocolate.

Roasted Pears

Serve alongside for an elegant fruit pairing.

Pecan Brittle

A crunchy bite with nuttiness to complement the tart.

Sparkling Cider

Adds a refreshing fizz without overpowering flavors.

Fresh Mint Leaves

Just a few add color and a clean herbal finish.

Want More Tart Ideas?

If this cranberry white chocolate tart made your heart sing, you’ll probably fall for these other dessert picks too:

• Butter Pecan Cheesecake if you love a rich, nutty finish.
• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles for another dreamy citrus-white chocolate combo.
• Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls if fruity and cozy is your thing.
• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for a sweet treat with serious nostalgia.
• Delightful Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake for texture and berry lovers alike.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with a graham crust or shortbread? Any twist on the cranberry topping?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions, share tips, and let’s help each other bake something beautiful.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and seasonal sweets on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites!

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