Candied cranberries are a delightful treat that beautifully balance tartness and sweetness. These glistening gems bring a festive flair to any table, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a unique addition to your baking projects. With their striking red colour and sugary coating, candied cranberries not only taste good but also look stunning as a garnish or in desserts. Let’s dive into this simple yet rewarding recipe!
Gather Your Candied Cranberries Ingredients
To make a batch of these delicious sweets, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (approx. 250g)
- 1 cup water (approx. 240ml)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (approx. 200g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (approx. 120g)
Step-by-Step Candied Cranberries Recipe
Creating your own candied cranberries is easy! Follow these simple steps:
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and set them aside to drain briefly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves, forming a sweet syrup.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the rinsed cranberries to the syrup, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the saucepan and let the cranberries soak for several hours, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
- Once they’ve soaked, drain the cranberries from the syrup, allowing any excess syrup to drip off. Roll them in powdered sugar until they are fully coated.
- Place the coated cranberries on a cooling rack to dry completely before serving.
How to Serve Candied Cranberries
These sugary cranberries are incredibly versatile! You can serve them in various ways:
- As a Festive Snack: Enjoy them straight from the bowl for a sweet treat that guests will love.
- On Top of Desserts: Use them to adorn cakes, cupcakes, or pastries—imagine the elegance they add!
- In Salads: Toss them into a salad for a burst of flavour and colour; they pair wonderfully with greens and cheese.
- Gifts and Treat Bags: Package them beautifully in jars as lovely edible gifts for friends and family.
Expert Tips for Candied Cranberries
Here are some handy tips and variations to enhance your candied cranberry experience:
- Double the Recipe: If you’re planning for a larger gathering, consider doubling the recipe to have plenty to go around.
- Experiment with Flavours: Add a splash of orange juice or vanilla extract to the syrup for an extra layer of flavour.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Candied Cranberries FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
While fresh cranberries are recommended for their firm texture and flavour, you can use frozen ones. Just ensure to thaw and drain them before proceeding with the recipe.
How can I make my candied cranberries less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar used in the syrup or add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness with some acidity.
Can I use different types of sugar?
Absolutely! You can try using coconut sugar for a different flavour. However, it may affect the colour of the cranberries.
Candied cranberries are a delightful addition to any occasion, and making them is a fun activity that yields beautiful results. We encourage you to try this simple recipe yourself—you’ll be glad you did! Enjoy your homemade candied cranberries!