Description
This elegant Cranberry White Chocolate Tart features a luscious white chocolate ganache base topped with a vibrant, tangy cranberry compote. The tart balances the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the bright, fruity notes of fresh cranberries, enhanced by a hint of orange zest and vanilla. Perfect for festive occasions or as a sophisticated dessert, it requires no baking beyond pre-baking the tart shell, making it a simple yet impressive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Tart Shell
- 1 9-inch tart crust (pre-baked)
White Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cranberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry mixture: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups fresh cranberries, 0.33 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Cook over medium heat for 7–9 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let it cool completely.
- Make the white chocolate ganache: Place the chopped 8 oz of white chocolate into a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat 0.5 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- Combine cream mixture and chocolate: Pour the hot cream and butter mixture over the chopped white chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute. Then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble the tart: Pour the white chocolate ganache into the pre-baked 9-inch tart shell and smooth the surface.
- Add the cranberry topping: Spoon the cooled cranberry compote over the ganache, spreading gently or swirling slightly for a decorative effect.
- Chill the tart: Refrigerate the assembled tart for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is fully set.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the tart with powdered sugar if desired for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the tart crust is fully pre-baked and cooled before assembling to avoid sogginess.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; frozen can be used in a pinch but may alter texture slightly.
- For a more intense orange flavor, add a small amount of orange juice or additional zest to the cranberry mixture.
- White chocolate ganache can be gently warmed if it thickens too much before spreading.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
