©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
Sugared cranberries are fresh cranberries that have been coated in a sugary syrup and then rolled in granulated sugar.
This process transforms the naturally tart berries into a sweet treat with a satisfying crunch.
The contrast of the glistening sugar against the deep red of the cranberries adds a festive and elegant touch to any dish.
Their aesthetic appeal makes them a popular choice for holiday decorating, as they not only taste good but also look stunning on the table.
I’ve used sugared cranberries on these gorgeous cupcakes and they have been a top recipe on my blog for the last few years!
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
The Best Sugared Cranberries
Creating sugared cranberries is surprisingly simple and requires just a few ingredients and steps.
Perfect for snacking, decorating your holiday desserts, garnishing cocktails, or just popping in your mouth when no one is watching (I won’t tell).
So grab a bag of cranberries and let’s sugar-coat this Christmas together!
Creative Uses for Sugared Cranberries
While sugared cranberries are delicious on their own, they can also be used in a variety of creative ways to enhance your holiday celebrations.
- Garnish for Desserts: Add a festive flair to your cakes, cupcakes, and pies by using sugared cranberries as a garnish. They pair particularly well with chocolate and citrus flavours. The bright red berries against a white frosting or dark chocolate ganache create a visually striking contrast that is sure to catch the eye.
- Holiday Cocktails: Sugared cranberries make for a stunning cocktail garnish. Spear a few cranberries on a cocktail pick and place them on the rim of your glass for a festive touch. They look especially beautiful in drinks like a cranberry lime mocktail or a holiday punch.
- Cheese Platters: Include sugared cranberries on your cheese or charcuterie board for a sweet contrast to savoury cheeses and meats. Their vibrant colour and sugary texture make them an eye-catching addition. The sweetness of the sugared cranberries pairs well with sharp cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.
Tips for Making Perfect Sugared Cranberries
- Choose Fresh Berries: For the best results, use fresh, firm cranberries. Avoid any that are soft or blemished. Fresh cranberries ensure a crisp texture and vibrant colour, making your sugared cranberries both visually appealing and delicious.
- Patience is Key: Allow the cranberries to dry thoroughly at each step. Rushing the process may result in uneven sugar coating. Taking the time to let the berries dry ensures they maintain their crunch and sparkle, providing a satisfying texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sugar for a subtle flavour variation. These additions can enhance the overall taste and complement the natural flavour of the cranberries, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferences.
- Storage: Keep sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within the first few days of making but will last up to a week. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the sugar to dissolve.
What You Will Need:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided into ½ cup portions)
- ½ cup water
Yields: 4 servings
How To Make This Recipe:
Follow along with the step-by-step process photos and then find the printable recipe below!
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
Gather all of the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the sugar and ½ cup water.
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved to make a simple syrup.
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat all the berries evenly.
Let them sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes.
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off.
Place the cranberries on a wire rack or parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to avoid sticking.
Let them dry for about an hour; they should be sticky to the touch.
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
Once the cranberries are tacky, pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a shallow dish.
Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance.
Place the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or plate to dry completely for 30 minutes. This will help the sugar harden and give them a crunchy texture.
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
Your sugared cranberries are now ready to enjoy!
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
They make a beautiful and delicious garnish or snack and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
The Best Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided into ½ cup portions)
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the sugar and ½ cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved to make a simple syrup.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat all the berries evenly. Let them sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off. Place the cranberries on a wire rack or parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to avoid sticking. Let them dry for about an hour; they should be sticky to the touch.
- Once the cranberries are tacky, pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a shallow dish. Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance.
- Place the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or plate to dry completely for about 30 minutes. This will help the sugar harden and give them a crunchy texture.
- Your sugared cranberries are now ready to enjoy! They make a beautiful and delicious garnish or snack and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
©Aimée Geroux | https://extremecouponingmom.ca
Check out the recipe section on my blog, where there are a variety of delicious and easy-to-follow recipes for every occasion.
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