Have you ever looked at a beautiful holiday dessert and wondered what that one special touch was? That little something that took it from simply nice to absolutely stunning? Chances are, it might have been a sprinkle of something sparkly and festive. Well, get ready to add that magic to your own creations!
We are going to make gorgeous Sparkling Candied Cranberries today. They look like tiny frosted jewels and have the most wonderful pop of sweet and tart flavor. They are so much easier to make than they look, I promise. You are going to love having this simple recipe in your back pocket for all sorts of occasions.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, there are so many reasons to adore this Candied Cranberries Recipe. First off, they are just so pretty. The sugary coating catches the light and gives them a magical, frosty appearance. They really do look like little edible gems scattered across your food.
The flavor is another huge win. Fresh cranberries recipes can sometimes be very tart, but this method balances that out perfectly. You get that bright cranberry tang followed by a delightful sweetness from the sugar shell. It is a fantastic combination.
Plus, they are incredibly versatile. You can use them to decorate cakes, top off a bowl of oatmeal, garnish a festive cocktail, or even just scatter them on a cheese board. They add a pop of color and flavor to just about anything.
Best of all? This recipe is so straightforward. You do not need any fancy equipment or special skills. If you can boil water and stir, you can make these. It is a wonderful way to create something impressive without a lot of stress.
Ingredients
One of the best parts about this recipe is the short ingredient list. You only need three simple things that are easy to find, especially during the holiday season. Here is what you will need to grab.
- 1 cup (120g) fresh cranberries (do not use frozen)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) water
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar, divided
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps and you will have a beautiful batch of Sparkling Candied Cranberries in no time. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Prep Cranberries
First thing is first, get your cranberries ready. Place the fresh cranberries into a medium bowl that can handle some heat. A glass or ceramic bowl works great for this. Just set it aside for now. Easy peasy.
Step 2: Make Simple Syrup
Next, we will make a quick simple syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and ¾ cup of the granulated sugar. Turn the heat to medium and stir everything together. Keep stirring until all the sugar has completely dissolved. You want the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Once it simmers, remove it from the heat. Let the syrup cool down for about 5 minutes. We don’t want to cook the cranberries, just coat them.
Step 3: Soak Cranberries
Now pour that warm, sweet syrup all over the fresh cranberries waiting in your bowl. Give them a gentle stir to make sure every single berry is coated in the sugary goodness. Cover the bowl and let the cranberries soak for about 15 minutes. This little bath is what helps them get sweet on the inside.
Step 4: First Drying
Time for their first drying session. Get a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent a sticky mess later. Using a slotted spoon, lift the cranberries out of the syrup and spread them in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Let them air dry, uncovered, for about an hour. They will feel quite sticky at this point, which is exactly what we want.
Step 5: Sugar Coating
This is the fun part where the sparkle happens! Pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a large, clean bowl. Add your sticky cranberries to the bowl of sugar. Gently toss them around until each cranberry is completely and beautifully coated in sugar. You will see them transform into frosty little gems right before your eyes. It is so satisfying to watch.
Step 6: Final Drying
Almost there! Transfer the now sugar coated cranberries back to the lined baking sheet. Spread them out again so they are not touching. Let them dry, uncovered, for at least one more hour. You can do this at room temperature or pop them in the refrigerator to speed things up a bit. This final drying step helps the sugar coating harden and become nice and crisp.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any of these beauties left over, storing them is simple. You will want to keep your Sparkling Candied Cranberries in an airtight container. This helps protect them from moisture in the air, which can make the sugar coating weep.
Place the container in the refrigerator, and they will stay fresh and sparkly for up to three days. It is a good idea to check on them now and then. Sometimes they can get a little moist, but there is an easy fix for that, which we will cover in the tips section.
One important thing to remember is not to freeze them. The thawing process will cause the sugar to dissolve and turn into a sticky liquid. They will lose their signature crunch and sparkle, so the fridge is definitely the best place for them.
Tips
Want to make sure your Sparkling Candied Cranberries come out just right every time? Here are a few little tricks and ideas to help you along the way. These simple suggestions can make a big difference.
