Introduction to WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of delightful treats that bring joy to my family and friends. That’s where these WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES come in! They’re not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a quick solution for those busy days filled with festive cheer. Imagine a buttery tart shell cradling a luscious cranberry filling, topped with a swirl of white chocolate cream. It’s the perfect way to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, these bites will become a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES

These WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance! They’re easy to whip up, even on the busiest of days, and the vibrant colors make them a showstopper at any gathering. Plus, the combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate creates a balance that’s simply irresistible. You’ll love how quickly they disappear!

Ingredients for WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these festive WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your tart shell, giving it that delightful buttery texture.
Cold butter: Cubed and chilled, it helps create a flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust without the graininess of granulated sugar.
Egg yolk: This enriches the dough, making it tender and flavorful.
Cold water: Just a splash helps bring the dough together without making it tough.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, they provide a tart burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet chocolate.
Sugar: Sweetens the cranberry filling, balancing its natural tartness.
Water: Used to cook the cranberries, helping them burst and release their juices.
Lemon juice: A splash brightens the filling and enhances the cranberry flavor.
Cornstarch: Optional, but it thickens the filling for a jammy consistency.
White chocolate chips: The star of the show, they create a creamy ganache that’s simply divine.
Heavy cream: Used in two ways: heated for the ganache and whipped for a light mousse.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the whipped cream.
Fondant holly leaves & berries: These are optional but add a festive touch to your tart bites.
Powdered sugar: For a light dusting, giving your tarts a snowy finish.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!

How to Make WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells

To start, mix the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Then, add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, stir in the egg yolk and one tablespoon of cold water. If the dough feels too dry, add a bit more water. Once combined, press the dough into mini tart molds, making sure to cover the sides. Don’t forget to pierce the bottoms with a fork to prevent bubbling. Freeze the molds for about 10 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until golden. Let them cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Filling

In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and release their juices. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Once they’re bursting, add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you prefer a thicker filling, dissolve cornstarch in a teaspoon of water and stir it in. Cook for another minute until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool. The filling should be jammy and glossy, perfect for our tart bites!

Step 3: Create the White Chocolate Ganache

Now, let’s make the ganache! Pour the hot heavy cream over the white chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for about a minute to soften the chocolate. Then, whisk until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! Chill the ganache in the fridge for 30–40 minutes until it thickens slightly. While it cools, whip the cold heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled ganache, creating a light and airy mousse that will top our tart bites beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart Bites

It’s time for the fun part! Spoon the cooled cranberry filling into each tart shell, filling them generously. Then, using a piping bag or a spoon, swirl the white chocolate mousse on top of the cranberry layer. For a festive touch, decorate with fondant holly leaves and berries. Finally, finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar to give your WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES that snowy, holiday look. They’re now ready to impress your guests!

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is cold for a flaky tart shell.
Don’t skip the chilling step for the ganache; it makes a big difference!
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen work too.
Adjust the sweetness of the cranberry filling to suit your taste.
Store any leftovers in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Equipment Needed

Mini tart molds: If you don’t have these, use a muffin tin as a substitute.
Mixing bowls: Any size will do, just ensure they’re sturdy.
Whisk: A fork can work in a pinch for mixing the ganache.
Piping bag: A zip-top bag with a corner cut off can serve as a great alternative.
Saucepan: A small pot is perfect for cooking the cranberry filling.

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the tart shell for an extra crunch.
Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor profile.
Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based cream for the ganache.
Spiced Cranberry: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry filling for a warm, festive touch.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries with the cranberries for a colorful twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES with a warm cup of spiced cider for a cozy treat.
Serve alongside a festive cheese platter for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Present on a decorative platter, dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

FAQs about WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES

Can I make these WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tart shells and cranberry filling a day in advance. Just assemble them with the white chocolate mousse on the day you plan to serve them for the best texture.

What can I substitute for white chocolate?

If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, feel free to use dark chocolate instead. It will give your tart bites a richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.

How should I store leftover tart bites?

Store any leftover WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, but trust me, they’ll likely be gone before then!

Can I use frozen cranberries for the filling?

How do I make these tart bites gluten-free?

To make gluten-free WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The results will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

Creating these WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES is more than just baking; it’s about sharing joy and warmth during the festive season. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors, bringing smiles to faces young and old. I love how they transform any gathering into a celebration, making memories sweeter. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply treating yourself, these tart bites are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the magic of baking together. Trust me, the joy they bring is truly priceless!

WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HOLLY TART BITES: Discover This Festive Delight!

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Author: HearthMuse
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 tart bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful tart bites filled with cranberry and topped with white chocolate cream, perfect for festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed
¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1–2 tbsp cold water
1 ½ cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries
⅓ cup (70g) sugar
2 tbsp water
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
¾ cup (120g) white chocolate chips
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (heated until hot)
½ cup (120ml) cold heavy cream (for whipping)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fondant holly leaves & berries (or candy decorations)
Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix flour and powdered sugar. Add cold butter cubes and rub until sandy. Mix in egg yolk and 1 tbsp cold water until dough forms (add more water if needed). Press dough into mini tart molds. Pierce bottoms with a fork. Freeze for 10 minutes. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
In a saucepan, add cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook on medium heat until berries burst. Add lemon juice. If you want it thicker, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tsp water, stir in, and cook for 1 minute. Let cool — it should be jammy and glossy.
Pour hot cream over white chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth (white chocolate ganache). Chill in fridge for 30–40 minutes. Whip the cold cream with vanilla until soft peaks. Fold whipped cream gently into the cooled ganache to make a light mousse.
Spoon cranberry filling into each cooled tart shell. Pipe a swirl of white chocolate cream on top. Add fondant/candy holly leaves and berries. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for the snowy effect.

Notes

Ensure the tart shells are completely cooled before filling.
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen can be used in a pinch.
Adjust the sweetness of the cranberry filling to taste.
Store in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tart bite
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg