Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

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This Cranberry White Chocolate Tart is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, wrapped in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a show-stopping no-bake dessert that brings elegance to any table, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving a fancy treat with minimal effort.

The tart features a smooth and creamy white chocolate layer, topped with a glossy cranberry compote bursting with juicy berries. The tartness of the cranberries cuts through the sweetness of the white chocolate, creating a harmony of flavors and textures in every bite.

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What Kind of Crust Works Best for This Tart?

A graham cracker crust is ideal for this dessert. It’s buttery, slightly sweet, and adds a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy white chocolate filling and tart cranberry topping. You can also try a shortbread cookie crust for a richer base or even a chocolate cookie crust if you’re feeling adventurous.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

• Graham crackers – Crushed into fine crumbs, they create the perfect crisp base when combined with melted butter.
• Unsalted butter – Helps bind the crust and adds a rich, creamy flavor.
• White chocolate chips – Melted down into a silky layer, they provide the sweet and creamy core of the tart.
• Heavy cream – Essential for creating a smooth ganache-like texture in the white chocolate layer.
• Cream cheese – Adds tang and stability to the filling, balancing the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without grittiness.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries – The star of the topping, bursting with tart flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cranberry compote and softens the berries.
• Orange juice + zest – Adds brightness and enhances the flavor of the cranberries.
• Vanilla extract – Ties the flavors together with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Optional: Rosemary sprigs or whipped cream for garnish – Adds visual flair and a fresh herbal note.

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How To Make the Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Crush the graham crackers in a food processor until you get fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, mix them with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture into the bottom and sides of a tart pan with a removable bottom. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 2: Make the White Chocolate Filling

In a heat-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Let it cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the cooled white chocolate mixture and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Pour this creamy filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate again for 1–2 hours until the filling is firm.

Step 3: Cook the Cranberry Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and zest. Stir frequently and let the mixture cook down until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens (about 10–12 minutes). Remove from heat and cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Once both the filling and cranberry compote are fully chilled, spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the white chocolate layer. Use the back of the spoon to spread gently, being careful not to disturb the filling.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

For a festive finish, decorate the edges with piped whipped cream or dollops of extra cream cheese filling. Add rosemary sprigs or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the beautiful layers of flavor in every slice.

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How to Serve and Store Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

This tart is best served chilled, which helps the creamy filling and cranberry topping hold their shape beautifully. Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts, wiping between slices. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of bubbly, especially during the holidays.

To store, keep the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use a cake dome or an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the creamy filling may change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of white chocolate should I use?

Use good-quality white chocolate chips or baking bars. Avoid candy melts as they don’t melt the same or taste as rich.

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Add the cranberry topping the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and appearance.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely. Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones—no need to thaw them before cooking.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for the filling, and a dairy-free white chocolate alternative. Keep in mind that texture and taste may vary.

How do I keep the crust from crumbling?

Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the tart pan and chill it thoroughly before adding the filling.

Can I use a different fruit topping?

Yes! Try blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry compote for a fun twist.

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Want More Tart and Cheesecake Dessert Ideas?

If you loved this Cranberry White Chocolate Tart, you’ll definitely want to check out these other irresistible treats from the blog:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a no-bake, layered dream dessert.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites with a cool and creamy twist.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes if you love mini bites packed with flavor.
• Reese’s Cheese Ball: A Sweet and Salty Delight for your sweet-salty cravings.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes that bring the perfect combo of cake and cheesecake.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it anytime: Life with Nina Recipes on Pinterest

And when you give this Cranberry White Chocolate Tart a try, let me know in the comments! Did you go full festive with rosemary sprigs, or try a chocolate crust twist?

I love seeing your versions and hearing what tweaks you make—your kitchen creativity always inspires me. Don’t hesitate to drop your tips or questions below. Let’s keep baking beautiful together!

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