Always start with fresh, firm cranberries. Avoid any that are soft, mushy, or wrinkled. The firmer the berry, the better it will hold its shape and texture throughout the process. This is a key part of successful Fresh Cranberries Recipes.
If your stored cranberries start to look a little wet, do not worry. Just toss them in a small amount of extra granulated sugar right before serving. This will instantly refresh their sparkly coating and absorb any excess moisture.
For an extra festive touch, try adding a few fresh rosemary sprigs to the bowl when you are coating the cranberries in sugar. The little green needles will pick up some sugar, creating a lovely pine needle effect that looks stunning on a holiday platter.
Don’t throw away that leftover sugar syrup from soaking the cranberries! It is now infused with delicious cranberry flavor. You can strain it and store it in the fridge. Use it to sweeten iced tea, lemonade, or even festive cocktails.
When you are drying the cranberries on the baking sheet, make sure they are in a single layer and have a little space between them. If they are all crowded together, they will not dry properly and might end up sticking to each other in a big clump.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, yet elegant way to create a stunning garnish that will make your dishes shine. This Sparkling Candied Cranberries recipe is all about adding that little bit of homemade magic to your food. They are a feast for the eyes and a treat for the taste buds.
From topping decadent Cranberry Dessert Recipes to sprucing up a simple drink, their uses are endless. I hope you have fun making these little sugary gems. They are a wonderful project for a quiet afternoon and the results are so rewarding. Enjoy the sparkle!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Unfortunately, frozen cranberries are not a good substitute for this recipe. When they thaw, they tend to become very soft and release a lot of water. This makes them too mushy to hold their shape and prevents the sugar coating from sticking properly.
How Long Do These Last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Sparkling Candied Cranberries will last for up to three days. After that, they may start to get a bit soft and lose their crisp sugar shell.
Why Are My Candied Cranberries Wet?
This can happen for a couple of reasons. It might be due to high humidity in your kitchen, or they may not have had enough time to dry completely in the final step. The simple fix is to gently toss them in a little more granulated sugar just before you plan to serve them.
What Can I Use Sparkling Candied Cranberries For?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! They are a fantastic garnish for so many things. Use them to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes. Drop a few into cocktails or mocktails for a festive look. Scatter them over a cheese board or a salad. They are also lovely on top of yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream. They add a special touch to many Cranberry Dessert Recipes.
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Sugar?
For the sparkly coating, regular granulated sugar works best because the crystal size provides that nice, glittery texture. Superfine sugar could also work well and might give a more delicate coating. I would avoid powdered sugar, as it will just dissolve, and coarse sugars might be too crunchy.
Is This A Good Recipe For Beginners?
Absolutely! This Candied Cranberries Recipe is a wonderful choice for beginners. The steps are very simple to follow, and it does not require any complicated techniques or special kitchen gadgets. It is a great introduction to working with fresh cranberries and yields a really impressive result with minimal effort.
Sparkling Candied Cranberries
These beautiful Sparkling Candied Cranberries look like frosted jewels and have a wonderful pop of sweet and tart flavor. A simple and festive recipe, they are a great garnish for holiday desserts, cakes, or cocktails.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries into a medium, heat-safe bowl and set aside.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and ¾ cup of the granulated sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Soak Cranberries: Pour the warm syrup over the cranberries. Stir to coat, then cover the bowl and let them soak for 15 minutes.
- First Drying Stage: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let them air dry for 1 hour until they become sticky.
- Coat with Sugar: Pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a clean bowl. Add the sticky cranberries and gently toss until they are all completely coated.
- Final Drying Stage: Spread the sugar-coated cranberries back onto the lined baking sheet. Let them dry for at least one more hour, or until the sugar coating is hard and crisp.
Notes
Always use fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture. Avoid any soft or mushy berries.
Don’t discard the leftover syrup! It’s infused with cranberry flavor and is great for sweetening drinks.
Ensure cranberries are in a single layer when drying to prevent them from clumping together.
Nutrition
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