Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Cranberry White Chocolate Swirl Tart is a sophisticated holiday dessert that offers the perfect balance of tart, sweet, creamy, and buttery flavours. With its golden crust, velvety white chocolate filling, and vibrant cranberry swirl, this tart looks as impressive as it tastes. I’ve made variations of this tart for several Christmas gatherings, and it always manages to steal attention with its marbled, jewel-toned design. Once, when I needed to thin the white chocolate mixture, I used a splash of almond milk instead of regular milk, and the filling still set beautifully—proof of how adaptable this recipe can be. This tart brings together classic holiday flavours in a way that feels both comforting and refined. Whether served at a festive dinner, brought to a holiday party, or enjoyed during a cosy winter evening at home, it delivers elegance, flavour, and a stunning presentation worthy of the season.
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Cranberry White Chocolate Swirl Tart: A Festive, Elegant Holiday Showstopper
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry White Chocolate Swirl Tart is a festive, elegant dessert with a buttery crust, creamy white chocolate filling, and a vibrant cranberry swirl that adds both sweet-tart flavor and stunning holiday color.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
- Cranberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- White Chocolate Filling:
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan.
- Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water as needed and mix until dough comes together. Press into tart pan and prick with a fork.
- Bake 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool fully.
- For cranberry swirl, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook 8–10 minutes until thickened and berries burst. Cool, then blend and strain if smoother texture is desired.
- For filling, heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chopped white chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Mix in melted white chocolate until creamy.
- Spread filling into cooled tart crust.
- Dollop cranberry sauce on top and swirl with a toothpick or skewer to create a marble design.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
- Strain cranberry purée for a silkier swirl.
- Chill the tart fully for clean, sharp slices.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor.
- Add sugared cranberries on top for extra sparkle.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking / No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Tart Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought)
A tart crust provides the buttery, crisp foundation that holds the creamy filling and festive cranberry swirl together.
White Chocolate
Melted white chocolate forms the luxurious base of the filling, adding sweetness and a velvety texture.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds tang and body to the filling, complementing the sweetness of the white chocolate.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates a smooth, silky consistency when blended with the white chocolate and cream cheese.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the filling gently without affecting its smoothness.
Cranberries
Fresh or frozen cranberries are simmered into a bright, tangy sauce that becomes the swirl topping.
Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cranberry mixture, balancing the natural tartness.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavour of the filling and adds warmth.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the cranberry swirl and deepens its flavour.
Salt
A pinch of salt ensures the flavours remain balanced and prevents the filling from becoming overly sweet.
Directions
Begin by preparing your crust. If using a homemade pastry crust, blind bake it at 350°F until lightly golden and allow it to cool completely. This ensures a crisp foundation for the creamy filling.
Prepare the cranberry swirl by heating cranberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the berries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Strain the mixture to remove skins and seeds, then set aside to cool.
For the filling, melt the white chocolate gently in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until lump-free. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, blending until silky. Gradually pour in the melted white chocolate while mixing. Whip the heavy cream separately until soft peaks form, then fold it gently into the white chocolate mixture.
Spread the filling evenly into the cooled tart crust. Spoon small amounts of the cranberry sauce over the top and use a skewer or knife to swirl it into a marbled pattern. Chill the tart for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly before slicing.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This tart serves approximately 8 to 10 people. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, plus 2 hours of chilling time. If preparing a homemade crust, allow an additional 20–25 minutes for baking and cooling.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the tart covered to maintain freshness and prevent the swirl from drying out. This dessert is best served chilled. Reheating is not recommended, as the filling may soften too much.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate-Lined Crust
Brush melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate inside the crust before filling to add contrast and structural stability.
Orange-Cranberry Twist
Add orange zest to the cranberry sauce for citrus brightness that pairs well with white chocolate.
Almond Delight
Add a touch of almond extract to the filling for a nutty aromatic dimension.
Triple-Berry Swirl
Mix in raspberries or strawberries with the cranberries for a more complex flavour.
Gingerbread Crust
Use crushed gingerbread cookies instead of traditional pastry for a warmly spiced base.
Mascarpone Blend
Swap some cream cheese with mascarpone for an even silkier filling.
Decorative Topping
Add sugared cranberries on top just before serving for extra sparkle and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly for the swirl.
Do I need to blind bake the crust?
Yes, blind baking keeps the crust crisp beneath the creamy filling.
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Absolutely; it keeps well overnight in the fridge.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, adjust the powdered sugar in the filling to taste.
Can I freeze the tart?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy filling.
Can I use white chocolate chips?
Yes, just be sure to melt them slowly to avoid clumping.
Does the swirl need to be strained?
Straining creates a smoother, more elegant finish, but it is optional.
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
You can, though the texture may be slightly lighter.
How do I keep the swirl from sinking?
Ensure the filling is thick and the cranberry mixture is cooled before swirling.
Is this tart best served chilled?
Yes, chilling ensures the filling stays firm and sliceable.
Conclusion
The Cranberry White Chocolate Swirl Tart is a stunning, flavourful dessert that beautifully captures the festive spirit of the holiday season. With its velvety white chocolate filling, bright cranberry marbling, and buttery crust, it offers elegance, indulgence, and vibrant seasonal flavour in every slice. This tart is easy to adapt, simple to prepare, and impressive enough for any holiday celebration. Whether you serve it after a grand Christmas dinner or enjoy a quiet festive evening at home, it brings joy, colour, and delicious winter charm to the table. Enjoy making this beautiful tart part of your holiday traditions.
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