Elevate your holiday treats with our easy sugared cranberries recipe – a perfect blend of tart and sweet. From a beautiful garnish for your holiday recipes to festive snacks, explore how to add a burst of flavor to your seasonal celebrations with this easy recipe!
As the holiday season approaches, the allure of sugared cranberries takes center stage, offering a burst of festive flavor and a touch of elegance to your table.
We’ll guide you through how to create these delightful treats, exploring recipes that are the perfect combination using the natural tartness of cranberries with a sugary coating.
Begin by rolling fresh cranberries in a simple syrup mixture, they absorb the sweetness while maintaining their signature tartness. The result is a delightful contrast of flavors, whether you use sugared cranberries for garnish or sugared cranberries for cocktails.
These vibrant berries bring a burst of color and a delightful pop of flavor to your festive holiday desserts. Or elevate your holiday libations with the addition of sugared cranberries as stunning cocktail garnishes.
Sugared cranberries add a festive flair that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
What do sugared cranberries taste like?
Sugared cranberries have a delightful taste that combines the natural tartness of cranberries with a sweet and sugary coating. The sugar coating provides a balance to the tart cranberries, creating a harmonious contrast of flavors. The result is a burst of sweet and tangy goodness with a slightly crunchy texture from the sugar coating.
How to Make Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries, washed and dried.
- 2 cups regular granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄2 cup sugar for coating
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, dissolve white sugar in water over medium low heat.
Add cranberries to the warm sugar syrup and simmer for 3 minutes until tender but not bursting.
Remove with a slotted spoon onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add the sugar for coating and cranberries to a sheet pan or large bowl.
Mix the sticky cranberries to coat the cranberries evenly.
Relevant Recipes
Different Ways to Use Homemade Sugar-Coated Cranberries
Here are several of our favorite ways to use sugared cranberries:
- Enjoy sugared cranberries on their own as a sweet and tart delicious snack.
- Use sugared cranberries as a decorative and flavorful garnish for holiday cocktails. Drop a few into a festive cocktail such as champagne, martinis, or other festive drinks for a burst of flavor and a visually appealing touch.
- Use sugared cranberries as a dessert garnish on top of cakes, cupcakes or cheesecakes. Their sweet and tart profile complements a variety of desserts and adds a festive touch to your sweet treats.
- Add sugared cranberries to salads for a pop of flavor and a touch of sweetness. They pair well with mixed greens, goat cheese, and nuts, creating a delicious contrast of textures and tastes.
- Include sugared cranberries on a cheese board or on charcuterie boards for a colorful and flavorful element. The tart berries pair well with various cheeses, crackers, and nuts, offering a delightful balance of tastes.
- Incorporate sugared cranberries into delicious recipes for tasty treats like muffins, scones, or quick breads. Their sweet and tart flavor can enhance the overall taste of baked goods.
- Mix sugared cranberries into fruit salads to add a burst of flavor and a festive touch. Their vibrant color and sweet-tart taste complement other fruits beautifully.
Sugared Cranberries Recipe FAQs
How do I store sugared cranberries?
Here’s how to store sugared cranberries:
- Refrigerate them in an airtight container, arranging them in a single layer to prevent sticking. Consider using parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary.
- Ensure the cranberries are completely dry before storage, avoiding excess moisture in the refrigerator.
- For short-term storage, enjoy within a few days.
How long do sugared cranberries last?
Sugared cranberries do not last a long time due to the sugar coating and the nature of fresh cranberries. When stored properly, sugared cranberries can last for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze sugared cranberries?
Yes, you can freeze sugared cranberries. Ensure the cranberries are fully dry before freezing, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cranberries to a labeled and dated freezer bag or container, removing excess air before sealing.
Frozen sugared cranberries can be stored for several weeks to a few months and can be used directly from the freezer in various recipes or as a festive garnish.
Can you use frozen cranberries to make sugared cranberries?
Certainly! You can use frozen cranberries to make sugared cranberries by thawing them completely, coating them in a sugar syrup, rolling them in granulated sugar, and allowing them to dry. This process yields equally delightful sugared cranberries, making it a convenient option when fresh cranberries are not available.
Contains affiliate links as an Amazon Associate.
How to Make Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries, washed and dried.
- 2 cups regular granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄2 cup sugar for coating
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, dissolve white sugar in water over medium low heat.
Add cranberries to the warm sugar syrup and simmer for 3 minutes until tender but not bursting.
Remove with a slotted spoon onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add the sugar for coating and cranberries to a sheet pan or large bowl.
Mix the sticky cranberries to coat the cranberries evenly.