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A decadent White Chocolate Cranberry Tart is beautifully displayed as the featured image for this article.

White Chocolate Cranberry Tart

Indulge in a creamy and tangy White Chocolate Cranberry Tart. This delightful dessert features a buttery, flaky crust, a smooth white chocolate filling, and a burst of flavor from a homemade cranberry topping. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup ice water
  • 8 ounces good quality white chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for filling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar for topping
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar optional, for dusting
  • Fresh mint leaves optional, for garnish
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Pastry blender or fingertips
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
  • Fork
  • Oven
  • Parchment paper
  • Pie weights or dried beans
  • Saucepan
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Spoon
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. **Making the Crust:**
  2. 1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. 2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter.
  4. 3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
  5. 4. Shape and Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  6. 5. Roll and Transfer: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
  7. 6. Trim and Prick: Trim any excess dough from the edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust several times.
  8. 7. Pre-bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the tart crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
  9. **Making the Filling:**
  10. 1. Heat the Cream: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil!
  11. 2. Melt the Chocolate: Remove the cream from the heat and pour it over the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate.
  12. 3. Whisk Until Smooth: Gently whisk the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the filling is smooth and glossy.
  13. 4. Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot white chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper the eggs (this prevents them from scrambling).
  14. 5. Combine and Flavor: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the remaining white chocolate mixture. Whisk to combine. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  15. 6. Pour into Crust: Pour the white chocolate filling into the cooled tart crust.
  16. **Making the Cranberry Topping:**
  17. 1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and cinnamon.
  18. 2. Cook Until Thickened: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  19. 3. Cool Slightly: Let the cranberry topping cool slightly before spooning it over the white chocolate filling.
  20. **Putting it All Together:**
  21. 1. Top with Cranberries: Spoon the cooled cranberry topping evenly over the white chocolate filling.
  22. 2. Chill: Cover the tart loosely with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
  23. **Serving:**
  24. Let the tart sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality white chocolate. Store leftover tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the tart filling isn't setting, give it more time in the refrigerator or place it in the freezer for a shorter period (30 minutes to 1 hour), but keep a close eye on it.