3-Ingredient Sparkling Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Introduction
This simple recipe for sparkling sugared cranberries brings a festive touch to any occasion. With just three main ingredients, these bright and tangy treats are easy to make and perfect for garnishing cocktails, desserts, or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) Water
- 3/4 cup (175 grams) Organic Cane Sugar (divided)
- 1 cup (115 grams) Fresh Cranberries
- Scraped Vanilla Bean (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and 1/2 cup (135 grams) of sugar until combined. Bring the mixture just to a simmer and continue whisking until the sugar dissolves completely. If using, add the scraped vanilla bean pod, then remove the pan from heat.
- Step 2: Stir the fresh cranberries into the warm sugar syrup, coating them evenly. Cover the saucepan and let the cranberries steep for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 3: Strain the cranberries, reserving the syrup for use in cocktails or mocktails if desired. You may add the vanilla pod to the reserved syrup for extra flavor. Transfer the cranberries to a large piece of parchment paper placed on a wire cooling rack, spreading them out so they do not touch. Let them dry at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The cranberries should appear shiny but not wet.
- Step 4: Pour the remaining sugar onto a plate. Roll each cranberry in the sugar to coat thoroughly. This step may be sticky at first, but as the cranberries become coated, they will stick less to your hands.
- Step 5: Enjoy the sugared cranberries right away or prepare for storage as described below.
Tips & Variations
- For a subtle spice note, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger to the sugar before coating the cranberries.
- If you prefer a more intense vanilla flavor, steep the cranberries with both the scraped seeds and the whole vanilla pod.
- These sugared cranberries make a lovely garnish on holiday drinks, cakes, or salads for added color and texture.
Storage
Store the sugared cranberries in a lidded container at room temperature with a small pinch bowl of rice placed inside. The rice absorbs excess moisture, helping to keep the cranberries fresh. They will stay fresh for about two days, and up to four days depending on cranberry freshness. If they become sticky or “weep” after a few days, toss them with a little more sugar to refresh their sparkle.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh cranberries, as frozen ones release more moisture and may not get the same sparkly texture when sugared.
What can I do with the reserved sugar syrup?
The syrup is delicious in cocktails, mocktails, or even drizzled over pancakes or desserts. Adding the vanilla pod to the syrup infuses it with a lovely aroma.
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3-Ingredient Sparkling Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of sugared cranberries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries are a simple and elegant holiday treat made by soaking fresh cranberries in a vanilla-infused simple syrup, then rolling them in sparkling sugar for a festive, crunchy coating. Perfect as a garnish for cocktails or a sweet, tangy snack, they bring both color and flavor to any celebration.
Ingredients
Syrup and Cranberries
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) Water
- 1/2 cup (135 grams) Organic Cane Sugar
- 1 cup (115 grams) Fresh Cranberries
- 1 scraped Vanilla Bean (optional)
Coating
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) Organic Cane Sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and 1/2 cup (135 grams) of organic cane sugar. Bring the mixture just to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves. If using, add a scraped vanilla bean pod during this step for enhanced flavor. Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Soak the cranberries: Stir the fresh cranberries into the warm sugar syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the saucepan and let the cranberries steep for 10 minutes to absorb the syrup and flavor.
- Drain and dry the cranberries: Strain the cranberries from the syrup, reserving the syrup for later use in cocktails or mocktails. You may add the vanilla bean pod to the reserved syrup for extra aroma. Spread the cranberries out on a large piece of parchment paper placed on a wire cooling rack. Arrange the berries so that they are not touching each other and allow them to dry at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour. They should be shiny and sticky but no longer wet.
- Coat the cranberries with sugar: Pour the remaining 1/4 cup (40 grams) of sugar onto a plate. Roll the still-sticky cranberries in the sugar to coat them evenly. This process can be a bit sticky at first, but as they become coated, they will stick less to your hands.
- Store or serve: Enjoy the sugared cranberries immediately or store them in a lidded container at room temperature. For best freshness, add a small pinch bowl of uncooked rice to the container, which will absorb excess moisture and prevent the cranberries from becoming soggy. They will stay fresh for 2 to 4 days depending on the freshness of the initial cranberries. If the berries begin to weep or lose their coating, simply toss them again with sugar to refresh.
Notes
- Adding the vanilla bean is optional but adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- The reserved syrup can be reused in cocktails or mocktails for added sweetness and flavor.
- Using a pinch bowl of rice in the storage container helps keep the cranberries dry and fresh longer.
- These sugared cranberries are best stored at room temperature and consumed within a few days for optimal texture and flavor.
- If cranberries start to weep, re-coating them with sugar refreshes their sparkle and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert Garnish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sugared cranberries, holiday garnish, sparkling cranberries, vanilla syrup, easy cranberry recipe
